Chapter 14 #2
Almost losing her made him that much more determined to convince her to stay. He’d have to up his game and show her he was willing to be with her no matter the risk.
When they landed in Bozeman, they still had a two-hour drive to West Yellowstone. No one spoke on the drive down; everyone was exhausted and ready for a shower and food.
As they rolled up to the lodge, Kyla was the first person out the door.
Stone caught her in his arms and hugged her as tightly as he could with her big belly in the way. “See? I got back in plenty of time to be here for the baby.”
“You only did that because you knew I’d come looking for you if you didn’t.” She winked up at him and shot a glance toward Savvie, mouthing the words, Thank you.
Everyone scattered to get showers, promising to meet up for the dinner Cookie had prepared.
Hunter walked with Savvie up the stairs and paused in front of her door long enough to take her into his arms and kiss her thoroughly.
She inserted her key in the door and pushed it open.
“See you after a shower,” he said.
“I’d rather see you in the shower.” She grabbed his shirt front and tugged him through the door.
Hunter didn’t argue when he wanted it as much as she did.
They left a trail of clothing through her room and into the bathroom, where they stepped beneath the warm water and washed the salt from each other’s bodies, exploring every inch of skin in the process.
His cock was hard and ready, but protection was a room away.
“We can go to your room,” she offered.
“Or we can have dinner because your stomach is growling and pick up where we left off later.” He kissed her long and hard.
They dried each other off, and Hunter wrapped a towel around his waist and left to return to his own room to dress.
They met up in the hallway a few minutes later.
Savvie wore a light blue floral dress and strappy sandals. She’d brushed her damp hair back from her face.
“You’re more beautiful every time I see you.” He kissed her and held out his arm.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” she said.
At the big table in the dining room, everyone was there, including everyone’s significant others.
Stone filled them in on a conversation he’d had with Hank.
“Before Hank’s team left the island, a helicopter landed, apparently to pick up Jesse Caldwell.
While the pilot took a bathroom break, Hank’s guys disabled the helicopter.
They also disabled the boats in the cove, leaving no way for Jesse Caldwell or his ‘guests’ to leave the island before the feds could get there.
They’re all in custody now. With the testimonies from all the women we rescued, Caldwell should spend plenty of time in prison. ”
“What about Don, my handler from the organization?” Savvie asked.
“Hank said they recovered his body,” Stone replied. “He won’t be colluding with human traffickers ever again.”
“Now, Savvie,” Kyla gave her a pointed look, “about retired life. You really should consider Montana. More specifically, West Yellowstone. There’s not as much traffic as on the east coast, cleaner air—when there aren’t wildfires—and less crime. Plus, you’ll be closer to me.”
Savvie laughed. “That’s quite the sales pitch.”
Bubba’s sweetheart, Chelsea, set down her fork. “Yellowstone National Park is so close, there’s so much wildlife to witness and the fishing is phenomenal.”
“Someone did promise to take me fishing.” Savvie cocked an eyebrow in Hunter’s direction.
“I’m ready whenever you are,” Hunter said. “How’s tomorrow? We can take a lunch and make a day of it.”
“Sounds lovely,” Savvie smiled. “As long as I can fish from shore. I’m not ready to go under again anytime soon.”
“Ha!” Stone grinned. “Me, either.” His grin turned serious. “Thanks for coming to find us in the blow hole.”
“You would have done it for me,” Savvie said.
“Because that’s what we do for each other,” Stone said.
“And other people,” Bubba added.
“You could come to work for the Brotherhood Protectors,” Stone suggested.
Hunter’s heart leaped. “Yeah, we need more females.” And it would mean he could see her more. They’d have time to get to know each other.
“You’re not concerned by my previous profession?” Savvie asked. “Or that I killed a man when I was seventeen years old?”
“No,” Stone said. “And Hank’s on board as well.”
“I’ll think about it,” Savvie said.
“Take your time,” Stone said. “The offer’s open.”
Dinner concluded, and everyone stepped out on the back porch to enjoy the sunset and cool evening breeze.
“Want to go for a walk?” Hunter asked Savvie.
“Yes, please,” she said and hooked her hand around his elbow.
They set off down the road.
“I hope you decide to stay in West Yellowstone,” Hunter said. “No matter what job you decide on.”
“Why?” she asked.
“Because I like you,” he said. “I think I’m well on my way to loving you if I’m not already there.
When that asshole pushed you into the blow hole…
” He shook his head. “I don’t know what the future holds for us, and I promise not to rush you, but I’d like to date you so you can see how much we have in common and so I can convince you to love me, too. ”
She stopped and turned to look him in the eye. “What if someone comes looking for revenge?”
“I’m not afraid for myself—and I’ll have your back.”
She laid her hand against his chest. “I fully intended on leaving once we got back from Miami, but now…”
He smiled and cupped the back of her neck. “Now, you’re already in love with me. I mean, what’s not to love?”
She laughed. “I’m finding that out. And I don’t want to leave. Your team is family, and I’d really like to belong to a family. The kind of family that looks out for each other.”
“That’s what we do.” He raised her hand to his lips. “So, are you staying?”
She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly, her lips curling up. “Yes, please.”
He wrapped his arms around her and swung her in a circle. “Before you know it, you’ll love me as much as I love you.”
She laughed. “I already do.”