Page 85 of Mountain Defender

Is this how love feels?

Rory kisses me, her lips lingering on mine for a moment before she pulls away with a smile. “So we’re moving in together?”

I kiss her back. Then I flash her a grin. “We’re moving in together.”

“Do you think…” Heat darkens her eyes to a deep mossy green. Her voice goes low and sultry. “We could celebrate? With some sexy things?”

Desire surges, hard and aching.

A mental image of stripping Rory bare flashes through my mind, of kissing each tantalizing inch of her, taking my time, showing her just how happy I am to be moving in together. How grateful I am that she’s trusting me with something so big.

But.

Her concussion.

Dammit.

“We can’t,” I reply, swallowing back my disappointment. “Not yet, baby. The doctor said no vigorous activity for at least a week, possibly longer.”

Rory pouts at me, and it might be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. “Gage. It’s been days. And I feel okay. Just a tiny headache.”

“I know.” I hug her to me, breathing in her soft floral scent. “But I’m not taking any chances with your health.” Drawing back, I push some loose hair behind her ear. “But how about this? Eat breakfast before it’s completely cold. Then I’ll give you a massage.”

“A sexy massage?”

My erection throbs hard and insistent, but I sternly command it to settle. This isn’t about me right now. It’s all about Rory. “I think a sexy massage would be okay.”

As she gazes at me, her face lights up. “I guess that’s okay, then. And after, we could have a lazy morning together? Just cuddling in bed? And we could make plans for our big move?”

My heart rolls over again.

“Yes, Ror.” I kiss her again, tasting cinnamon and sugar on her lips. “We can absolutely do all of that.”

Rory snuggles closer, resting her head on my shoulder. “I’m so happy, Gage. Maybe it sounds crazy, after everything that’s happened. But I really am.”

Oh.

“Baby,” I breathe, my throat too tight to speak louder. “I’m so happy, too.”

CHAPTER 17

RORY

“Doyou think Vince’s family will be angry I haven’t come until now?”

Gage’s pace slows as we near the lodge, and he looks at me with a worried expression. Through the closed doors, the sound of cheerful chatter filters through, broken by spurts of laughter and one particularly loud voice calling out, “Hendricks, you bastard. How did I not know you were married until now?”

Squeezing Gage’s hand, I tug him to a stop just before we reach the steps leading to the entrance. Beside the double doors is a sign announcing,Celebration of Life – Vince Mattison.All friends welcome.

“Why would they be angry?” I ask. “I’m sure Vince’s family will be happy to see you.”

Regret shadows his features and etches lines across his forehead. “Because this is the third year Vince’s family has held this event. And it’s the first time I’ve come. I’m sure they’ll wonder why I waited so long. Why I didn’t show up to honor my teammate.”

“Gage. I’m sure they won’t think that.”

“I would,” he retorts. “If my son died in action and his surviving teammate never came to pay his respects, never manned up enough to show his face at this event… I’d be upset. I’d wonder why. I’d think—” He sighs. His shoulders sag. “I’d think the guy felt guilty. I’d wonder if he could have done something?—”

My heart twists. Wrapping my arms around Gage, I hug him tightly. My lips press against his jaw. “You wouldn’t. I know you wouldn’t be upset. You might be worried, but that’s all. And you have nothing to feel guilty about. We talked about it.”