Chapter 11
Dean
I tap my knuckle against her window again, harder this time.
“Paisley!”
She startles, eyes wide and red-rimmed like she’s been crying. The sight rips my chest open. My woman shouldn’t be crying. I’d kick the ass of whoever is responsible but I’ve got a pretty good feeling it’s me.
When she finally rolls the window down, I don’t give her a chance to speak.
I yank the door open and pull her out of the car, right there on the side of the road where half the town is stuck in the sheriff’s fake traffic jam. People are already staring from their cars.
Good. Let them watch.
“Dean, what are you—”
“I love you, Paddles.”
The words tear out of me, raw and desperate. No filter. No smooth lines. Just the truth I should’ve said days ago.
She freezes, lips parting in shock. I keep going before she can pull away or try to deny the obvious.
“I’ve been gone for you since the second that paddle cracked me in the face. Two days, Paisley. Two fucking days and I already know I can’t lose you.”
My hands are shaking as I cup her face. I’m still soaked from the river, dripping all over the asphalt, but I don’t care. The whole town can see me losing my mind over this woman.
“I should’ve locked this down the first night by the fire. I should’ve told you you’re not going back to Denver without me. My family’s already treating you like you’re one of us because they see it too. You belong here. With me.”
Cars are idling with their windows rolled down. Mrs. Carmichael from the bakery is openly watching from her sedan like this is better than cable.
I don’t give a damn.
“Stay with me. Or hell, I’ll go with you.
” My voice cracks. “Whatever it takes, I’ll figure it out.
What’s a river guide gonna do in the city?
I don’t know, but I’ll learn. I’ll get a damn job driving a delivery truck or working construction or whatever keeps me close to you.
I’ll sleep in your tiny apartment with the thin walls.
I don’t care. Just don’t leave me behind, Paisley. ”
I’m at my wit’s end, heart hammering so hard I feel dizzy. I’ve never begged for anything in my life, but I’ll get on my knees right here in the middle of town if that’s what it takes.
She stares up at me, tears spilling down her cheeks. Her hands clutch my wet shirt like she can’t decide whether to pull me closer or push me away.
I rest my forehead against hers, voice dropping to a broken whisper.
“I love you. I’m not letting you drive out of my life without you knowing that you’re it for me.” I take a shaky breath, before I beg, “Tell me you feel it too.”
The whole world seems to freeze in time around us.
Now it’s up to her.