Page 25 of Mountain Rancher

Hunter tilts my chin up, his expression earnest. “What about Houston?”

The question sobers me.

My life in Houston feels increasingly distant, like a reality that belongs to someone else. The corner office, the carefully planned career trajectory, the lonely dinners in my pristine condo. None of it compares to this feeling of belonging.

“We’ll figure it out,” I say, surprised by my own certainty. “Some things are worth rearranging your life for.”

His smile is slow and devastating. “And I’m one of those things?”

“The most important one.”

Hunter captures my hand and presses a kiss to my palm that sends a shiver down my spine.

“Good. Because I’m not letting you go, Abby Clayton. Not now, not ever.”

The possessiveness in his voice should set off warning bells. Instead, it makes me feel safe. This is what my brothers found, I realize. This certainty that you’ve found your person.

“I’m not going anywhere,” I promise as my eyes grow heavy with satisfied exhaustion.

Hunter’s arms tighten around me as sleep begins to claim us both. The last thing I feel is his lips pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead as the storm outside finally begins to fade.

Sunlight streamsthrough unfamiliar curtains the next morning. It warms my face and pulls me from deep sleep. For a moment, I lie disoriented and struggle to place the unfamiliar room and the warm weight draped across my waist.

Hunter.

Memories of last night flood back in a rush of sensation. His hands on my skin. The way our bodies moved together as if they’d been made for each other.

I shift slightly to try and see the time without disturbing him. The digital clock on his nightstand glows 10:47 a.m.

My heart jolts with panic.

“Hunter,” I whisper as I push gently at his shoulder. “Hunter, wake up.”

He mumbles something unintelligible and pulls me closer. Then his lips find my shoulder in a sleepy kiss.

“Five more minutes.” His morning voice is a deep rumble that vibrates through his chest.

I twist in his arms to face him and place my hands on either side of his stubbled face.

“Hunter, seriously. I’m going to be late for my family brunch. If I don’t show up, my brothers will send out a search party.”

His eyes finally open, and confusion gives way to understanding as he processes my words.

“Let them look,” he says with a lazy smile. His hand comes up to brush a stray curl from my face. “They’ll find you exactly where you’re supposed to be.”

I push against his chest, my practical nature asserting itself despite the temptation to stay wrapped in his arms.

“Hunter, this isn’t funny. We need to get back to the main house right now.”

Hunter sighs and releases me, though reluctance is evident in every movement. Quickly, I get up and begin searching for my clothes.

“Abby.” His voice is gentle but firm. “We’re not teenagers sneaking around. We’re grown adults who love each other. What exactly are you afraid of?”

His question cuts through my panic.

What am I afraid of? That my brothers will disapprove? That they’ll see me differently?

“I don’t know,” I admit, clutching his shirt to my chest. “It’s just... this is all happening so fast.”

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