39. Riding with the Winds

Marissa smiled to herself as she contemplated the idea of bringing some of her clothes to Efrain's closet, knowing that she would be spending many nights here in the future. Just as she was lost in thought, she was interrupted by the jingle of her phone. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw it was Stella. With a smile, she accepted the call, bringing the device to her ear.

"Hey, B," Marissa greeted her friend.

"Hello there! I've been on the hunt for my elusive friend, Marissa Valiente. I'm eager to deliver my report to Sheriff Efrain Guerra," Stella joked in her usual playful way.

Marissa couldn't help but chuckle at Stella's cheesy antics. "I'm sorry, things have been so hectic lately," she apologized sincerely.

"Busy? With Efrain, indulging in passion and intimacy?" Stella teased mischievously.

"Well, I've been spending my nights wrapped up in him, and it's been absolutely wonderful," Marissa admitted with a contented sigh. "But despite that, I wanted to make sure to reach out to you.