“So, you were thinking about us being together?”
“It’s all I’ve thought about.”
“You’d hate it there,” she said.
“No, I wouldn’t because you’d be there—” He stopped at the look she gave him. “What?”
“That’s almost word for word what I told you. I’d love Montana because you were here.”
Seth ran his hand along the nape of his neck. “Yeah, but—”
“But, what, Seth?”
“It’s because I have been here before, but I realized I didn’t want to follow Autumn, but I’d follow you anywhere. I want… Ineedyou in my life and if I have to live there with you to prove that, I will.”
“I don’t want you tohaveto live there, Seth.”
“That’s not exactly how I meant it. I just meant I’d be anywhere with you.”
“You said you thought I wouldn’t return to Montana, or you. You see that’s not true. I will go anywhere you are.” She studied him, head tilted. “You’d never be happy there, Seth. You’re Montana born and bred. This is where you belong, and wherever you belong, I do too.”
He smiled then, a slow, warm expression of relief, and pulled her into his arms. The afternoon light brushed across their joined silhouettes as he pressed his lips to hers.
Ryan pulled back from him. “You smell like gasoline.”
Seth laughed. “Well, I was working on a tractor when you showed up. If I’d have known you were coming, I would have showered.”
“If you knew I was coming, you would have ran.”
“No. No more running. I know you love me.”
She tilted her head and smirked. “How? Because I told you?”
Seth picked up the frame. “Because of this. Don’t ask me how, but I know you do just by looking at this.” He shook his head.
“My best friend, Skylar, told me to show it to you because you’d see that I loved you.”
“She sounds very smart. So, why didn’t you show it to me?”
“Because you didn’t want me and I was afraid you’d think I was just infatuated with you.” She looked at him. “I’m not, Seth. It’s not infatuation, it’s love.”
“I believe you.” He took her hand and led her down the hallway.
“Where are you taking me?” she asked with a laugh.
“I need a shower,” he said.
“I don’t think I do,” she teased.
“Yes, you do. Trust me.” He grinned.
“With my life.”
At that, he stopped, pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. It had been far too long without her by his side. They had some time to make up for. He entered the bedroom, opened the nightstand drawer, removed two condoms, held them up for her to see, and she laughed.
“Just in case,” he said with a grin.
Seth yanked Ryan into the bathroom like a man possessed, his fingers digging into her wrist with a desperation. The door slammed shut behind them, and he spun her around, pressing her back against the cold tile wall. His eyes were hungry, and he knew she could feel his hard cock pressing against her through his jeans.
