Love Grows in Alaska (The Washington Triplets) by Michelle Lynn

slow and tender until the very end. Then a half hour later, showing me his alpha side I already knew he possessed. Unable to hold himself back, grabbing my ass with his strong hands and prying my legs open for his taking. The image of my legs spread open and his sweaty body slicking along mine as he spouted explicit ways he would take my body ring in my head, igniting a pool of moisture between my legs again. Both his smooth technical and animalistic sides are ones I’ve never experienced by anyone before. I hate to admit it, but I only crave more of him because of it.
    I was so spent after our last time, I’m positive I collapsed asleep immediately. Zach pulled me on top of him, wrapping me in his warm embrace. My dark hair lay on top of his hard chest and I honestly thought nothing could be better than his fingers absentmindedly running through my hair while I’m tight in his arms. How do we go from that to me waking up in an empty bed? Shaking my head, I refuse to release the tears pricking behind my eyes, while my throat constricts to hold it together. I thought Zach was different and his mannerisms gave the false pretense he cared for me. As usual, I put trust into someone, just for them to hurt me. That usual feeling of worthlessness washes to the forefront. Nate’s words sting me again. “No one will ever want you. You’re lucky you have me.” The two conflicting worlds of Nate’s words and Zach’s actions from last night whirl around in a tornado, mixed together, making me more confused. Was I just a one-night thing with Zach? I wasn’t expecting a long term relationship, well, I can’t say my mind never veered that way. But I at least expected a breakfast in the slightest as a thank you for handing over my body.
    My phone rings, and the shock of the loud noise in a quiet room startles me. Scrambling to answer, it muddles in my hands before I can get a good grip. “Hello,” I quietly answer, even though there’s no one to wake up.
    “Just wanted to make sure you were up.” Libby’s voice rings over the other end, too loud for the morning hour.
    “I’m up.” I stand up, maneuvering to the bathroom.
    “Well, after all those noises last night, I figured I better check. You’d think an animal was being trapped from your shrills.” She laughs and I hear a masculine laugh in the background.
    “Who’s with you, Libby?” Her laughter stops and the line silences. “Libby,” I demand.
    “Wes.” I can almost picture her scooting her glasses up her nose in a scared response. I’m half relieved it wasn’t Camden. I couldn’t even count how many times I stupidly went back to Nate after fights we had similar to last night. Of course, I wasn’t sleeping with my co-worker either.
    “Oh, just so you know, we aren’t done talking about that,” I remind her, and a little giggle escapes. I’m not sure if it’s from my comment or that Wes is doing something to her, which makes me grossed out and a little jealous.
    “I didn’t think so, but I didn’t think you’d want to be interrupted from your pleasure last night. Sorry if I woke up Mr. Alaska.”
    “He’s not here,” I solemnly inform her and her breath releases on the other end of the phone.
    “Why the hell not?” That cheery girl turns angry.
    “I’m not sure,” I honestly tell her. Libby’s the closest friend I’ve got here and with the distance between my sisters, I need someone right now.
    “Oh, Marisa. I’m sorry,” her concerned voice says. “Me and you tonight. No guys, okay?” I hear Wes’s protests in the background and Libby whispering for him to stop.
    “That’s okay, Lib, I’ll survive. I’m going to go get ready. See you in an hour.” I hang up because I don’t want to continue this conversation when I know she’d rather be with Wes.
    After the shower, I don’t bother doing my hair, but pull it to the side and braid it so it hangs over my shoulder. Putting on a pair of jeans, a sweater plus a jacket, I wonder