Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
JOANIE
As news of Ned’s sentencing spreads through Alpine Ridge, a collective sigh of relief seems to wash over the town. The dark cloud over us all dissipates, and life feels normal again. Better than usual, even.
I’m further bolstered by the finalization of the protective orders against Ned and Greg’s aunt and the news that the initial boundary review meeting for the incorporation will be held at the end of the month. Things are moving forward on all fronts, and I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and possibility.
My relationship with Greg is blossoming, too. Today, Valentine’s Day, he surprised me by taking the day off and suggesting we hike back to our special lake. The weather is still brisk, but the sun shines, and the snow sparkles like diamonds as we make our way through the pristine wilderness.
When we arrive at the lake, Greg pulls out a picnic basket he’d stashed in his backpack. He spreads a blanket, and we settle down, enjoying the sandwiches, fruit, and chocolates he packed.
I can’t help but reflect on how we got here as we eat. And there’s still a question I haven’t had the courage to ask until now.
“So, about that whole thing where you were planning to marry your ex,” I say, trying to sound casual.
Greg smirks. “What about it?”
I shrug nonchalantly. “Is that something you want? Marriage, I mean?”
Greg takes a moment to consider. “Honestly, I’ve never felt strongly about it one way or the other. I’m not against the idea, but it’s never been a driving force for me. I think I only discussed it with Hailey because I knew she wanted it, and my parents were all for it. What about you?”
I lean back on my elbows, looking out over the serene water. “I never thought I’d find someone I wanted to marry,” I admit. “I always figured I’d be the perpetual bachelorette, married to my career. That was the plan, anyway.”
Greg’s eyes meet mine, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. “And now?”
I bite my lip, feeling suddenly shy. “Now ... I can see myself being swayed toward it. If the timing was right.”
His smile widens, but he doesn’t press further. Instead, he asks, “Since we’re on heavier topics, what about having kids? Is that something you’ve ever considered?”
“I’m open to it,” I reply slowly. “But again, it’s not something I’ve yearned for. I guess I’ve always been a bit ambivalent about the whole motherhood thing.”
“I get that. It’s a big deal,” Greg says. “And it’s funny that even though I’ve never cared much about marriage, I’ve always known I want kids someday. “
I let his words roll around in my mind for a few minutes. “I don’t think deciding to have kids is something you should do to please someone else,” I finally say. “If I had them, it would be because I wanted them too. Would it be a deal breaker if I never felt that way?”
Greg licks his lips and leans back. “That’s a good question,” he replies, his eyes scanning the towering evergreens on the opposite side of the lake. “I honestly don’t know.” He pauses before meeting my eyes. “When you asked me that just now, all I could picture was a little girl with your face. Your sass. And how much she’d have me wrapped around her little finger.”
Oh fuck me, my uterus just did a little somersault. Who knew that was a thing? But picturing Greg as daddy to a little girl … holy shit, I’m so screwed. He’d be a fantastic father, of course.
Then, the idea of a little boy with Greg’s curls and bright blue eyes pops into my head. I nearly faint at the thought of contending with two beautiful men who take my breath away. Albeit in very different ways, of course.
“Fucking, hell, mountain man, don’t say things like that,” I reply in a husky voice I don’t recognize.
Greg grins mischievously in response. “Sorry?”
I fan myself. “You should be. It’s all I can do not to jump you so we can start making beautiful babies right now.”
Greg tips his head back and laughs. “So obviously, you could be convinced. Noted.” His tone is so smug and male . It should make me angry, but it makes me even more soaking wet.
Down, Bev. Down. Since we’re neck deep into the heavy stuff, as he said, I have one more for him before I get to tearing off his clothes.
“There’s something else we should probably talk about,” I venture, picking at the edge of the blanket. “I’m a city girl, Greg. And you love the mountains. How do we make that work long-term?”
Greg reaches over and takes my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. “I’ve thought about that,” he says. “And the way I see it, we have homes in both places. We can split our time and travel back and forth. Oh, and speaking of travel, I’ve always wished I had done more of that. I’d love to explore the world with you, Joanie.”
Jesus H. Roosevelt Fucking Christ. If he gets any more perfect, I might lose my mind.
“I love to travel,” I tell him, even though it’s something I’m pretty sure he already knows. “There are so many places I want to go. And so many places I’ve been that I’d love to show you.”
“I could deal with that. I think I play it a bit too safe most of the time. I could use a dose of patented Joanie recklessness to liven things up,” he says with a chuckle.
I raise an eyebrow at him. “Oh yeah?” I rise to my feet, taking off my jacket. “I think I can bring some of that to you right here, right now. Didn’t you say something about skinny dipping here?” I lift my sweater off and toss it at his feet.
“Are you serious?” Greg asks, laughing.
I unclasp my bra and throw it on top of my sweater. “Does that answer your question?” I tease, starting to shimmy out of my fleece-lined leggings, turning so he gets a view of my bare ass. “Come on, mountain man. Live a little.”
I look back to see him stripping and grin. “Let’s do this, baby,” he agrees, racing past me. Hot on his heels, I follow him in.
We both yelp as we plunge into the icy water, but the exhilaration is worth it. The cold makes me feel alive in a way I’ve never experienced before.
Greg ducks under the water, and I follow. My lungs seize from the cold, and I come back up spluttering. Nope. I was wrong. The cold is going to kill me.
“Okay, okay, this was a horrible idea!” I shriek, laughing as I race back to the shore.
Greg follows, cackling at my sudden change of heart. Dripping wet and shivering, he pulls another blanket out of his pack and wraps us in it, and we settle back onto the picnic blanket.
His hands rub up and down my arms. “Skin to skin, baby, that’ll warm you right back up,” he murmurs. His hot breath on my neck and the shell of my ear sends a different sort of shiver through me.
My hands skate down his back as I wrap my legs around him. My core grazes his cock, and Bev weeps with happiness.
“Fuck, city girl, how are you so hot and wet after that?” he groans.
I grind against him. “What can I say? Bev loves you.”
Greg’s head pulls back, and he gives me a bemused look. “Bev?”
I raise an eyebrow. “My beaver?” I say with a very “duh” tone.
Greg’s head tips back as he lets out a deep, loud laugh so full of joy and amusement that I’m soon laughing with him. The shaking does interesting things to Bev and his cock. Soon, our laughs dissolve into kisses. And as the heat builds between us, Greg slips inside me. I’m so wet that he slides in to the hilt before I realize, stretching me pleasurably.
“God, yes,” I breathe.
Greg’s lips trail up my neck, and he takes my mouth with his as he tilts his hips to drive in and out of me gently. “That good, baby?”
I swirl my hips with him, the soft strokes stimulating in a way I’ve never experienced before. The press of his chest against mine, our hearts beating in tandem, is almost overwhelming. “So good,” I agree.
His lips gently pry mine open, his tongue stroking against mine. Greg runs his fingers down my back as his cock slides deeply and firmly inside me. The tight fit of him against me has my clit rubbing the base of his cock with every push. My orgasm builds inch by inch as our bodies stay locked together. I can’t help the low moans that slip out of me.
“Damn, Joanie, how is making love to you just as good as fucking you senseless?” Greg whispers in my ear.
My core tightens, and I arch into him, pushing him deeper inside. It takes him a fraction of a second to realize he should keep talking.
“Your pussy feels so good around me, baby,” he continues. “So wet for me. So beautiful. You’re beautiful.” He kisses under my ear as he gradually ramps up his pace. “Hearing how much pleasure I give you? Such a fucking turn-on.” He pumps harder, and I groan.
“Yes, just like that. I want to hear you come on my cock. I want to love you until you come apart and squeeze me, baby. Ride me, Joanie. You own this dick. You own me.”
I buck my hips hard at his sweet, dirty words. I look into his eyes as I chase my orgasm. The love and lust in them nearly undoes me. “You’re mine,” I tell him.
He nods and bites my bottom lip, sweeping his tongue into my mouth. “Ride me like I’m yours. Because I am. Every fucking inch of that cock is yours.” He reaches a hand down and squeezes my breast gently, flicking his thumb over my nipple. “Every inch of my body is yours. Take it, Joanie.” He tilts his hips faster to meet mine. My breaths turn shallow and rapid, and I feel myself hanging on the edge. “I love you, Joanie Morris. You’re all mine.” He punctuates his words with thrusts, and I’m a goner, tumbling into ecstasy. And he tumbles with me, moaning and biting my shoulder gently as he comes apart with me.
Afterward, as we lay tangled together, Greg strokes my hair and says softly, “I meant every word, you know. I can’t imagine my future without you in it. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone.”
Tears prick at my eyes, and I bury my face in his chest. “I love you too, Greg. So much it scares me sometimes.” I look up into his eyes, deciding to let him see the love and fear in mine. “But you know that never stops me.”
He chuckles and kisses my forehead tenderly. “Good. Because I want you to move in with me,” he says. “I know you have to go back to Seattle at some point, and I understand that. But I want my home to be yours whenever you’re in Alpine Ridge. It feels empty now when you’re not there.” He strokes a thumb over my cheek as he looks into my eyes.
I swallow hard, emotion clogging my throat as I envision nights spent fucking this man in every way possible. Mornings in his arms. And so much more in between.
“Okay,” I agree. “Yes. I want that, too.”
Greg’s answering grin crinkles the corners of his eyes, and we seal it with a kiss. Amazingly, I’m not even a little bit afraid. Instead, I feel a sense of rightness settle over me. I’m not running from commitment for the first time in my life. I’m running toward a future with this incredible man by my side. It’s like winning a big court case, Christmas morning, and a dozen orgasms all rolled up into one amazing feeling.
The high of it lasts the whole hike back. The time is filled with laughter and stolen kisses, our hearts light and full of love. And as we make our way down the trail, hand in hand, I can’t help but marvel at how much has changed in such a short time.
When I first came to Alpine Ridge, I was adrift — wondering what was next after escaping the confines of my crappy job, unsure of my next steps. But now? Now I have a purpose, a passion project in helping to incorporate the town. I have friends who have become like family. Most importantly, I have Greg.
My mountain man. My partner in every sense of the word. That idea would’ve had me running for the hills just months ago.
But now?
Together, we’re building something beautiful. A life that blends both of our worlds, celebrates our differences, and strengthens us both. And damn if that doesn’t feel like hope.
As we return to his truck, I squeeze Greg’s hand and smile at him. “Thank you,” I say softly.
“For what?” he asks, cocking his head.
“For being you. For loving me. For showing me what it means to truly belong somewhere.”
He pulls me into his arms. “You never have to thank me for that, Joanie. You deserve it and so much more.”
I bury my face in his chest, breathing him in. And for once, I don’t feel the urge to run or push him away. For once, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
I know there will be challenges. The incorporation process will be long and complicated. I’ll have to figure out how to balance my time between Alpine Ridge and Seattle since there isn’t a permanent, full-time job for me here, and my condo and parents are there. Greg and I will undoubtedly have our share of ups and downs as we navigate this new phase of our relationship. Because let’s face it, even though I’m in this, I still come with heaps of drama.
But I’m not afraid anymore. Because I know that whatever comes our way, we’ll face it together.
Alpine Ridge is more than just a quaint mountain town to me now. It’s where I found myself and learned to open my heart and take a chance on love.
It’s the place that finally feels like home.
God, Mia is going to flip. The thought makes me laugh, and Greg looks at me as we climb into the truck.
“What?” he asks curiously.
I shake my head as he starts the engine and navigates back onto the road home. “I was just thinking about Mia.”
Greg cocks an eyebrow. “And?”
“She’s not going to believe that I, of all people, fell in love with this place too.”
His hand reaches over and wraps around mine. “Why not?”
I run my thumb over the back of his hand. “Oh sweet, innocent, Greg,” I tease. “I’ve spent years jumping around, doing whatever and whoever struck my fancy.” He frowns jokingly, and I laugh. “I agreed to spend the holidays in a tiny mountain town, assuming I’d have a sexy romp in the snow with the hottest man I could find before going back to my selfish little world. And here I am, planning a future with said hottest man in said town.” I shake my head. “You came out of nowhere and turned my world upside down, mountain man.”
A grin spreads slowly over Greg’s face. “You know you love it, though.”
I tip my head back and laugh, squeezing his hand.
“Yes, I do. Take me home, Greg.”
This time, when he turns to look at me, there’s no teasing. His face is serious, his eyes brimming with heat. “Say it again.”
I grin. “Take me back to our home, mountain man, and make love to me all night long,” I croon teasingly.
Greg gives an exaggerated shiver. “With pleasure.”