Page 31 of The Rebel with Broken Strings
“No,” she said quickly, surprised by how true it felt. “It’s more like…where do we go from here?”
A slow smile spread across his face. “Well, we could start with breakfast. I make a mean stack of pancakes.”
Aubrey couldn’t help but laugh, the tension in her chest easing. “I’m being serious.”
His expression sobered, and he reached out to cup her cheek. “So am I. I know we’ve got a lot to figure out, so let’s just figure it out, okay?”
She sighed, leaning into his touch. “Okay.”
Nine
As the first rays of dawn filtered through the curtain the next morning, Gunner’s eyes fluttered open. The warm cocoon of Aubrey’s bed enveloped him, a stark contrast to the chill Montana air outside the window. He blinked, orienting himself in the unfamiliar room until his gaze landed on Aubrey’s sleeping form beside him and he was instantly reminded how they’d ended up in her room at some point last night.
He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was breathtaking, her hair splayed across the pillow, her face softened by sleep. His heart swelled with a tenderness that caught him off guard. He wanted to trace the curve of her cheek, to feel the silk of her skin beneath his fingertips, but he held back, not wanting to disturb her peaceful sleep.
Lord, she’s somethin’ else, he thought, a mixture of awe and desire coursing through him. The memories of last night—which had kept on going long after they’d left the couch—flooded his mind, sending a pleasant tremble down his spine.
He knew he’d promised her breakfast, but he found himself reluctant to leave the bed. It had been so long since he’d felt this…content.The nagging voice of his addiction, always lurking in the background, was blessedly silent.
With a quiet sigh, he carefully began to slide himself out of the tangle of sheets and limbs. Aubrey stirred slightly, a small furrow appearing between her brows. He froze, holding his breath until she settled back into sleep.
Once free, he stood and stretched, his muscles pleasantly sore from their nighttime activities. He located his jeans and shirt and pulled them on, then padded silently to the door, pausing to look back at Aubrey one last time.
A mix of emotions swirled within him—contentment, anticipation, a touch of uncertainty. What did last night mean for them? Would Aubrey regret what had happened this morning?
Having no answer to that now, he took a deep breath and grabbed the door handle. With one last glance at Aubrey’s sleeping form, he turned the knob and stepped out into the hallway.
As he eased the door closed, he found himself face-to-face with Willow, her eyes dancing with amusement. A smirk played at the corners of her mouth as she leaned against the railing, blocking his path.
“Well, well,” she drawled. “Looks like someone didn’t stay on the living room couch last night.”
Gunner felt a flush creep up his neck, but he met her gaze with a crooked grin. “What can I say? I’m directionally challenged before my mornin’ coffee.”
Willow’s eyebrow arched. “Uh-huh. And I’m sure Aubrey was just…giving you directions?”
Before Gunner could retort, the door to Willow’s bedroom swung open, revealing Eli. The former bull rider’s intense eyes swept over the scene, a hint of amusement softening his usually guarded expression.
“Mornin’.” He glanced between Gunner and Willow, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. “I’m gonna put on some coffee. Want some?”
Gunner nodded gratefully, relief washing over him at the change of subject. “Hell yes.” He stepped past Willow and followed Eli down the staircase and into the kitchen. Willow trailed behind. As Eli busied himself with the coffee maker, Gunner found himself drawn to the stove.
“How ’bout some pancakes?” he asked. “Do you have all the ingredients?”
“We do,” Willow said, and she fetched him the ingredients.
As Gunner began making the pancakes and Willow began frying up bacon, a comfortable silence settled between them. It felt easy, natural, as much as Gunner felt with Jaxon and Eli.
“So,” Willow said, breaking the quiet, “are you planning on sticking around Timber Falls for a while?”
Gunner paused, considering. The question carried more weight than its casual delivery suggested. Willow was worried about Aubrey. “I have no plans to leave anytime soon,” he replied softly.
“Well, then, that’s good,” Willow said with a smirk.
Just then, Charly breezed into the kitchen, her hair tousled from sleep. Apparently, she had stayed over in her old room last night. She stopped short at the sight of Gunner, her eyes widening slightly.
“Well, this is a surprise,” she said, recovering quickly. “I thought you’d have hightailed it out of here by now.”
Gunner grinned, pouring the pancake mixture into the pan. “And miss out on all this charming company? Not a chance.”
