Chapter Nine
Nine
T he next day, Sunday, the only day the bar closed, Eli wrapped his fingers tighter around the leather reins, the horse’s breath misting in the chilly air as he, Jaxon, Charly and Gunner gathered outside the barn. The ranch had been coated with snow that had fallen overnight. Although it was cold enough for their breath to fog before them, the sun’s rays pierced through the bitterness.
“Ready, girl?” Eli murmured to one of the ranch’s trained mares, a sturdy chestnut with a blaze down her nose. She nuzzled into his gloved hand, seeking out a treat that he did not have. Nearby, Charly adjusted the saddle on her gelding, while Jaxon and Gunner shared a lighthearted argument about which trail promised the best views for today’s ride.
Getting out of the car parked at the house, Willow and Aubrey approached, Willow’s hair escaping the knit cap she wore, her eyes bright. She wore a fluffy black winter coat with a scarf and fleece riding pants, along with tall winter boots, and he knew for certain that beneath all the clothes he could see, there were layers of more. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Lord, she was beautiful.
Aubrey headed toward Gunner who held her horse, as Willow approached him. “Ugh. I feel like I’m forgetting something,” she said, patting down the pockets of her thick coat.
“Unless you forgot your gloves, I think you’re set,” Eli said, the corner of his mouth lifting into a smile.
She reached into her pockets, yanking them out. “Wouldn’t forget ’em.”
“Everyone ready?” Jaxon called out, mounting his horse with an easy swing of his leg over the saddle.
“Lead the way,” Gunner added, before helping Aubrey to mount her horse and following suit.
With a nod to Willow, he helped her up onto her horse, and he fought against his touch lingering longer than necessary. He hoisted himself onto his own mare, Maia, a gorgeous black horse that he’d hand selected for his own personal horse to use for working the ranch. Maia was a solid horse, and he spent more time with her than he spent with anyone. She was a part of him now, their minds seemingly linked through their partnership.
They moved out, the rhythmic crunch of hooves on snow the only sound, leaving a trail of footprints behind them.
As the ranch faded from view, replaced by the sweeping expanse of frosted fields and the distant mountains standing guard, Eli exhaled, falling into the quiet, while Aubrey and Charly rode next to each other, and Gunner and Jaxon led the way. Snowflakes danced in the air as the vast Montana gray sky stretched above them. Eli watched, fascinated, as Willow took in the rolling hills blanketed in snow, her breath fogging out in front of her.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” he eventually asked her.
“I didn’t think anything could beat a Montana summer,” she said, “but there is something magical about the winter here.”
He agreed with a nod, resting his hand on the horn of his saddle. “Never gets old.”
Maia blew out a loud breath, relaxing into the walk. The horses’ breaths created small clouds in the crisp winter air as they walked across the snowy landscape. Their coats were thick and fluffy, protecting them from the cold.
“I don’t think I ever truly knew what the quiet really was until I moved here,” she confessed softly, breaking the spell that had fallen between them. “Out here, it’s like the world takes a deep breath.”
“That’s a beautiful way to put it,” he said, as his cheeks chilled with the frosty air. “It’s the best place to think as far as I’m concerned. Nothing gets in the way out here.”
Willow nodded, turning to look at him with an expression that spoke volumes. “And which thoughts to let go?”
“Especially those,” he affirmed, the corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly. His gaze shifted to the mountain range. “After I came back from the rodeo...after what happened with Miranda, this land held me up.”
Willow’s warm voice brushed across him. “It’s good you had that.”
Eli felt the old scar in his chest throb, a dull echo of past pain. He looked at her, really looked, and saw not just the strong woman who had faced down her own demons, but someone who might comprehend the shadows that clung to his soul. “It was,” he admitted. “It taught me that you always find a way to keep moving, even if it’s just one step at a time.”
She hit him with that sweet smile. “I can understand.”
He knew that she could, and he realized talking to her was easier because it involved less explaining. She just knew .
Their horses ambled through the untouched snow, creating a path that would soon be covered again.
The urge to pull back his guards tugged at him—instinct born from years of self-preservation. Yet as he glanced over at Willow, her cheeks flushed from the cold, her smile radiant when her horse playfully tossed its head, something within him stilled. There was a softness to her today, a serenity that draped over her like the snowflakes on her shoulders. It was beautiful.
And so, they continued their journey across the winter-kissed landscape, as he listened to his friends’ laughter fill the chilly air. Eli reined in his horse, drawing alongside Willow’s mount as they crested the hill.
“What’s that?” she suddenly asked, spotting the small log house off in the distance, her gaze tracing the lines of its wraparound porch.
“My house,” he replied. “It took me a year and a half to build it.”
Willow’s eyes widened in surprise. “That’s quite a long time.”
“It was worth every second,” Eli said with a smile, Maia’s gate slow and easy beneath him. “I poured my heart and soul into building that house, every single nail, board and shingle.”
Curiosity sparked in Willow’s eyes as she tilted her head to the side. “Why didn’t you hire someone to build it for you?”
Eli’s smile grew wider. “I could have, but there’s something special about creating something with your own two hands. This house is more than just a structure, it’s a part of me and I’m a part of it.”
Willow studied the house before meeting Eli’s gaze again. “You must be quite skilled at carpentry to build a whole house by yourself.”
He nodded modestly. “I’m not too bad at it.”
“Not bad?” Willow laughed. “You must have a real passion for it. Why did you stop working as a carpenter?”
Eli hesitated, considering his answer carefully. “I realized that my work is mine and I didn’t want to profit off it, so now I only build for myself and others, without the pressure of a deadline.”
Willow watched him closely before saying, “You’re a good person, Eli. I hope people tell you that often.”
He didn’t want other people’s validation; he wanted hers. But he simply nodded his gratitude, keeping the thought to himself.
“When I came back from...” the rodeo , he almost said, but stopped himself, wanting the truth between them. He cleared his throat. “After Miranda passed away, and I moved back to town, Jaxon’s dad gave me a job and that piece of land. He told me to build myself a house. Didn’t ask for a dime for the land.”
Her gaze swept back to him. “That’s amazingly kind of him.”
“Very kind,” Eli agreed. “He didn’t say it then, but I think he knew I needed to keep busy. I needed to rebuild my life. And he gave me the space to do that.” His gaze scanned across the land surrounding his house. “He was an incredible man. The best man I ever knew.”
She smiled softly. “I wish I could have met him,” she said.
“I wish you could have too.” His thoughts drifted to his mother and Miranda. He wished they could have been here with him, experiencing this beauty. He could almost feel his mother’s arms around him, and hear Miranda’s endless chatter in his ear. He had no doubt they would have loved Willow, Charly and Aubrey. The image warmed his heart, and he couldn’t help but smile.
“Why are you smiling?” Willow asked, bringing him back to the present.
Eli blinked, realizing he had been lost in his thoughts. He couldn’t help but smile even wider. “It’s a good day.”
Willow looked up at the sky, where snowflakes were fluttering down around them. “It is a good day,” she agreed, a smile spreading across her face.
Later that evening, Willow’s cheeks glowed with a warmth that had little to do with the crackling fire as the laughter of her friends infused the room with a vibrancy that seeped into her bones. She’d peeled off all the thermal layers beneath her clothes, but sat on the floor next to the fireplace, still warming up from the ride. The space was quaint and cozy, with wooden beams on the ceiling, and the scent of burning wood mingled with a rustic sweetness, and for a moment, she allowed herself to revel in the comfort of Jaxon and Charly’s living room.
Her life had been a mess, with so many uncertainties looming over her. But today was different. Talking to Eli felt different too. They had been friends since she moved to town, brought together by Charly and Jaxon. Eli was always there for her as a source of comfort and support. However, he was opening up more than usual and she found herself genuinely liking what she saw.
“Best ride of the season,” Eli mused, his voice rough like gravel, yet it carried a lightness that was rare for him. He caught Willow’s eye, offering her a smile that was gentler than she’d seen before.
Yet she couldn’t tear her eyes off his sculpted lips. A mouth that knew exactly what it was doing. Whether his kiss was sweet and quick, or downright dirty, the passion was all the same—scorching hot.
“I agree,” Aubrey chimed in, nodding. “The horses seemed to enjoy the ride as much as we did.”
“Nothing beats a snow-covered trail,” Gunner said.
Aubrey didn’t even acknowledge him. Willow watched the two, noting how Gunner simply shook his head. He caught Willow’s gaze and flashed an easy smile, as if everything was fine. But there was underlying tension going on between them. Something that Willow couldn’t put her finger on.
“Speaking of beating...” Jaxon said, breaking into Willow’s thoughts “this chili would win first place at the Harvest Festival.” He cradled the bowl in his hands, inhaling deeply before taking another hearty spoonful.
The Harvest Festival was like the Christmas market, only more pumpkins, celebration of food and pies instead of Christmas cookies, local vendors and mulled wine.
Charly beamed from her spot next to Jaxon on the plush couch. “I’m glad you all like it. It’s my grandmother’s recipe. Don’t forget the fresh bread too, just out of the oven,” she added, pointing toward a basket lined with a red-checkered cloth brimming with steaming loaves.
“Like it?” Aubrey muttered. “Charly, I could marry this chili.”
As they devoured the meal, and laughter filled the space, the spice of the chili warmed Willow’s belly, its heat a pleasant contrast to the cool kiss of the outdoors still clinging to her skin. She savored each bite of the soft, warm bread, tearing it apart with fingers still thawing from the ride.
When the bowls were empty, Jaxon began gathering up the dishes as Charly suggested with a grin, “What if we take this warmth up a notch? How about a dip in the hot tub?”
“Sounds divine,” Aubrey purred.
“Sure, why not?” Gunner said, stretching his arms above his head. “A soak under the stars sounds like a perfect end to the day.”
Eli remained silent, but the corner of his mouth quirked upward in approval. Willow caught his gaze again, a tingle running down her spine. The thought of seeing exactly what Eli looked like underneath all those clothes was difficult to resist.
“All right then, it’s settled!” Charly clapped her hands together, the sound sharp and decisive. “Hot tub under the Montana sky, here we come.”
Willow’s heartbeat quickened, but her excitement cooled when she remembered a crucial detail. “I didn’t bring a suit,” she murmured to Aubrey.
“Me neither,” Aubrey replied, her forehead creasing in disappointment. “Guess we’ll have to take a rain check.”
Charly waved away their concerns with a warm smile. “Don’t you worry about that.” She sauntered toward her bedroom and called over her shoulder, “I’ve got plenty to spare!”
Moments later, Charly returned, an array of colorful fabrics dangling from her hands. She presented bathing suits, a one-piece to Aubrey and a bikini to Willow. “Here, these will fit.”
Aubrey’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she dashed off to change. Willow, however, hesitated, eyeing the skimpy black bikini Charly had selected for her. It was a sliver of fabric held together by strings, more revealing than anything she’d dared to wear since...well, ever.
“You really have nothing else?” she grumbled.
“Sorry, no,” Charly said gently with a scrunch of her nose. “Don’t worry about it. You’ll look amazing. And besides, it’s just us here.”
Taking a deep breath, Willow accepted the bikini. The fabric felt light and insubstantial in her hands. Retreat would have been easy, safe, but something in Charly’s encouraging gaze nudged her forward.
In the privacy of the guest bathroom, Willow slipped into the bikini. Her reflection in the mirror was foreign. She turned from side to side... Dear God! There was nothing to it.
“Okay,” she whispered to her reflection. “You’ve faced worse than a piece of string and survived.”
Steeling herself with thoughts of healing and the desire to reclaim parts of herself long buried, she opened the door and stepped out. The low murmur of conversation in the living room stilled as she walked in.
Eli, shirtless, wearing black board shorts slung low on his hips and leaning against the stone mantel of the fireplace, turned at the sound of her approach. His gaze latched onto her with an intensity that made the air between them sizzle. She was acutely aware of the heat radiating from his eyes, traveling down the expanse of her exposed skin, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.
His body, a sculpted testament to years of physical mastery in the bull riding arena and hard ranch work, was a sight that stole her breath. His muscles rippled beneath taut bronze skin, each curve and angle a silent story of strength and control. The rugged lines of his jaw tightened subtly as he took her in, and Willow felt a surge of desire she hadn’t experienced in a long time...if ever . It was raw and fierce, clawing through the remnants of her defenses with a hunger that matched the one she saw reflected in Eli’s potent stare.
Eli cleared his throat.
Across the room, Charly and Aubrey shared a glance that didn’t require words. Their grins were triumphant. They had orchestrated this, and in the moment, Willow didn’t care. Even if, she reminded herself, this relationship was not real, she liked that look on him. Heck, she suddenly wanted more of it.
“Looks like we’ve been outdone, Charly,” Aubrey quipped.
“Seems so,” Charly agreed with a smirk.
Willow quickly followed Charly and Aubrey out into the backyard, feeling the heat of Eli’s gaze behind her. She refused to look back, not sure she’d hold it together if he stared at her with any more heat.
With a breath that was more a gasp than anything, Willow stepped into the swirling warmth of the hot tub. The water enveloped her, a soothing contrast to the biting chill of the mountain air, but it did nothing to cool the heat that Eli’s gaze had ignited within her. She settled onto one of the molded seats, the bubbles caressing her skin as she stole another fleeting glance at Eli.
He joined her in the steaming water, his body moving with a grace that belied the power she’d glimpsed moments before. The space between them was filled with nothing more tangible than steam and the scents of winter and chlorine, yet it felt charged, electric. Each time their eyes met, a current jolted through her, setting every nerve ending on fire.
“All right,” Jaxon’s voice sliced through the tension, his tone playful and teasing. “Who’s game for a little dare?”
Charly let out a small laugh. “What kind of dare are we talking about here, cowboy?”
“Simple,” Jaxon said, rubbing his hands together with an impish grin. “You get out, take a snow angel break, and then jump back in.”
“Absolutely not,” Charly retorted without missing a beat, splashing him lightly on the chest. “After that ride earlier, I’m only just thawing out. I’m staying right here, thank you very much.”
“Ah, come on,” Jaxon coaxed, nudging her shoulder with his. “It’ll be exhilarating.”
“Exhilarating is one word for it.” Charly snorted. “Hypothermia is another.”
Laughter bubbled around them, but amidst it all, Willow’s awareness of Eli was a constant thrum in her veins. His eyes, a green so deep she felt she could fall into their depths, were locked onto hers again. And though no words passed between them, he didn’t need to say a word. Her nipples puckered, regardless of the hot water surrounding her.
“Aubrey?” Jaxon asked.
She snorted. “I think I’ll save the rolling in the snow for when hell freezes over.”
“Fair enough,” Jaxon conceded with a laugh. “Gunner, show the ladies how it’s done.”
Willow watched the easy banter between Charly and Jaxon and how he’d taken her so tight in his arms. She’d never seen Charly look so happy. She questioned whether the intense chemistry between herself and Eli could ever transition into a steady, comforting flame or if it was meant to always burn wild and unrestrained. Yet, despite her uncertainties, she couldn’t ignore the magnetic attraction that continuously brought her back to him.
Which was all the more confusing since none of this was supposed to be real.
The chill of the winter air brushed against her cheeks, a stark contrast to the steam rising from the hot tub’s surface. She could feel Eli’s gaze upon her like a tangible force, and something within her stirred—a wildness she’d kept caged for far too long—and she needed to cool off...and fast .
“I’ll take that dare,” Willow declared, right as Gunner rose.
Before doubt could claw its way back into her thoughts, she propelled herself over the edge of the hot tub. She squealed in laughter as the crisp snow embraced her in a cold kiss as she landed with a soft thud. Her skin prickled with goose bumps as she raced forward.
“Willow!” Aubrey’s voice rang out, equal parts shock and amusement.
She sank into the snow and began to wave her arms and legs in and out. She didn’t care about the icy sting or the way the snow clung to her barely-there bikini. She was free in this moment—free from the shadows of her past, free from all her own damn worries, and she was trusting in the feeling as the seconds slipped by.
Rising to her feet, a shiver danced up her spine and her breath came out in giggles. She glanced back toward the group, where everyone’s faces were illuminated by the multicolored lights from the hot tub. And there he was—Eli, his eyes alight not with hunger now, but something so much sweeter.
Their gazes locked, and time seemed to hesitate at the way his smile reached his eyes, crinkling the corners and revealing a rare warmth. One that a woman could find herself lost in.
“Get back in here,” Charly called out, her voice laced with laughter. “Before you turn into an ice sculpture.”
With a final chuckle, Willow bolted back toward the hot tub. Her breath misted in the crisp night air as she plunged back in, her skin tingling and burning.
“Atta girl,” Eli commented, pride swirling in his eyes.
“Braver than I am.” Jaxon chuckled from across the tub.
“Or crazier,” Aubrey added with a playful wink.
“Maybe a bit of both,” Gunner replied with a laugh.
She kept on laughing and met Eli’s gaze. The smile he gave her was filled with warmth and served as a reminder that the life she had been struggling to regain was finally coming back to her.