Page 29 of Crossed Wires: The Complete Series

Hazel nodded. “I think you should. I’ll send Annie out after she’s had some breakfast. She still has those articles to write.”

This time his mum didn’t bother to hide her matchmaking grin. Hunter had clearly wasted time worrying about her reaction to his interest in Annie. He had her full support. Only problem now was, Hazel would go out of her way to push them together. He really needed to talk to Dylan.

“You won’t say anything to embarrass her, will you? Last night was my doing. Not hers. She’s worried about what you’ll think of her. Maybe it would be good if you let the subject drop completely. Don’t mention it.”

Hazel threw her hands up, a smile glinting in her eyes. “Since when do I do anything to embarrass anyone?”

Hunter raised a single eyebrow, no less than twenty humiliating instances floating through his memory.

“Oh, go on. Your Annie will be right as rain with me.”

Hunter walked toward the shed, grinning despite his anxiety.

Your Annie.

If only she were.

Chapter6

The sun was just rising as Hunter stood next to Annie, Mutt lounging by her feet lazily. They leaned on the fence, watching Prince and his mother walk around the paddock. After their bumpy start, the little calf’s mother soon accepted him and the two had been inseparable. They’d be ready to return to the rest of the herd in a couple more days.

Hunter had been concerned things between he and Annie would be awkward after being caught by his mum yesterday morning, but Annie bounced fast. He assumed years of dealing with unexpected shanghais by the tabloids had thickened her skin in terms of embarrassing easily.

The past two days—like the ones preceding them—had fallen into an easy pattern of chores, meals with his mother and quiet afternoons spent in his office, both of them working on their computers. Annie had sent off her first article after letting him read it. She was an incredibly gifted writer. She’d obviously found her calling as a big city journalist.

Unable to sleep, he’d risen while it was still dark only to find Annie sitting on the front porch. She’d merely smiled when he joined her. He’d taken her hand and they’d walked in silence, soaking in the last of the cool air. With the sun’s arrival, the day would heat up quickly.

“I suppose this cattle station is pretty boring compared to your life in America.”

Annie looked at him with wide eyes. “Are you kidding? This place is awesome. I was standing here trying to imagine myself back in New York. I’m not looking forward to the crowds, the noise, the fast pace. Staying here has driven home how crazy my life in the city has gotten. I can’t tell you the last time I’ve noticed the sky or watched a sunrise or taken a deep breath of fresh, clean air. I feel like a prisoner who’s been released from jail after years locked away. You’re so lucky to be able to call Farpoint home.”

Hunter turned to face her. “You’re welcome to come back any time you want.” Imagining the day when she had to return to her own life left him with a gnawing ache in his gut. He’d woken up every morning since her arrival with a smile on his face, looking forward to the day. He couldn’t remember the last time that had been true. He’d fallen into a rut of monotony, forgetting to enjoy the little things—like sunrises, picnics by the lake, the wonder of a newborn calf.

“Thanks, Hunter. You might want to be careful with that invitation though. I’m sure you feel pretty safe offering, thinking I’d never brave another twenty-hour flight, hours spent in that death trap you call a helicopter and even this unbearable summer heat, but I can promise you right now, I would. In a heartbeat.”

Hunter brushed a strand of hair from her face and moved closer. He’d wanted to kiss her since yesterday morning, but he’d forced himself to maintain his distance. The tether was stretched too taut. It was about to snap.

“You never told me what your mother said about catching us coming out of your bedroom.”

He grinned, surprised Annie hadn’t asked him about Hazel earlier. “She was pleased.”

“Pleased?”

“She likes you, Annie. A lot. I think there’s a part of her that hopes you’ll save me from a life of work and one-night stands.” He’d meant his words as a joke. Partly.

“Do you want to be saved?”

He’d expected her to latch on to the one-night stand comment. Neither of them had talked much about past relationships. Somehow he knew they didn’t matter. What he felt for Annie was different than anything he’d ever experienced with anyone else. She’d alluded to the same. In this relationship, the past didn’t exist. It had no significance.

He didn’t even need to consider the response to her question. He knew the answer. He leaned forward until their lips were a breath apart. “Only by you.”

Annie covered the minute distance separating them, kissing him hard and fast. Hunter took the reins almost immediately. Placing his hands on her hips, he pulled her closer as Annie’s arms wrapped around his neck. Kissing her had become as natural as breathing.

They fell into each other. They’d kissed at least half a dozen times since her arrival and yet the overpowering sensation of holding her like this never lessened. The impact was stronger than getting kicked in the gut by a horse. Every time he touched her, the need for more grew.

He broke the kiss, touching his forehead to hers. “I know you Yanks do the whole hayloft thing, but the best I can offer is a shed.”

Annie frowned, even as a smile played on her lips. “Shed?”