“How exactly were you planning on making me pay for it?”
“Oh, I’ll find a way,” I tell her as I put a hand on her back and raise my head to press soft kisses to her lips. “I’ll find a way to make you pay all night long.”
Chapter 10
Bree
“I’ll see you later tonight,” Dalton says as he sets me on the ground outside of his truck.
We spent the weekend together, tucked away in his cabin. It was just the two of us in our own little cocoon, and it was amazing and wonderful.
Dalton waited on me hand and foot. He made me feel like a queen. We made love so many times I lost count. He cooked me all my meals. I helped him paint and spruce up his cabin. Spending our time together felt like the most natural thing in the world.
“I’ll see you then,” I respond as he presses a gentle kiss to my forehead.
Max and Rex whine like they want to come with him, but Dalton scowls at them. “Keep in mind who feeds you here,” he gripes at them.
“Yes, but I’m the one who loves them,” I respond, giving both dogs affectionate scratches behind the ears. They really are the best boys. They love following me around the cabin. It could be that I sneak them treats when Dalton isn’t looking, but he doesn’t need to know that I’ve been bribing his dogs to like me.
He stands by the truck with Max and Rex, waiting until I’m safely inside the retirement community building before the three of them go toward the tents that have already been pitched in preparation for the dance.
There’s a lot to do if he hopes to get everything set up in time, but I know he has plenty of friends from Bronco’s farm to help.
The moment I’m in the door, Lauren abandons her desk and hurries over. The smile on her face tells me that she knows where I’ve been all weekend. More than that, she knows exactly what I’ve been doing. My cheeks heat at the thought.
“You have to spill all the details,” she squeals, like we’re middle school girls and not two professional women at work.
Ryan looks up from his book and glares at us.
I mouth sorry and turn my attention to Lauren. “Follow me.”
The moment I step inside my office, I spot the letter on my desk. My heart skips a beat.
I can’t believe he sent me another letter. I’m pretty sure it’s him, but it doesn’t matter. Dalton is the man I’m completely in love with and want to spend the rest of my life with. I think he feels the same way.
The moment the door is closed, Lauren props against the wall, folds her arms against her chest, and says, “Spill it.”
I take a seat in my chair and giggle like I’m a kid again. “Dalton is amazing. He makes me so happy.”
“Does he take care of you?” she asks, her voice taking on the note I imagine a protective sister would use.
“Such good care,” I say. “He’s so gentle and kind. He makes me feel like I’m not alone anymore, like I have someone in my corner.”
Her features soften into a smile. “I always thought he had a marshmallow center.”
I can’t help the dreamy smile stretching across my face. “He’s rugged and tough and sweet all at the same time.”
Then I launch into a recap of our entire weekend. Though I don’t tell her everything, I give her enough of the spicy details that she is fanning herself by the end.
“Wow,” she sighs. “I’m so glad you guys are together.”
“Me too,” I say.
I don’t tell her that we haven’t really officially talked about forever, but I’m pretty sure that’s where we’re headed. Everything with him feels right and easy.
There’s no niggling suspicion in the back of my mind. There’s no mistrust. There’s only this solid certainty that I’ve met the person I’m meant to walk through life with. The man who is always going to protect and shelter me. The one who is going to take care of me and love me no matter what.
My eyes fall on my name on the outside of the envelope. I tap the envelope corner with my finger.
