Catching my breath at last, I finally pulled off my gardening gloves and let them fall to the floor so I could run my fingers through his hair.“You’re mine now, too, Gray. No more running from each other, no more hiding. It’s you and me against the world, okay?”
He closed his eyes, leaning his forehead against mine.“You and me, Buttercup.” He kissed my nose.“You and me, and whomever we make together, should it happen.”
I grinned and rubbed my nose against his, humming with satisfaction.
Gray pulled back, gathering the sweet potatoes I’d picked that lay near my thigh. He stepped out from between my legs and winked at me. I loved his playful nature, and the way it always put a spark in his eye when he was happy. I slid off the bin after him, realizing I needed some fresh underwear—and pants, for that matter.This was not very comfortable, and a good bit embarrassing.
He eyed me sheepishly.“Sorry, I should have brought a towel,” he said.
I laughed.“I’ll put some out here for next time, okay?”
He flicked my nose once, then kissed it.
I followed him out of the greenhouse to visit the bathroom and get ready for tonight’s cookout—which was the project Nash and Gray had been working on all day. They’d made a new fire pit, and it would be the perfect thing to keep us warm well into the evening and night.
For the first time in a lot of weeks, the world felt almost perfect, and, not caring how unoriginal it sounds, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Chapter 30
Gray
Betty and I walked hand-in-hand down the hill toward the large fire pit to deposit our potatoes. Nash and I had spent the entire morning building, stacking rocks and sinking metal poles into the earth. I was amazed at how fast we finished the pit, especially with both of us working on it.
We’d used one of my survival books, specifically the chapter on cook fires, as a guide. I’d wanted to build this for ages, but it never seemed worthwhile when I was alone. Plus, I guess it was a productive way for Nash and me to keep dismantling the Great Wall of China that stood between us.
The fire pit was a ten-foot circle, and Nash was tending the flames, raking coals to the edge and adding wood. Four steel posts marked the cardinal directions, with two more crossing overhead, forming a scaffold for hanging meat over the coals.
Overnight, I’d placed a leg of elk and a whole goose in the river to defrost, sealed in wraps to deter wildlife and Tallulah. Geese, ducks, and other fowl filled my deep freeze. It was especially full around this time of year. Hunting season runs through the winter for that type of game, and they’re some of the easiest to pack home by myself and dress.
Betty and I approached the fire pit, and she set her sweet potatoes on a log, taking mine from my hand and placing them next to hers.
“I’m going to use the restroom,” she whispered, a slight blush on her cheeks,“and find Sybil.”
I winked, kissing her forehead.
Nash eyed us, but he didn’t grumble this time—we were making strides. He’d been the ardent, snarling guard dog since his arrival, and while I admired his ferocity in keeping his family safe, I hoped maybe he was coming around.
I couldn’t help watching Betty as she headed up the hill, glancing into the trees as she went. She looked content and unhurried; her ass too tempting to look away from, especially given my recent proximity to it.
Fuck, having her these last few days? My need to protect was only growing worse. I knew it resulted from all I’d lost, and my pain, but it was my life’s mission, now more than ever. I would provide that woman with everything she wanted, and I’d fight to make sure nothing, even Matteo, stood in our way.
When I turned back to the fire, I caught Nash’s eye. With my jaw tight, I ignored him and picked up the sweet potatoes, intending to wash them in the river before taking them to the cabin to wrap in foil. They’d later get nestled amongst the coals to bake.
“I’ve never seen her like that before, you know,” Nash started.“Honestly, I’ve rarely seen her with any men. They always leave before sunrise.”
I clenched my hands on the potatoes, uninterested in hearing about Betty with other men. She was mine now.
“She seems to trust you, though,” he added.“That’s not an easy feat, earning her trust.”
I scoffed,“Do you think she trusts me?” I tried to relax, straightening my spine.
He shrugged.“If she didn’t, she’d let you know.”
I chuckled because shehadlet me know just how much she didn’t trust me, loud and clear.“No shit.”
There was a knowing look on his face. He grinned with brotherly pride.“Look,” he began,“I’ll always have a chip on my shoulder when it comes to Betty and finding love—that’s my job as her big brother. But I am grateful you were there for her.” He tossed a log into the center of the pit. The fire crackled and whined.“Thank you for getting her out of New York,” he admitted, brushing dirt from his gloved hands.“Though it sounds like getting her here was quite the adventure. I’m happy to hear she gave you hell.” He laughed sardonically.
I rolled the potatoes in my hands.“She told you about how we got here, did she?” I grimaced.“Which parts?” Betty would tell this story at my funeral, and I’d never live it down.
