Page 112 of Love You Like This

We’re both breathing heavily when I break the kiss. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have left you like that.”

He shakes his head. “No apologies. I understand. It was overwhelming and exactly what you were afraid of.”

I drop my legs from his waist, but he doesn’t loosen his hold on me. “Even if you understand, I still should have stayed and had an adult conversation instead of letting my anxiety and fear carry me away.”

“I’d never hurt you, you know that, right? I will always have your back. So will the rest of the guys.”

“I know.” I reach up and cup his cheek, rough with stubble. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” He turns his head and kisses my palm.

“Take me home?” I scoop my purse up and yelp when he bends and lifts me bridal style in his arms.

“We’re leaving your car here. I’ll call someone to pick it up and deliver it to our house.”

“Our house?”

“Yep. You’re moving in.”

“Do I get a say in this?”

“No.” Then he surprises me again. “Should I get my vasectomy reversed? Kinda want to put a baby in you.”

“Slow down.” I laugh as he carries me through the parking lot to his Jeep.

He buckles me in. “Nope, Freckles, we’re going full throttle from now on.”

Epilogue

XANDER

Six weeks later

Stone did end up renting out his cousin’s ranch for us to spend a week together in privacy and peace. As we pull into the long, winding driveway, a wooden sign reading HartStone Ranch arcs over us. He gave us a little backstory on the ranch and how it was left to his cousin and his now wife. They’re raising their kids, running a luxury dude ranch, and a working farm all at once. Impressive shit when you really think about it.

A man and woman wait side by side, his arm around her back protectively when the driver stops the SUV. He drops his arm and greets Stone with a hug.

“Luke and Eli, this is Hazel, my girlfriend.” Stone pulls her forward. “Those two are my bandmates Tobias and Xander.” He gestures to us. “Then there’s Jade, Xander’s girlfriend and our PR manager and miracle worker.” He winks at her. “And the suit is Darren, our manager. I hope you have him shoveling horse shit this week. He requires constant humbling. Everyone, this is Luke and Eli.”

Eli approaches Jade and I with an outstretched hand. “I hear there is another Bruin over here,” she says, looking at Jade.

Jade takes her hand and smiles. “That’s me.”

“Great, I’ll show you to your cabin.” Eli looks at me. “Can you handle the luggage, or do we need a cart?”

“I’ve got it.”

The cold, winter breeze cuts through my coat as we follow her up a paved path. The two women quickly realize they were at UCLA at the same time and likely shared classes because of their degree focuses. Eli drops information about amenities as we pass them, explaining when and where meals are served, as well as telling us some activities we’re welcome to join in.

The view from every inch of the ranch is breathtaking. Large, snow-capped peaks surround the land on three sides. Large pastures extend out to the boundary of the evergreen- and aspen-speckled forest. I bet it is stunning in the fall.

The cabin we’re led to is built partially up a slope, giving it an expansive view of the valley the ranch sits in. Horses run through a snow-covered pasture, the sun making the snow glitter like diamond dust as their hooves kick it up in their wake. There’s a private hot tub on the deck, just big enough for two, as well as a pair of adirondack chairs and a small gas fire pit.

The cabin itself is one-room with floor-to-ceiling, double-height windows along one wall. The walls and roof look to be made from knotted pine logs. One side of the cabin has a stone fireplace with a small sitting area and kitchenette in the corner. The bathroom has spa features in a cozy, rustic design.

She leaves us once we’re settled in, and I pull Jade into my arms. She melts against me with a contented sigh. I walk us back to the edge of the bed and let my hands drift down to the button of her jeans.

“In front of the open window for everyone to see?” She laughs lightly as I slowly lower her zipper.