Let them look. Let them talk. Let the whole damn town know that the grumpy rabbit Other who’d spent six years hiding from the world had finally found something worth coming out of hiding for.
When they finally broke apart, both breathing hard, her eyes were bright with tears.
“Hi,” she whispered.
“Hi.” His thumb traced her cheekbone. “Told you I’d find you in the crowd.”
“You were incredible.”
“I know.” He kissed her again, softer this time. “I could feel you watching the whole time. It was like… like you were right there with me. Every note, every word.”
“I was.” She pressed her forehead to his. “I’ve never seen you like that. So free. So happy.”
“I haven’t been like that in years.” His voice roughened. “I forgot what it felt like. Being up there, making music, sharing it with people who actually feel it…” He shook his head. “I spent so long running from that part of myself. I was convinced it would destroy me if I let it back in.”
“And now?”
He looked at her—this woman who’d believed in him when he couldn’t believe in himself, who’d pushed him gently but relentlessly towards the thing he needed most, who’d given him a reason to stop hiding.
“Now I know the truth.” He pulled her closer, tucking her against his chest where she belonged. “The music was never the problem. I was. I was chasing the wrong things, trying to fill a void that couldn’t be filled with crowds or fame or meaningless encounters.” His lips brushed her temple. “I was looking for something that didn’t exist until you walked into my life with a plate of brownies and a smile.”
She gave a watery laugh. “That’s very romantic for a grumpy bunny.”
“Don’t tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain.”
“Too late.” She nodded towards the crowd still watching them with undisguised interest. “Pretty sure the whole town just saw you cross the square like a man possessed and kiss me senseless.”
“Good.” His arms tightened around her. “Then they’ll know better than to try anything.”
“Possessive much?”
“Extremely.” He nipped at her earlobe, gratified by her sharp intake of breath. “You’re mine, Sara Cartwright. And I’m yours. And I want everyone in this town to know it.”
“I think they got the message.”
“Just making sure.” He pulled back enough to meet her eyes. “Time to go home.”
“To our nest?”
“To our nest.” He lowered his voice, letting it roughen into a growl. “I want to show you exactly how grateful I am. For tonight. For believing in me. For everything.”
Her cheeks flushed, but her eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Well. When you put it like that…”
CHAPTER 22
Sara laughed as Ben swept her off her feet, cradling her against his chest like she weighed nothing at all. He carried her past the grinning friends and the curious strangers and the cluster of disappointed women still lingering near the stage. He didn’t spare them a glance, his stride long and purposeful as he carried her away from the festival square.
“I can walk, you know,” she pointed out, even as she looped her arms around his neck.
“I know.” His voice was a low rumble against her body. “I don’t want you to.”
Well then.
She nestled closer, pressing her cheek to the soft fur of his shoulder. The sounds of the festival faded behind them—the music, the laughter, the excited chatter of the crowd still buzzing about what they’d just witnessed. Ben Holloway, grumpy tavern owner and former rock star, walking past a gaggle of beautiful women without a second glance to claim his mate in front of the entire town.
His mate.
The word sent a warm shiver through her.
