Page 53 of Cherishing Happily Ever After

“You’re probably right.” He shook his head and tried to rein in his humor. “Why are you so worked up about it? I mean, it’s Glacier Falls. We don’t even have a paper,” he continued. “Only a community newsletter and even then, last I checked, Cheyenne Murphy was both the reporterandthe photographer. I’d hardly call her paparazzi.” He chuckled at the idea of Cheyenne with a camera around her neck, climbing trees or hiding out in her vehicle to get photos of Stephanie. But Steph wasn’t laughing.

She turned away, her arms wrapped around her midriff. “You don’t get it.”

Something about the way she spoke stopped his laughter. He moved to stand beside her at the window. “I’m sorry,” Travis said, unsure of what else to say. “Maybe I don’t understand. Explain it?”

He waited.

After a minute, she blew out a breath on a long exhale and turned to face him. “My parents called the press and told them that Stephanie Starz was stranded in the wilderness on the other side of a raging river with no hope of rescue for weeks. No doubt they made it sound even worse than that.” She shook her head. “One of the reasons I love Glacier Falls so much is that everyone here accepts me as one of them. I’m notStephanie Starz.” She used her fingers to make air quotes. “I’m just Steph. Even Cheyenne Murphy, beyond a quick mention of me as Glacier Falls’ newest resident a few months back, hasn’t written anything about me. And from what I understand, everyone who moves to town gets a mention in theGlacier Falls Gazette.”

He nodded. It was true. Every new resident was officially welcomed in the community paper. Stephanie hadn’t been singled out in any way, but he still didn’t understand why she was so upset. “So will they write a story about you, now?”

Her eyes widened. “Ohh…I think it’s safe to say that when we get to the other side of the bridge, there will be one or two reporters and photographers who will be looking for more than just a simple story.” She held out her hand.

He took it and let her lead him to the couch, where they sat together.

“I need you to understand how intrusive the paparazzi can be. And even after I explain it, I don’t think you’ll really understand until you experience it yourself. And you will, Travis. As soon as they catch your scent, they will stalk you, too. And they won’t stop until they know everything there is to know about you and your past. Are you ready for that?”

Travis swallowed hard.Was he?

The first answer that came to mind wasno. Not even a little. Sure, he’d opened up a lot, withSteph.But he was still a very private person. And in no way did he feel like sharing any of his private life with strangers. Particularly strangers who intended to plaster that information all over the internet. Still. He nodded. “I’m ready.”

Her shoulders sagged with relief. “I’m glad to hear that,” she said. “Because I think we can expect that the bridge will be repaired or replaced, or whatever, soon. Like, very soon.”

“Tomorrow soon?”

She lifted one shoulder in a tired shrug. “No idea. But I do know that once stuff like this gets picked up, it will be news, and things will start to get done. Quickly.”

Stephanie looked so disappointed and cute, like a child who lost their balloon. It was endearing and absolutely adorable. Travis wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “Well then, we’re just going to have to make the best of our time here together while we have it.”

She lifted her head from his chest and looked up. “And you’re not worried about the paparazzi?”

“Is there anything I can do about it?”

She shook her head.

“Then, I’m not worried,” he said simply. “In my experience, it’s never paid off to be worried about things you can’t control.”

She put her head back against his chest, and Travis could feel the warmth bloom inside him the way it did every time he held her in his arms. It was a feeling that was still very new to him, but one he was very rapidly getting used to.

It didn’t take long for the news to spread, just the way Stephanie guessed. Less than an hour after she told Travis about the paparazzi and the imminent bridge repair, a conversation that had ultimately led to them falling into bed together, both of their cell phones started to buzz.

“We don’t have to answer them.” Travis pulled her back into bed when she tried to retrieve their phones from the kitchen. “Just stay here with me. We can pretend—”

“You know we can’t.” But she didn’t protest too hard as Travis pulled her gently on top of him. She shifted a little so she straddled his naked body.

He pressed his lips together and lowered his eyelids. “Now this is what I’m talking about.” She shivered under his touch as he ran his hands up and down her bare sides before resting them on her hips. “I like you just like this, right here.”

“And what if they’ve already gotten the bridge repaired and they’re on their way across right now?” She wiggled her bottom a little just to hear Travis groan.

He tightened his grip on her hips. “So what if they did?”

She could feel his body come alive beneath her. Again. His insatiable desire for her was a ridiculous turn-on.

“And…who is thistheyyou keep referring to?”

Stephanie smiled wickedly and traced a finger down his chest. “Our friends, family, photographers, reporters.” She shrugged. “You know, everyone.”

“You thinkeveryoneis on their way to our cabin right now?”

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