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“I love you, too,” I murmur against his shirt, feeling contentment go through me. I belong to someone now. I have a home, and his name is Grizz. He’s the grumpiest man on this mountain, and he holds my heart.
His phone dings again, but neither of us move for a long moment. Finally, he glances at it. “Greer is there. You ready to face him now?”
I nod, feeling stronger than I ever have. Being with Grizz, it feels like all the pieces of my heart have slotted into place. Things that were missing are now there.
“We’ll face him together. I always have your back,” Grizz reassures me, smoothing back my hair from my face. “You don’t go through anything alone. I always have your back.”
I give him a shy smile. “OK. After we’re done at the shop, I want to go back to your place. Maybe try out some of those other toys.”
As soon as I step out of Grizz’s vehicle, I expect to feel so nervous. But strangely, I don’t. All I feel now is peace. Especially when my big, hulking man takes my small hand in his and threads our fingers together. We walk into the shop, noting the damage as we do. The outside has been ransacked, the only question is what or who did this.
My brother is already inside on the phone. He’s leaning across the counter, not paying attention to us. “Yeah, that’s the direction he ran. See if you can round up some of the rangers and get him the help he needs. Thanks, Rogue.”
When he ends the call, he says, “That black bear again. It’s injured this time, so Rogue will get some guys together. They’ll track it, and try to get it medical care. Might relocate it depending on how close it is to town.”
He pockets his phone and finally looks up. His gaze narrows. “What’s this?”
Grizz’s voice is deep and raspy, booming with authority. “She’s mine now. I’m keeping her forever.”
Greer looks between the two of us, scrutinizing his friend’s expression. “Is this a joke?”
“I love her.”
He folds his arms over his chest. “That’s not how this works. I don’t give two shits about what you want.” He focuses his attention on me. “I do however care about what you want.”
I take a deep breath and remind myself that I belong to Grizz. That Greer has always loved me and wanted what’s best for me. “I want him. I’ve always wanted him.”
Greer studies my expression for a long moment before he yanks off his Stetson. He runs his fingers through his thick hair. “Are you fucking with me?”
I shake my head. “I love him too.”
“Oh, and I’m marrying her,” Grizz adds as if it’s an afterthought.
“Grizz, you can’t just say that!” I protest. “You didn’t even ask me.”
“I was planning on getting around to that. Figured we’d negotiate the terms later.” He gives me a wink to let me know we’ll be negotiating in his big bed. I can hardly wait, my panties already growing damp.
Greer frowns and waves his hand at his friend. “Get out of here for a minute. I need to talk to my baby sister.”
My burly mountain man glances at me, waiting for my instructions. I nod to let him know I’m OK with this. He presses a soft kiss to my forehead before he goes outside to continue surveying the damage to the shop.
Greer grunts at the gesture and scowls at me the moment my boyfriend is gone. It’s still so crazy to me to call him that, although I think given our conversation, he’d probably prefer the term fiancé. The thought makes me giggle.
“What’s going on here?” Greer asks. His voice is calm, and I know that whatever I say right now could tear their friendship apart. Greer would never hesitate to burn a bridge for me. He’s spent his whole life protecting me and everyone else.
“I’ve been in love with him since I was fourteen,” I admit, my heart pounding to finally be talking about this with my brother. “Ever since that day he saved me from the runaway horse. His arms were the first place that ever felt like home.”
“Is that when this started?” His eyes narrow.
I’m quick to shake my head. “It was two years ago for him. Seven for me.”
“He’s a lot older than you,” he warns, thinking of the decade that separates the two of us.
“You’re a lot older than the pretty receptionist at the doctor’s office,” I counter. I’m not sure of her name, but I know she’s pretty. More than that, there’s something about her. I think maybe she has a secret. If anyone will carry the weight of her pain, it’s my older brother. I just hope he’s willing to take a chance with her.
“I’m not talking about marrying her,” he grumps.
