Anna hated saying goodbye, but it was time for her to get back to her life with Landon. He’d already taken time to come with her, to meet her family, to give her support. They had a life in the mountains, and they weren’t that far from her mother and brother. She could visit whenever she wanted, and they could do the same in return, when her mother was feeling better, had her strength up.

She could have cried thinking about her mother, about how much better she was doing, how much happier she seemed. And Jack, despite the moody man he normally was, seemed like he was overall happy as well. Whatever he and Landon had talked about seemed to change their relationship. It wasn’t tense, wasn’t awkward. It certainly wasn’t a close one, but time would change that. Anna had no doubt about that.

She said goodbye to her mother and Jack, promising to visit again soon. And Anna would. She felt comfortable with Landon, realizing that he was thinking about her best interest, that this was a forever kind of thing for him. And a part of her, the one that had entered into this agreement for the money, to help her mother, had already fallen for this man.

He was sweet and gentle, thinking about her, wanting her to be comfortable, to see her family. All those things and more made up her love for him.

Yes, she loved him. It didn’t matter how soon it seemed, or how everything was moving so fast. They had only been married for a short time, hardly knew each other in the grand scheme of things. But she didn’t need to have small talk to know the kind of man he was.

Landon was caring, his heart pure, genuine. And he looked out for her. That’s what mattered.

That’s all she needed to know to realize that her love was real.

Once they were on the road and headed back to the cabin, she found herself reaching out and taking his hand in hers. Although they weren’t too far from her mother’s, it was still a good few hour’s drive.

It wasn’t long before Anna felt herself drifting to sleep, her hand curled around Landon’s as he shifted gears. The comfortableness she felt with him made her feel as if they’d been married for ages. She liked that so much. And as she fell asleep she felt a smile curve her lips.

She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this happy or content.

* * *

The sound of Landon’s voice roused Anna, and she opened her eyes, seeing their cabin in front of her. She’d slept the entire ride, and the kink in her neck spoke of that.

“Baby, we’re home.”

She looked over at Landon and saw his smile. He helped her out of the truck, but before she could walk up to the porch he had her in his arms, cradling her. Maybe a silly gesture, but Anna rested her head on his shoulder and exhaled in contentment. He made her feel safe and protected, that he would lay anyone out if they thought of hurting her.

He was her gentle giant.

Once they were inside, he strode upstairs to their room and set her on her on the bed. For long moments he just watched her, this look of emotion covering his face, making her want to reach out and pull him on top of her.

“Get some rest, baby.”

Although she could’ve easily fallen back asleep, that’s not what she wanted. They were home, in their bed, and it been long enough that they’d refrained from consummating their marriage. It had been too long, if Anna were being honest.

Landon gave her a kiss on the crown of her head then turned away, as if he were about to leave. Anna propped herself up on the bed, bracing her upper body on her elbows. “Wait,” she said softly, but she knew he heard her. He stopped and turned around, their gazes clashing, the intensity moving between them.

Without thinking, because all she wanted was to show Landon she loved him, that she wanted him in her life, that she needed him in her bed … inside of her, claiming her, Anna rose up and removed her shirt. She did the same to her bra, tossing the item aside until she was on her knees on the bed, staring at the man she’d fallen madly in love with, hoping he let his self control go.

“Come to bed, be with me. Let’s stop fighting this.” The words came out softly, but the intensity washed over her, raking over her body and causing her flesh to tighten in need.

He didn’t even hesitate, just shut the door to their room, got out of his clothes, and climbed into bed with her. He made fast work of removing her pants and panties, and when they were both naked, their body heat moving between each other, only then did he place his lips on hers, mouth fucking her like she wanted him to do between her thighs.

“I don’t want to rush this,” he said against her mouth, and pulled back only long enough to move down her body. She already had her legs spread, her pussy so wet and ready for Landon.

He placed his hands on her inner thighs, pushing them open even farther, and devoured her. Landon sucked and licked at her folds, causing Anna to cry out in pleasure. He took her clit into his mouth and ran his tongue around it, sending tingles through her entire body.

“I’m so close,” she breathed out harshly. And then she felt him pull her lips apart and lick her slit from her pussy hole right back up to the little nub at the top of her mound.

And then she came for him. The pleasure was never-ending, and all Anna could do was hold on until it passed. When the pleasure lessened she opened her eyes, not realizing she’d closed them, and looked down the length of her body at Landon. He was watching her with a heavy expression, his pleasure clear, his mouth glossy from eating her out.

“We’re just getting starting, Anna baby.”