Page 11 of The Gruff Loner’s Bargain

“Just trying to hold your hand,” I say.

“Why?”

“Uh, cause you’re my fiancée and I’m a touchy-feely kind of guy.”

“You don’t need to be touching or feeling anything of mine.”

“That’s just it, Manhattan. Looking like we’re comfortable with each other is far more important to selling us as a couple than how we met.”

“No kissing,” she says.

“I’m not making any promises.”

“Whatever. You can hold my hand; that’s it.”

“Wow, sounds just like fifth grade again.”

chapter

eight

Brook

I didn’t mean to fall asleep on the car ride into the Smokies, but well, there are a lot of things I haven’t meant to do.

“Brooklyn, darlin, wake up.” It sounds like Landry’s voice, only gentle and more real.

I open my eyes. Sorta.

“Unless you want me to carry your pretty ass inside the resort, you’ve got to sit yourself up.”

“I’m up. Sorry.”

“You’re a terrible co-pilot,” he says, then gives me that crooked grin that makes my panties wet.

Oh Lord, it’s gonna be a long weekend.

“Good thing I’m excellent with directions.” His amber eyes flare with heat. “Never had any small, hidden,” his eyes drop to my lap, “magic spots I haven’t been able to find.”

Is he… surely not.

“You are the worst,” I tell him quietly.

I turn away so he can’t see me smile because he’s outrageous and flirtatious and crazy and so much damn fun. I haven’t laughed or smiled like this in so very long. I had nearly forgotten that life could slow down and be enjoyable.

We step out of the rental car, and I suck in a breath. Up this high, we have a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains.

“It’s literally breathtaking,” I say.

“Can’t argue with you there,” he says.

“Well, that’s a first.”

“You must be the almost Hendricks,” a lady says as she descends the staircase to the circular drive.

Landry smiles and steps forward, holding his hand out. “We are. I’m Landry and this is my lovely bride to be, Brooklyn.”

Hearing him say my full name does funny things to my stomach.