Chapter 8
BARRETT
I wake to the warm comfort of Sage pressed against me, her back to my front, and I relish the feel of her beside me.
It's been a while since I slept a whole night through and there's no mistaking why. She's turned things upside down for me and I have no desire to go back to the way things were before.
In less than a day, this woman has changed my life.
I press a kiss to her head, and she gives a sleepy little moan that makes me smile.
Until I hear the ringing from the sat phone still sitting out on the kitchen counter.
I force myself away from this woman I love, and pull on my boxer briefs, before making my way to the phone.
Hunt's name flashes on the screen and I answer the call.
"Everything all right, Barrett?" Hunt's voice is concerned, and I know he's just checking in.
"Yeah, man. Things are fine."
Silence hangs between us, and then he says, "Just fine?"
I look out the window, my eyes focusing on the boulder where Sage and I sat, side by side, watching the beauty of the night and the forest unfold around us. Where I first kissed her.
Where I first admitted to myself that I was in love with this woman I'd only just met.
"Not really." I hesitate, unsure how to broach the subject when I haven't had this conversation with Sage yet. "How do you tell a woman you just met that you've fallen in love with her?"
He chuckles, a knowing sound that rumbles down the line, and he says, "You just say the words. It's terrifying and amazing, all at the same time."
I know he's right. He's been through it himself with Jade. And it's worked out for them both. The way they look at each other with such sappy eyes isn't something I ever imagined doing. But I get it now. One hundred percent.
"Just tell her it's okay that we've only just met but I'm madly in love with her. That won't send her running to get away?"
"There are no guarantees in this life. We both know that. But we also know that there's risk involved in everything we do. Take the risk that will make you happy. She's lucky to have you. We all know what a good man you are, Barrett."
My stomach twists with nerves, but I know he's right.
"Well, the roads are clear. Let me know if you want us to send a truck up your way or if you'll be heading over to us."
We say our goodbyes and I hit the end call button, setting the phone down and turn to go back to bed, only to stop as I see Sage standing behind me.
There are tears in her pretty eyes and she's leaning against the door frame, her injured foot bent up behind her so she's not putting weight on it.
"Did you mean it?" Her voice shakes as she asks the question and I hate that anything about that phone call made her cry.
"Did I mean it when I told Hunt I love you?
" I cross the distance between us as fast as I can and wrap my arms around her waist. Letting her lean on me instead.
Contact with her eases the worry brewing inside me and I press a kiss to her forehead.
"I meant it with all my heart. And I know it's fast. I don't want to scare you off.
But yes, it's true. I love you, Sage. I'd stay here with you forever if you wanted me to. "
She hugs me tight, her lips against my ear as she whispers words that make my soul lift with a lightness I haven't felt in far too long.
"I love you, too. I was so afraid to tell you. Afraid you'd think I was crazy. That it was all too fast."
"I think fast is just the way we're meant to do things, sweetheart. Nothing wrong with that. I'm okay with it if you are."
She nods, and I kiss her hard, loving the feel of her in my arms, and glad that we're united in this moment.
When we finally part, taking deep breaths, I nip at the sensitive skin of her neck, growling out my intentions.
"I'm going to take you to bed, make you scream my name again, and then I'll have to drive you back to the resort or Jade will have the army banging down my door to make sure you aren't being held against your will."
"I have no objections to that plan."
I scoop her up, carry her into our bedroom, and deliver on everything I promised.
EPILOGUE
3 months later