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coffee.”
     
    I’m greeted by a deep laugh, followed by a firm smack on my sheet covered ass.
     
    My sharp intake of breath does not go unnoticed by Ryder. Not that I’m surprised, he misses nothing.
     
    “I’d say if you don’t answer your phone, I would punish you. But the way you just reacted to me slapping your ass, I’m thinking it wouldn’t be much of a punishment.”
     
    I’m no stranger to different fetishes in the bedroom. I’ve tried a little bit of everything since I lost my virginity to Will Cooper in his parents’ minivan when I was sixteen. The only difference now would be that bondage could be a serious trigger for me. Spanking however, I think I can manage.
     
    “We’ll discuss this when I’m caffeinated, and back at the cottage.”
     
    Ryder leans down across the bed and places a quick kiss to my lips. Turning around to leave the bedroom, he speaks again.
     
    “We won’t be discussing anything when we first get back to the cottage, Elle. We’ll be fucking.”
     
    I don’t get a chance to respond before he’s gone, but I don’t think I needed to. Obviously when it comes to priorities we’re both on the same page.
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    I stand at the door watching Ryder load the last few bags of my stuff in the back of his truck. I feel like something is missing between us, he hasn’t quite been himself. Sure, he’s cracked a few jokes and acted like everything is normal. But I can see it in his eyes; something's been missing in them since he woke up this morning. Every time his phone rings he either leaves the room or scowls at it while he texts whoever is on the other end.
     
    I’ve never been one to over analyze things in a relationship, and I hope I’m not doing that now. I’ve always been a ‘go with the flow’ type of gal, and if things don’t seem to be working out, I move on. Rarely can I say I’ve ever had regrets in this department, but I can also say I have never really let my emotions get too involved in it either.
     
    Ryder has melted a little bit of that ice around my cold heart, and where normally I would brush it off, at this moment I want to ask him what’s wrong. I want to know what changed since we went to bed last night.
     
    He begins making his way back to the front door for his own bag. When he gets close enough, he bends down to pick it up and moves so he’s standing just inches in front of me. He studies my face for what feels like hours before he finally speaks.
     
    “Tuesday, Elle. If I’m going to be any longer, I’ll call you.”
     
    Distant.
     
    That’s what he is right now. Perhaps he’s having second thoughts about that band aid we’re going to rip off when he gets back.
     
    “Tuesday,” I confirm.
     
    He leans down and presses his lips to mine, and wrapping his hand around the back of my neck to hold me there, he speaks against them.
     
    “Let me know when you make it back to the cottage.”
     
    I nod my head.
     
    “I plan on leaving in a day or two.”
     
    He studies my face in the oddest way before he too nods his head.
     
    “Text me when you leave, and when you get there please, babe. I’m going to be busy, and won’t always be able to take your call. But at least text me so I know you made it there alright.”
     
    I give him one last kiss before bidding him farewell. This moment is awkward and I’m not sure how to handle it.
     
    “Drive safe, handsome.”
     
    He nods his head and backs out of the house. I stand and watch like the fool I am until he’s in his truck. Not liking goodbyes, or watching people leave, I shut the door and head back to my room. It’s only seven and after last night’s activities and this morning’s odd behavior, I need to rest my body, and hopefully my mind.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
    I’m cleaning out my fridge when there’s at knock on the door. I managed