Chapter 10
Dean
I never imagined walking back into the Mountain View Inn would feel like coming home.
Hell, I never imagined I’d feel anything but anxiousness, wondering where I was going to end up next.
But with Aubrey’s hand in mine, her blonde hair a mess from running all the way back here, and for loving me like I’m worth a damn, makes everything real.
We walk through the front door, trying to look casual, knowing we look anything but.
Savannah is posted in her position behind the desk, feet up, scrolling her phone. She glances up, narrowing her eyes at us, and I see the hint of a smirk.
She pops that stupid gum she’s always chewing and grins. “Well, if it isn’t Bonnie and Clyde. You two look like you stole something.”
Aubrey snorts. “Just our dignity, but don’t worry, we left a tip.”
I manage a laugh. “Is everything good here, Savannah? No trouble?”
She shrugs, putting her feet down. “Depends, ‘Clyde.’ Are you planning on dragging any more bikers into town, or can I finally get a peaceful night’s sleep?”
There’s a hint of something in her eyes that makes me pause. “It was you, wasn’t it?”
She leans in, resting her elbows on the counter, unbothered and confident.
“Let’s just say I notice things. The new faces hanging around, asking weird questions, you and Bonnie over here sneaking around like you’re in some trashy soap opera.
” She wiggles her eyebrows up and down. “So, I may have done a little digging. Made a couple calls. Next thing you know, Sheriff Williams comes asking if I’ve seen anything suspicious.
” She grins. “And I might have pointed him in the right direction.”
Aubrey lets out an exaggerated gasp. “You’re a sneaky little shit, Savannah Foster,” she says, laughing.
“Damn right, I am.” She winks. “You can pay me in cinnamon rolls.”
I shake my head, feeling something soften in my chest. “You saved our asses, you know?”
Savannah acts nonchalant, waving it off like it’s nothing, but I see the pride. “Just don’t make me regret it.”
I look at Aubrey, and for the first time since all this mess started, I feel like I can breathe. My heart starts pounding as I just stare at her, everything hitting me all at once, the fear and moments I thought I was going to lose her.
She reaches for my hand. “Dean, are you okay?”
I let out a breath. “I will be. I mean… I think I am. Hell, I can’t believe I’m free. No more running.”
She smiles. “Well, believe it, tough guy. You’re too stubborn to give up.”
I laugh, then go quiet. “I almost lost you, Aubrey. I almost fucked everything up for good. I’ve been running so long that I forgot what it actually felt like to have something to lose.”
She wraps her arms tightly around my middle, burying her face in my chest. “You didn’t lose me. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere, Dean.”
I lean my face in her neck, breathing her in.
For the first time, I let myself believe it.
“I’m done running, baby. I want to be here.
With you. I want to have a boring life, where we drink coffee together every morning, fight over bills, and you yelling at me for leaving my socks everywhere.
I want to wake up knowing you’re next to me.
I want all of it. You’re it, Aubrey. You’re home. ”
She looks up at me with tears in her eyes, smiling through them. “You’re going soft on me, Dean Michaels.”
I lean down, kissing her slow and hungry…like I can’t get enough.
Maybe I won’t.
Right then, something clicks inside me. Fuck it.
I drop to one knee right there in the middle of the Mountain View lobby with Savannah still popping that damn gum, while humming some pop song behind the desk.
She must look up and notice what’s happening, because all I hear next is a high-pitched squeal, and “Shut up!”
Aubrey’s eyes go wide. “Dean, what are you…?”
Not taking my eyes off her, I say, “Aubrey Ryan, I know this is sudden, and I don’t have a ring, but will you marry me? Will you make an honest man out of the most dishonest bastard you know?”
She bursts out laughing, tears streaming down her face. “Yes, you idiot! Yes, yes, yes!” I stand just in time for her to throw herself into my arms.
Someone starts clapping. I look up, startled, and see a kid standing in the doorway. Actually, no, not a kid. A younger version of myself, with a duffel bag slung over his shoulder, messy dark hair, and wild eyes.
Bane.
My breath catches. “Holy shit. Bane?”
He drops his bag, grinning wide. “Hey, big brother.”
I set Aubrey down, and I’m across the room in three strides, pulling him into a hug so hard he wheezes. “Jesus, Bane. Where…how…?”
He laughs, slapping my back. “Long story. I guess I got tired of running too.”
Aubrey wipes her eyes, grinning at us, while Savannah comes out from behind the desk, pretending not to notice. But she’s definitely noticing. When Savannah and Bane lock eyes, the air crackles, like a fuse was just lit. Aubrey looks at me with a raised eyebrow. She must feel it too.
Savannah finally speaks up, arms crossed and with cool confidence. “So, you’re the infamous Bane Michaels. I’ve heard a lot about you. Can’t say any of it was good.”
“Savannah!” Aubrey gives her a look of disapproval.
“What? It’s true…” she states, popping her gum.
“Wait. How do you two know each other?” I ask, looking back and forth between the two of them. With their gazes remaining locked on each other, Bane gives her that cocky Michaels’ grin. Aw, hell. Here we go.
“Well then, I guess you’ll have to make up your own mind, sweetheart.”
She tries to hold back a smirk, losing terribly. And I swear there’s something between them that could torch this whole damn inn.
Aubrey slides her hand into mine. “Looks like trouble runs in the family.”
I squeeze her fingers. “Yeah, but this time? I think we’re finally right where we belong.”
Crystal Falls feels like home, and for the first time in my whole fucked-up life, I know I’m not running anymore…I’m staying.
For Aubrey.
Hell, now it looks like for my little brother, too. Maybe even for Savannah, whose fire could burn up any darkness.
I’ve got my future in my arms, my past that just walked through the door. And for the first time in a long time. I’m not afraid.
Not even a little.