Page 17 of Protecting His Girl

Before she can finish, Rich takes Mimi's leash from the table and interrupts her. "Don't bother. I'll be spending some quality time with my granddog this evening."

I look at Grace, her cheeks still flushed pink. As the others continue their conversation, I lean in close, my lips brushing against her ear.

"What do you say we get out of here?" I feel her tense in my arms and then relax again. I pull back just enough to catch her eye, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. "I still have your surprise to show you."

Chapter Eight

GRACE

"Duke,where in the world are you taking me?" I ask with a laugh as Duke drives his truck up a steep and winding road. "We've been driving for over an hour now, and I have no idea where we are going."

Duke reaches over and squeezes my thigh. "Just sit back and relax, sweetheart. We're almost there."

As we continue our ascent, the air becomes cooler and crisper. The leaves on the trees start to change from lush green to vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows.

We pass by quaint little towns nestled in the mountainside, with cozy cabins and charming storefronts. I sink back into the worn leather seat, forcing myself to calm down and enjoy the ride.

What a day.

After everything that happened with Shawn at Sunnyside Pizza, I almost convinced myself that Duke had forgotten his promise of a surprise. But here we are, climbing this mountain, and the anticipation is building inside me.

A moment later, the truck pulls up to what can only be described as a fairy tale log cabin nestled amongst towering pines.

The cabin is pure rustic charm, its hand-hewn logs and stone chimney practically radiating warmth and homey comfort. A porch with a view that would make any nature lover's heart skip a beat stretches out before us. A thin wisp of smoke curls up from the chimney, hinting at a cozy fire waiting inside. Bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, the cabin looks enchanting. I can't help but gasp.

"Do you like it?" Duke asks, his gaze searching my face.

"Oh my gosh, I love it!" I exclaim, my eyes wide with surprise. But then confusion seeps in. "Wait, you live here?"

Duke chuckles, a smug grin spreading across his face. "Yes."

I playfully slap his shoulder. "You never told me you lived in a cabin!"

"That's because you never asked," Duke retorts, his grin widening.

As we step inside, I'm taken aback by the interior. It's the perfect blend of modern comfort and rustic charm - just like Duke. The warm scent of pine and wood smoke fills the air while a roaring fire dances in the stone fireplace.

Tears prick my eyes before I can stop them.

Despite all the chaos from earlier, this has been one of the best weekends I've ever had. Being with Duke feels more like home than anywhere I've ever been. It stirs something deep within me, a reality that's becoming harder to ignore.

Life with Duke is more than an adventure. It's a dream come true.

And I never want it to end.

Duke wraps his arms around me from behind, whispering into my ear, "What's wrong?"

I quickly wipe my eyes. "Now I definitely don't want to go back to Philly tomorrow."

"Good thing you don't have to."

I turn in his arms, my eyes wide. "What do you mean?"

Duke doesn’t respond right away. Instead, he scoops me in his arms and carries me down the hallway into his bedroom.

"You're mine, Grace Hunt," he murmurs as he lays me gently down on the bed. And then he kisses me.

Duke's touch ignites a fire within me that I can't contain. He kisses every inch of my body, his lips and hands worshipping me as if I'm a goddess. I can feel the heat building between us, and my heart races with anticipation.

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