Things get a little more suggestive in this chapter. Still solidly PG-13 though, but the spice factor ramps up just a bit.

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Chapter 3: A Little (Pumpkin) Spice

Morning Breaks

Nathan couldn't help but think she looked captivating standing there in her robe, gazing in the mirror in frustration, clearly annoyed her hair wasn't cooperating.

"You look beautiful," he said, and she rolled her eyes at him.

"I suppose you need convincing," he grinned, crossing the room in two long strides, raking his fingers through her hair, and wasting no time molding his lips with hers. She opened her mouth slightly and he took the invitation, tilting his head sideways, tasting the hint of coffee and honey she'd been sipping. He had a new favorite way to take his coffee.

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Daylight

"Elizabeth, you know I can't share that with you."

"Don't raise your voice to me Nathan Grant," she responded, arms across her chest.

"What do you want from me right now?" he asked, exasperated.

"I just want to know you'lll be safe." Her reply was half shout, half whisper, and her brokenness and pure love melted away his frustration.

He took her face in his hands right there in the Mountie office and kissed her with his whole being, backing her against the door and pressing into her, willing her to accept his love since he couldn't offer anything more.

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Eventide

The horses grazed nearby, and Nathan sat against a tree with Elizabeth's back flush against his chest. She was saying something about the fall colors, but he was mesmerized by the way the curve of her neck transitioned into her shoulders.

"Nathan, are you listening?" she asked.

"No," he responded, then placed an open-mouthed kiss where her neck met her shoulder before working his way up, nipping lightly at her ear.

"What were you saying?" he asked between kisses, while he trailed his fingers down her arm.

Elizabeth's head tilted to the right, allowing him more access.

"I'm not sure."

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Nightfall

Nathan again surveyed the massive home, decorated from floor to ceiling for the holidays. He and Elizabeth were the only ones still up after the guests had dispersed.

"And you never got lost in it?" he asked his wife with a cheeky grin, more relaxed now that they were alone.

"I did not," Elizabeth laughed in response, glancing suggestively at the mistletoe conveniently placed above them.

Nathan didn't need another invitation. He took her top lip first, wasting no time deepening the kiss, sliding his hands lower down her dress.

"Help me find our bedroom?" he teased between kisses.

"Gladly."

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Dark before Dawn

Nathan knew she'd be waiting up when he got home, so he wasn't surprised when she met him at the door in spite of the late hour.

"You're back," Elizabeth beamed with the brightest of smiles, wrapping her arms around his middle. It had only been a week, but it had felt like an eternity.

"Kids?" he asked halfway to her lips already.

"Next door."

"Perfect."

He finished closing the distance, hungry to taste her after so many days apart. He slid his hands down her arms, gripping the sides of her nightgown and pulling it up over her head.

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Next chapter is more M rated, so stop here if you don't want to read that. But still leave a review or a comment on Instagram! I'd love to hear from you.