Gavin’s expression darkens as he walks to me, caressing my cheek. “Hey, screw them. Sorry, but if your parents don’t have the sense to love you for you, then they don’t deserve your response. I know at some point you’ll have a talk with them. At least, I’m thinking you will. But you are perfect the way you are.” He gives me a quick kiss. “As for Roman, just let that mongrel come sniffing around. He’ll have me to deal with.”
I manage a smile. “Thanks, Gavin. Never thought I’d want or need a protector, but I like having someone in my corner.”
“I’m definitely in it, cheering you on. You’re an amazing individual, Tiana, and I’m lucky enough to be in your world.”
I touch his cheek. “I’m the lucky one to have you in it.” I go up on my toes to kiss him.
“Sheesh, and here we thought we’d find them curled into a ball, suffering from frostbite.”
Gavin and I spin our heads toward the voice and see Henry and a younger man, whom I’m guessing is Jace.
“Come on,” Gavin says. “Hey, Jace!” He walks to him, giving him a hug. He then does the same to his father.
“Damn good to see you two are fine,” Henry says, looking at his son then me.
“We are,” I say. “Gavin took us to the old ranger’s cabin. And we made do.” I grin.
“So, big brother, going to introduce me to this beauty?”
Gavin chuckles. “Jace, this is Tiana Carusi.” He turns to me. “Tiana, my baby brother, Jace.”
“Baby brother, huh?” Jace grins. “I’ll keep my comments to myself in the presence of a lady. Hi, Tiana. Nice to meet you, given the circumstances.”
“Nice to meet you too. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of better encounters to come.”
He lifts a brow, smiling at me and then Gavin. “That so? Well, good to hear.”
“How ‘bout we head out.” Henry says. “Your mother was fit to be tied last night.”
“I’ve got signal, so I’ll text her now,” Gavin says. Once done, he stows his phone and the four of us make our way to the vehicles.
When we finally arrive at his parents’ place, Eliza comes running out the door and into Gavin’s arms. She then comes to me and wraps me in an embrace. “Thank God you two are safe.”
Throughout lunch, we regale Gavin’s family with our adventures; minus the sexy parts. But given the way we act, I’m sure they aren’t clueless about our attraction to one another. We eat, talk, and gush over Eliza’s decorating efforts which are lovely.
The subject of Christmas comes up, and Gavin tells his mom he’d invited me to spend time with him and his family.
“Oh, honey,” Eliza says, “you are more than welcome to share our home and holidays. And maybe I can talk you into teaching me the secret to your lemon bars.”
“It’d be my pleasure.”
Hours later,after saying goodbye to his family and going by the market, Gavin and I walk into the Stanton’s cabin, exhausted.
“I think I have just enough energy to shower and collapse into bed,” I say, dropping my gear and hanging up my coat.
Gavin wraps his arms around me from behind, nuzzling my neck. “Are you sure that’s all you have energy for?”
I lean my head to the side, giving him better access, humming with contentment. “Well, I suppose I could find the energy for another task.” I snake my hands between our bodies, rubbing his groin, finding him hard. “Is this what you had in mind?” I tease.
“I think you know it is. And I think there’s a plush bed calling our names.”
“Hmm, I think you’re correct.”
We make our way to the bedroom, quickly undressing and falling into bed. With little buildup needed, the sex is quick but no less satisfying. We then manage to make it to the shower, and after each of us are clean and dry, we snuggle under the covers, falling asleep within moments.
A monthlater
“Happy anniversary,”Gavin says, kissing me over my counter.
