Epilogue
EPILOGUE
E than pulled the bike into a driveway.
The wooden house ahead of them looked modest. There was a large shed off to the right. Getting off the back of his motorbike, she glanced around but couldn’t see any houses because of the trees surrounding them.
But she knew that the house Rhodes had bought was just a five- minute drive down the road.
Ethan got off, then helped her remove her helmet.
Cate had discovered that she loved riding his bike. It was so freeing. She almost felt like she was flying. Although he kept insisting that she wear a helmet, even though he didn’t.
Apparently, she was precious cargo.
Yes, that made her go all warm inside every time he said it.
She’d hadn’t thought she’d liked his bike, considering it was quite loud. But Ethan had bought her a noise-canceling helmet, which helped muffle the noise.
“I still think I should buy my own bike,” she said, running her hand over his.
He’d caught her looking at bikes online yesterday and he hadn’t been happy.
Ethan cupped her chin, staring down at her sternly. “You buy yourself a bike, and you won’t sit for a week. Also, you’ll never get to ride the bike before I have it crushed and melted down.”
“Seems like a vast overreaction,” she muttered.
“It’s a promise, not a threat.” He leaned in and kissed her. “You only ride with me, so I know you’re safe.”
He always had to be in control. Cate shook her head at him.
They’d been in Billings for close to two months now. Rhodes had bought a house but hadn’t moved in because he was busy filming. But she and Ethan had gone back to Los Angeles and packed up her stuff. Everything she’d wanted to keep had been shipped here.
There hadn’t been much.
Now, she was working from his apartment. Which was all right, but she had to use the spare bedroom, which was a bit cramped.
Still, she wasn’t going to complain.
She loved Montana, despite the cooler temperatures. Especially now that it was getting close to winter.
But all she really cared about was being here with him.
Ethan.
She was slowly getting to know his friends. But she had to admit she had a fondness for Royal, Baron, and especially Zippy.
A few weeks ago, Zippy’s former foster father had disappeared, and no one knew where he was.
Ink had gone on high alert in case he’d been coming for Zippy. But then one day he’d just decided to relax security. He’d told everyone that the former foster father wasn’t a threat.
Which was odd.
She didn’t get it. But she hadn’t asked any more questions.
Ethan’s family was planning on visiting soon. They’d been talking about coming for Christmas. Something she was extremely nervous about. But Rhodes had promised her he’d be here by then and that he would help her.
Plus, she knew that Ethan would never allow anyone to harm her.
“Fine,” she muttered. “Why are we here?”
“This house is for sale.”
“Okay.” She still didn’t get it.
“It’s a bit older. And it will take some work, but I figure we can work on it slowly. It’s still liveable as it is. And it has the most amazing views. And a room that I think will be perfect for your painting.”
She’d started painting more. And not just when she was Little. She found it soothing. Relaxing.
Ethan grabbed her hand and drew her toward the front door.
She tugged her hand free, and he turned to her. “Cate? Too much change? We don’t have to buy it, but I figured with it being so close to Rho?—”
She cut him off as she slammed into him. Then she pressed her lips to his as she wrapped her arms around him.
He caught on quick and kissed her back, taking control of the kiss. When he drew back, he stared down at her warmly.
Cate was finding it easier to read him.
“I take it you like the idea?”
“I love it, Daddy.”
“You haven’t even seen the house.”
She shook her head. “I don’t have to see it. Because I know that I am going to be happy here. I would be happy wherever you are.”
“Baby,” he murmured softly. “You say the sweetest things.”
“I never thought someone could love me. I always figured that anyone who wanted me would soon get sick of me. But you want me no matter what. And you always do what you can to make me happy and safe. Even if you are somewhat bossy and controlling. However, I know it’s because you love me. You’ve made me so greedy because I just keep wanting more of what you give me. More cuddles. More laughter. More love.”
“Baby, if you’re greedy, then I’m ravenous. Because I want all of that and more. But, mostly, all I want in this life is you.”
“You have me, Daddy. Forever.”