Page 31 of Falling for the Grumpy Orc (Monsters of Saltford Bay #1)
I pull her into a tight hug, breathing in the unfamiliar scent of paint and sweat that mingles with her familiar perfume. "Of course I will."
When we finally pull apart, both wiping tears, I grab Gerralt's hand and tug him toward the lodge entrance, suddenly eager to see the work that's been done, to join in, to be part of this community that has embraced me so completely.
As we step through the doorway together, I gasp.
The interior of the lodge is buzzing with as much activity as the exterior.
What I expected to be a disaster zone has been transformed into a bustling workspace.
New drywall has replaced the water-damaged sections.
Fresh paint covers most of the walls, the same sage green I originally chose.
Portions of the hardwood floor have been torn up, with new boards being carefully fitted into place.
Bernice spots us from the kitchen doorway, wiping her hands on a towel.
"About time you got her back here," she says, wrapping me in a quick, fierce hug that smells of sawdust and herbal tea. "The kitchen needs your eye. I wasn't sure where you wanted the new cabinets."
I squeeze her back, then pull away to look around, still stunned by the transformation. "I can't believe what you've all done."
"We're not done yet," Bernice says firmly. "And neither are you."
She presses a paintbrush into my hand. "Now get to work. These walls won't paint themselves."
For the first time in days, laughter bubbles up from my chest, genuine and free. I turn to Gerralt, who watches me with a tenderness that makes my heart flutter.
"I guess I better earn my keep," I say, rolling up my sleeves.
Gerralt nods, his lips curving into that rare, beautiful smile that transforms his entire face. "That's my girl."
The remaining hours of the day pass in a blur of activity. I move from room to room, directing, painting, measuring, planning. With each task, each conversation, each friendly nod from a neighbor, the despair that's gripped me for days recedes further.
By evening, the day's work comes to an end. People begin to gather their tools, promising to return tomorrow. Handshakes and hugs are exchanged. Plans are made for the next day's tasks.
The last truck pulls away from the lodge, and Gerralt and I stand on the porch, his arm wrapped securely around my waist. The setting sun bathes everything in golden light, turning the ocean in the distance into a field of diamonds.
Something vulnerable crosses his expression as he turns back to face me fully.
"I want to be there for you, Cassidy," he says, his deep voice resonating through my chest. "Not just as your contractor, not just occasionally, but always."
My breath catches in my throat.
"I want to wake up with you every morning," he continues, his voice dropping lower. "Fall asleep beside you every night. I want us to build something together. Not just this place, but a life."
Tears fill my eyes, spilling over before I can stop them. The weight that's been crushing me these past days lifts completely, replaced by a warmth that spreads through my entire body.
"I want you as close as possible," I say, my voice steady despite my tears. "Forever."
Gerralt's eyes darken with emotion. He wraps his massive arms around my waist, lifting me slightly so our faces are level.
His lips crash against mine in a kiss that steals my breath away, passionate and claiming, yet achingly tender.
His tusks graze my skin, sending shivers racing down my spine as his tongue seeks entrance, exploring the warmth of my mouth with deliberate, sensuous strokes.
My arms encircle his neck as I kiss him back without hesitation, melting against his solid strength, pouring everything I feel for him into this single, perfect moment.
When we break apart, I rest my forehead against his, breathing him in. "I love you, Gerralt."
His amber eyes widen, then soften with a tenderness I've never seen before.
"I love you too, Cassidy. Since the first moment I saw you in my workshop."
He kisses me again, and this time I feel it down to my soul, a promise, a future, a home found in each other's arms.
"So," Gerralt says, looking down at me. "Another night at my place?"
I turn in his arms, facing him fully. "Actually, I was thinking of sleeping here tonight."
Concern crosses his features. "The lodge is still half-torn apart. No power in most rooms, and the plumbing's only partially fixed."
"I know." I smile up at him. "But it's home. Or it will be, once we finish it."
I stretch up on my toes, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth. "And I was hoping you might stay with me."
His amber eyes darken with desire and something deeper, more permanent. "Tonight?"
"Tonight," I confirm. "And every night after that."
Gerralt pulls me closer, his massive frame enveloping mine. In his arms, I feel safe and protected, but also strong and capable, ready to face whatever comes next .
We stand there as twilight deepens around us, watching as stars begin to appear one by one above the Saltwater Lodge. Our lodge. Our beginning.
This isn't the dream I had when I first arrived in Saltford Bay. It's better. The lodge isn't just my fresh start anymore. It's a future for both of us.
And suddenly, I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.