I lean down, kissing her slow and hungry…like I can’t get enough.
Maybe I won’t.
Right then, something clicks inside me. Fuck it.
I drop to one knee right there in the middle of the Mountain View lobby with Savannah still popping that damn gum, while humming some pop song behind the desk.
She must look up and notice what’s happening, because all I hear next is a high-pitched squeal, and “Shut up!”
Aubrey’s eyes go wide. “Dean, what are you…?”
Not taking my eyes off her, I say, “Aubrey Ryan, I know this is sudden, and I don’t have a ring, but will you marry me? Will you make an honest man out of the most dishonest bastard you know?”
She bursts out laughing, tears streaming down her face. “Yes, you idiot! Yes, yes, yes!” I stand just in time for her to throw herself into my arms.
Someone starts clapping. I look up, startled, and see a kid standing in the doorway. Actually, no, not a kid. A younger version of myself, with a duffel bag slung over his shoulder, messy dark hair, and wild eyes.
Bane.
My breath catches. “Holy shit. Bane?”
He drops his bag, grinning wide. “Hey, big brother.”
I set Aubrey down, and I’m across the room in three strides, pulling him into a hug so hard he wheezes. “Jesus, Bane. Where…how…?”
He laughs, slapping my back. “Long story. I guess I got tired of running too.”
Aubrey wipes her eyes, grinning at us, while Savannah comes out from behind the desk, pretending not to notice. But she’s definitely noticing. When Savannah and Bane lock eyes, the air crackles, like a fuse was just lit. Aubrey looks at me with a raised eyebrow. She must feel it too.
Savannah finally speaks up, arms crossed and with cool confidence. “So, you’re the infamous Bane Michaels. I’ve heard a lot about you. Can’t say any of it was good.”
“Savannah!” Aubrey gives her a look of disapproval.
“What? It’s true…” she states, popping her gum.
“Wait. How do you two know each other?” I ask, looking back and forth between the two of them. With their gazes remaining locked on each other, Bane gives her that cocky Michaels’ grin. Aw, hell. Here we go.
“Well then, I guess you’ll have to make up your own mind, sweetheart.”
She tries to hold back a smirk, losing terribly. And I swear there’s something between them that could torch this whole damn inn.
Aubrey slides her hand into mine. “Looks like trouble runs in the family.”
I squeeze her fingers. “Yeah, but this time? I think we’re finally right where we belong.”
Crystal Falls feels like home, and for the first time in my whole fucked-up life, I know I’m not running anymore…I’m staying.
For Aubrey.
Hell, now it looks like for my little brother, too. Maybe even for Savannah, whose fire could burn up any darkness.
I’ve got my future in my arms, my past that just walked through the door. And for the first time in a long time. I’m not afraid.
Not even a little.
Epilogue
Savannah
