Page 53 of New in Town

Surprised by Arlo’s parting words, she takes a moment to refocus and head out as well. Was this plan really just a sly old man trying to play matchmaker? She smiles at the thought as she makes her way home.

* * *

The familiar rumble of Grey’s motorcycle sounds through the open window. She feels giddy at the sound, eager to be with him once again. Throwing on her boots, she hurries outside.

Securing the door behind her, she looks up to see Grey perched on the edge of his bike, ankles crossed and hands in his pockets. He’s the picture of smoldering in his leather jacket and sexy grin. She can feel her heart racing as she nears him, had it really only been this morning they woke up together?

“Sweetheart,” he greets her, his voice deep and gritty and music to her ears. He shrugs off his jacket and holds it out to her as she approaches. “That tank top will be too cold on the ride,” he explains.

She slides her arms into the sleeves, savoring his embrace as he finishes wrapping the jacket around her. It is starting to feel impossible to keep any distance from him, like a moth to a flame. And she is caring less and less about the inevitable burn.

He threads a strand of her hair through his fingers and brings his lips right to the brink of a kiss. Instead, he whispers against her skin, “Now you look like you belong on the back of my bike.”

She smiles up at him, excitement coursing through her veins. She isn’t sure if it is the idea of being on the motorcycle again, or the promise of what might come after, but she has a feeling both will be exhilarating. She turns and throws her leg over the seat as he settles in his spot before her.

As they maneuver out on the road, he wraps a hand around her thigh and her whole body heats from his simple gesture. The sunset glowing against the mountains, the feel of his strong grip, and the smell of leather and spice enveloping her, she wonders if Grey is right. She does belong here.

They ride under the Hayes Ranch arch and through the rolling fields. The way the road winds, it’s as if they are chasing the setting sun. His cottage glows in the remaining light, and being back here feels like indulging in a longing she didn’t know she had.

Contentment washes over her as they walk up the creaking porch steps. Assuming Henry spent time on the land outside of town, she is starting to understand why he struggled living in an apartment in Denver. Inside, a mason jar sits on the kitchen counter, brilliant blue blooms spilling from it. She crosses the room to the bouquet.

“Camas,” she says through a smile, brushing her fingers over the starlike flowers.

“A little slice of wonderland for you,” he replies, leaning in the doorway.

Her heart feels like it might burst out of her chest. Under the rough exterior and thrill-seeking interests, this man is achingly tender. Could someone so considerate leave her and hurt her like Charlotte always warned? It will be even more devastating if so, Maddie is sure of that.

Grey motions for her to have a seat as Pippa bounds from the bedroom towards them. She lifts the puppy up onto her lap while he gets out a bottle of wine.

“Another bottle left behind by Laurel?” she asks as he pours her a glass and passes it to her.

“I just want you to feel comfortable here,” he replies, a faint blush spreading across his cheeks.

“Being here with you, I’m comfortable. I don’t need anything special.”

“Then let me have these things here for you because I want to,” he says, leaning forward and taking her face in his hand. He pulls her into a kiss over the counter. “Okay?”

Satisfied by her nod of agreement, he turns to start cooking dinner. She watches him work, the warmth blooming in her chest becoming impossible to ignore. There is absolutely nothing fake about what she is feeling, and she has no idea what this means for her.

Grey

He finally has Maddie in his bed, and he is determined to keep it that way. He already made a mental note to buy a second nightstand. Grey rolls from above her and collapses on his back. Extending his arm, he pulls her in against him. “You’re breathtaking, my sweet Madelyn,” he drawls.

She snuggles in under his arm, her head resting on his chest. She presses a kiss to his jaw in response and lets out a happy sigh. They haven’t left bed since dinner the night before, the sun now high in the sky.

“What do you think, get up long enough for sustenance?” he asks when a hungry rumble echoes through him.

“Mmm, coffee.”

He locates a pair of athletic shorts for himself and hands Maddie one of his t-shirts. She pulls the shirt over her head and flits across the room towards him. Her bare feet make the softest patter that has ever graced these old wood floors. Of all the sexy outfits he’s been lucky enough to see her in, Maddie wearing his clothes is still the best sight.

Moving into the kitchen, he hooks his arm around her waist and lifts her up onto the counter. He runs his hands up her legs and hooks his thumbs under the hem of the t-shirt. Dropping a kiss to the tip of her nose, he turns to make Maddie coffee.Days off won’t be the same again after this, he thinks.

“Can I ask you about your anxiety?”

He’d been expecting this question since the bar. “Sure can,” he answers, handing her a steaming mug.

“At Wrangler’s, was there ever a point where your anxiety felt any better? Or were you dealing with it the whole time?” she asks as they move to the front porch.

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