Page 9 of Will to Run

“Here’s the keys to the East Cabins,” Hazel says, holding them up. “I can take you to cabin three.” Initially, when I told Hazel that Della was coming, I thought it might be more comfortable for a woman to take her. But now, I weirdly want to be the one to do it.

Before Hazel can get into her golf cart, because Della will soon find out that’s how we get around here, another car pulls up. For fuck’s sake. Cayson jumps out to open the back doors, and immediately my three-and-a-half-year-old twin niece and nephew are loose.

“Hi everyone! Look at my lovie,” Mazie, my niece, shouts, skipping over with a bear in the air. My nephew, Luke, and Cayson trail behind, both wearing serious faces that make me laugh.

“Looks like it’s a party,” I say, shaking my head. “I’m sorry, Della, the fact that these people are the nosiest people in the world has been left out of our information pamphlets.”

Della looks around at everyone with a huge grin on her face before bending down to ask my niece about her bear. When she tries to talk to Luke, he doesn’t say much, but smiles at her. My nephew doesn’t say much of anything to anyone at all, but especially strangers, so a smile is a big deal.

She stands up, and the five of us play a speed round of get-to-know-you. Della continues to answer the slew of questions being lobbed her way, while I use my time stealing glances at her. My biggest takeaway? How much she has going for her. She’s beautiful, no doubt, but first impressions also include brave, intelligent, funny, and social enough to roll with my family essentially cornering her.

It leaves me wanting to learn more. And that’s the stupidest thought I’ve ever had because she is a runaway bride on her way to Driggs in seventy-two hours or less.

Regardless, I find myself not saying much, just taking in Della Tatroe from Chicago on my ranch, looking fucking divine. Her attention keeps drifting back to me, and with each catch of her sparkling eyes, I can’t help but feel this inexplicable familiarity.

When I see her yawn, I take over. “Alright, welcoming committee, it’s time to take Della to the East Cabins. You ready?” I ask. She looks at me, then nods her head with a smile. “Hazel, you got the keys?”

Hazel snaps her head toward me, confused, but when I hold my hand in the air, she complies with my request and tosses them my way.

“It was so wonderful meeting all of you. Thank you for your incredible kindness in letting me stay here tonight. I’ll be out of your hair soon,” Della says.

“Hopefully not too soon,” Hazel replies. “The lodge has breakfast starting at six am. Don’t miss the sunrise. You also have a full kitchen in your cabin. Plus, I grabbed a couple of things from my house so you have something to eat, but I can take you into town tomorrow, too. Here, take my number.”

Della’s mouth drops open. “I… thank you,” she stammers before punching the numbers into the phone.

“Alright, Della, let’s go,” I put my arm around her shoulder again, and she follows my lead to the car. “Ready to see your humble abode?”

She nods. “Are you guys this nice to everyone?”

“Although I like to think we’re nice people, it’s not every day that someone in your situation breezes into town.” Which I think is better than saying no fucking way. “Let’s check out cabin three.”

She gets in the car, and I close the door for her before sliding into my truck and leading her to the cabin my sister has already illuminated. Della hops out quickly and starts milling around in the back.

“Can I help you?” I ask, walking over.

“I’m usually not this messy. Well, not this bad,” she tries to defend herself as she’s taking handfuls of clothing and shoving them in a bag. “I don’t even know what I have in here. I mean, I kind of do, but I left a lot in the penthouse.”

“It’s a small town, yes, but I promise we have stores,” I chuckle. “Hope you like cowboy chic.”

She laughs and looks down, “Do my yoga pants not work?”

“Oh, they work, alright,” my mouth drops open at my flirtatious comeback. I should have let Hazel bring her because that comment was downright creepy. It doesn’t matter that I have enjoyed how those tight pants cling to every perfect curve she has. “I mean, it’s not all chaps and hats. We also have a stunning array of flannels, boots, and clothes with a touch of fringe if you’re looking to get a little saucy. Hell, you can even find a wedding dress here.”

The air stills between us and it’s my turn for my mouth to drop open. The fact she’s supposed to be at her wedding has been hanging out on the forefront of my mind all day, so that just slipped out, just like the dick joke.

“Fuck, I’m sorry. Anything goes. Your pants are fine.” I stumble over my words because my big-ass foot is jammed so far down my throat I’m choking. I can’t remember the last time I fumbled words like that.

She laughs at my folly. “Well, that’s more appreciation than I’ve gotten in years, so I’ll take it.”

It’s not often I’m stumped on where to go with a conversation, but that did it. I want to tell this stranger that, although I have no idea how things came to be with her and the ex, he sounds like he sucks. Anyone who doesn’t, at the very least, appreciate how gorgeous she is, is missing some screws. She could still be loony, but so far everything seems pretty normal.

“Well, can I help you take this bag inside? I’m kind of worried it will explode,” I joke.

“First, a comment about a wedding, and then a dig at my emergency packing. I see you, Jaxon Wills.”

I laugh, and adjust my hat before I reach into the trunk to grab the bag.

“This way, madam,” I hold my arm out to guide her.