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Two months later
I pause in walking through my apartment to catch a glimpse of the sun setting in the distance. Autumn is in full swing, and it’s glorious. I thought the colors of the summer were pretty, but now as October is ending, I know this season might be the best.
The outdoorsy nerd in me loves this area, and I feel so grateful I wound up here. If Lauren hadn’t randomly gotten on that bus and ended up here…I sigh, smiling at the golden light against the sinking sunshine. Leaves blow past the window, and I wonder again if I need a thicker coat for going out in this dress tonight.
“What’s that sound for?” Dalton asks.
He carefully steps through the piles of clutter that have taken up my home. Since Dalton returned, I more or less moved in with him at his cabin. I’m not ready to let go of this place yet, though. Sherry assures me it’s mine until that lease is up, but it’s become more of a storage place than somewhere to sleep. I didn’t only embrace my job teaching third grade. I jumped into being a Girl Scout leader, a crafts volunteer, and an assistant librarian, and all the materials for those activities are taking over my apartment, not to mention the décor and such that Lauren is stashing here as we collaborate on her design projects.
“Just happy,” I tell him as he comes up behind me.
I am. I’ve overcome the obstacles that kept me from telling Dalton that I love him. I’ve entered a solid relationship, one where I’m secure and content, so much so that I wonder if he’s insisted that I wear this sexy dress for dinner because he might be interested in putting a ring on it.
No. It’s way too soon. Slow your roll, Aubrey.
Still, if he were to whisk me away and pop that specific question, I know I’d be saying yes. I’m not pushing for anything. He’s already been burned with a proposal. Johanna—from what I’ve heard—is nothing like me, and unlike her, I know I’ve got the best man in the world. I don’t intend on ever letting him slip through my fingers again.
“Me too.” He stands behind me and nuzzles my neck as I finish putting my earring in. I smile, gazing out the window at the autumn sunset and loving his attention. When he pulls the dress up, ruffling it at my waist to slip his hand beneath the material, I lean back against him. I’m careful to not mess up my hair. Curls aren’t easy for me to maintain, after all. As I rest back, he slides his hand up my thigh, and I sigh again.
“I know what that sound means,” he whispers into my ear before he sucks on my earlobe.
Of course he does. I only release that breathy exhale when he’s turning me on. Between his hot lips trailing kisses along my neck and his hand exploring up toward my panties, I can see where this is going.
“Aren’t we going to be late?” I ask despite the desire he lights within me.
“Hmmm.”
I giggle, leaning my head to the side to give him better access to kiss me everywhere. I’ll never get enough of his mouth on me. “Is that a yes or no?”
He growls, turning me to face him so he can kiss me fully. “No. We won’t be late,” he says. If he were the sort of man to pull off the expression, a pout would show on his face right now.
“Hey, it’s all your fault.” I smooth my dress back in place and retreat one step. He’s so tempting in that suit, cleaning up well, that I don’t know if I can keep my hands to myself. “You insisted that I wear this dress.”
He sighs as I reach for my coat. “I know. I know. Big mistake. I can’t stop staring at you now.”
I grin, leaving with him. His praise never fails to charm me, and when I take his hand outside, I lift it in mine to kiss the back of it. “Likewise. While it’s fun to get dressed up and be fancy once in a while, I prefer taking the clothes off with you.”
“Not yet. Caleb’s invited us and…” He checks the time. “Crap. We are going to be late.”
I laugh and hurry toward his truck with him.
It’s just dinner, so I’m not sure why he’s so impatient to make it on time. We’ve dined out often, the four of us. Five, when Marian feels up to it. We’re a tight group here, but I know we’ve got room for more. Claire mentioned visiting soon, and I’m excited to welcome Dalton’s younger cousin to our hometown.
The place Caleb chose is a fancier establishment. It’s majestic, up on top of Vail. Once I enter with Dalton, I gawk and stare out the windows that present a full view of the town down below. The last colors of the sunset have yet to fade away, and it’s then that I realize what’s bothering me.
“Where is everyone?” I ask Dalton.
“Um, they’re not here yet.”
I furrow my brow. “All the customers?” The place is empty, but soft music plays and warm lights illuminate the restaurant.
I find Caleb pacing near the back, and I get it. He’s rented the whole place. If he’s here, alone, he must have made it happen. Caleb goes for what he wants, so he has to have arranged this.
But I don’t see Lauren.
A gasp leaves my lips, and I lift my hand to slap it over my mouth.
Caleb looks up and frowns. “You told her?” he accuses of Dalton.
