Chapter Nine
Nine
As the first rays of dawn filtered through the curtain the next morning, Gunner’s eyes fluttered open.
The warm cocoon of Aubrey’s bed enveloped him, a stark contrast to the chill Montana air outside the window.
He blinked, orienting himself in the unfamiliar room until his gaze landed on Aubrey’s sleeping form beside him and he was instantly reminded how they’d ended up in her room at some point last night.
He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was breathtaking, her hair splayed across the pillow, her face softened by sleep.
His heart swelled with a tenderness that caught him off guard.
He wanted to trace the curve of her cheek, to feel the silk of her skin beneath his fingertips, but he held back, not wanting to disturb her peaceful sleep.
Lord, she’s somethin’ else, he thought, a mixture of awe and desire coursing through him. The memories of last night—which had kept on going long after they’d left the couch—flooded his mind, sending a pleasant tremble down his spine.
He knew he’d promised her breakfast, but he found himself reluctant to leave the bed. It had been so long since he’d felt this…content. The nagging voice of his addiction, always lurking in the background, was blessedly silent.
With a quiet sigh, he carefully began to slide himself out of the tangle of sheets and limbs. Aubrey stirred slightly, a small furrow appearing between her brows. He froze, holding his breath until she settled back into sleep.
Once free, he stood and stretched, his muscles pleasantly sore from their nighttime activities. He located his jeans and shirt and pulled them on, then padded silently to the door, pausing to look back at Aubrey one last time.
A mix of emotions swirled within him—contentment, anticipation, a touch of uncertainty. What did last night mean for them? Would Aubrey regret what had happened this morning?
Having no answer to that now, he took a deep breath and grabbed the door handle. With one last glance at Aubrey’s sleeping form, he turned the knob and stepped out into the hallway.
As he eased the door closed, he found himself face-to-face with Willow, her eyes dancing with amusement. A smirk played at the corners of her mouth as she leaned against the railing, blocking his path.
“Well, well,” she drawled. “Looks like someone didn’t stay on the living room couch last night.”
Gunner felt a flush creep up his neck, but he met her gaze with a crooked grin. “What can I say? I’m directionally challenged before my mornin’ coffee.”
Willow’s eyebrow arched. “Uh-huh. And I’m sure Aubrey was just…giving you directions?”
Before Gunner could retort, the door to Willow’s bedroom swung open, revealing Eli. The former bull rider’s intense eyes swept over the scene, a hint of amusement softening his usually guarded expression.
“Mornin’.” He glanced between Gunner and Willow, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. “I’m gonna put on some coffee. Want some?”
Gunner nodded gratefully, relief washing over him at the change of subject. “Hell yes.” He stepped past Willow and followed Eli down the staircase and into the kitchen. Willow trailed behind. As Eli busied himself with the coffee maker, Gunner found himself drawn to the stove.
“How ’bout some pancakes?” he asked. “Do you have all the ingredients?”
“We do,” Willow said, and she fetched him the ingredients.
As Gunner began making the pancakes and Willow began frying up bacon, a comfortable silence settled between them. It felt easy, natural, as much as Gunner felt with Jaxon and Eli.
“So,” Willow said, breaking the quiet, “are you planning on sticking around Timber Falls for a while?”
Gunner paused, considering. The question carried more weight than its casual delivery suggested. Willow was worried about Aubrey. “I have no plans to leave anytime soon,” he replied softly.
“Well, then, that’s good,” Willow said with a smirk.
Just then, Charly breezed into the kitchen, her hair tousled from sleep. Apparently, she had stayed over in her old room last night. She stopped short at the sight of Gunner, her eyes widening slightly.
“Well, this is a surprise,” she said, recovering quickly. “I thought you’d have hightailed it out of here by now.”
Gunner grinned, pouring the pancake mixture into the pan. “And miss out on all this charming company? Not a chance.”
Charly shook her head, laughing as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
“He came out of Aubrey’s room this morning,” Willow said.
Charly chuckled. “Oh, is that so?”
“Mmm hmm,” was the only reply Gunner was going to give.
The sizzle of bacon filled the kitchen as Willow flipped the last strips and Gunner had a stack of pancakes made.
He inhaled deeply, savoring the smoky aroma, when a soft creak from the hallway caught his attention.
His heart skipped a beat as Aubrey appeared in the doorway, her presence instantly transforming the room.
She stood there in an oversized T-shirt and flannel pajama bottoms, her hair an absolute mess from sleep. But it was her eyes, those striking eyes, that captivated him. They sparkled with shyness and warmth that made his chest tighten.
“Mornin’, darlin’,” he drawled, unable to keep the admiration from his voice. The world around him seemed to fade, leaving only Aubrey in sharp focus.
Without a second thought, and letting everyone there know the new development between them, Gunner crossed the room in three long strides. His hands found her waist, pulling her close as his lips met hers in a passionate kiss. Aubrey melted into him, her fingers threading through his hair.
Time stood still as they lost themselves in the embrace. His mind raced with a jumble of emotions—desire, tenderness, and a surprising sense of rightness. When they finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers, drinking in her closeness.
“Well, good morning to you, too,” Aubrey whispered, a shy smile playing on her lips.
Gunner became acutely aware of the silence that had fallen over the kitchen. He turned, still keeping an arm around Aubrey’s waist, to find their friends staring at them.
“I, uh…” he started, suddenly feeling like a teenager caught necking behind the barn. “The pancakes are ready. Eat up.”
The group settled around the breakfast table, plates piled high with crispy bacon and golden pancakes. Gunner couldn’t help but steal glances at Aubrey, marveling at how natural it felt to have her by his side. The silence stretched, thick with unspoken questions, until Eli cleared his throat.
“So,” Eli said, his eyes twinkling with mischief, “are we gonna address the bull in the room, or do I gotta spell it out?” He gestured between Gunner and Aubrey with his fork. “You two seem awful cozy this mornin’. Anything you’d like to share with the class?”
Gunner felt heat creep up his neck. He opened his mouth to respond, but Aubrey beat him to it.
“Well, Eli,” she said, her voice steady and confident, “if you must know, Gunner and I are…exploring things, as I’m sure you could plainly tell.” She reached for Gunner’s hand under the table, giving it a squeeze. “It’s new.”
Gunner’s heart soared at her words. He’d been worried she might shy away, put up those walls he’d seen her build around herself. But here she was, asserting their connection without hesitation.
“Exploring, huh?” Eli chimed in, a grin spreading across his face. “Is that what we’re calling it these days?”
Laughter erupted around the table, breaking the last of the tension. Gunner felt a surge of gratitude for this found family, their easy acceptance warming him from the inside out.
Charly cleared her throat, drawing attention away from the newly minted couple.
“As heartwarming as this is,” she said with a wry smile, “I’m glad we’re all here, because we’ve got some business to discuss.
” She turned to Aubrey, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“The bar’s numbers are looking great this month.
That new cocktail menu you came up with is really bringing in the crowds, and even with hiring Chef Miguel to take over for you there, we’re doing great. ”
Aubrey smiled, chewing her pancake. “That’s fantastic news!”
As the women dove into a spirited discussion about the bar’s future, Gunner found himself marveling at Aubrey’s passion. Her eyes sparkled as she gestured animatedly, describing flavor combinations that made his mouth water.
“Another thing on our plate is entertainment for the wedding,” Charly said, seamlessly shifting gears. “Can you help with that, Aubrey, as well as handle the caterer since that’s right up your alley?”
Aubrey nodded. “Of course.”
Eli added, “Well, we’ve already got one thing sorted. Our very own country superstar can provide the music, right, Gunner?”
All eyes turned to Gunner, and he felt a familiar flutter of nerves in his stomach. It had been a while since he’d performed for more than the regulars at The Naked Moose. But as he looked around at the expectant faces of his friends, he knew he couldn’t say no.
“I’d be honored,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Though I might be a bit rusty. It’s been a while since I played for a larger group.”
Aubrey squeezed his hand under the table, her touch grounding him. “You’ll be amazing,” she whispered, her faith in him shining through her words.
“I do appreciate the offer,” Charly said. “But Jaxon really wants you to enjoy the wedding, not play at it.”
Gunner leaned back in his chair, a crooked smile playing on his lips.
“You know, I might be able to do you one better than just me and my guitar,” he said.
“We can use the band I’ve been playing with at the bar, but I know someone who would be perfect.
Her name is Jessie. She’s on tour right now, but she’ll be done by the time the wedding rolls around. ”
Charly’s eyes widened with excitement. “Are you serious? That would be incredible!”
“Damn straight,” Gunner replied, winking at her. “I’ll reach out to her.”
As the others chattered excitedly about the possibilities, Gunner smiled. It had been a long time since he’d felt this…useful. This wanted. He caught Aubrey’s eye across the table, and the pride shining in her gaze made his heart skip a beat.
Eli pushed back from the table, his chair scraping against the floor. “As much as I’d love to sit here and enjoy the conversation and the warmth, I’ve got work to do.” He turned to Gunner, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “I’m headed to the ranch, if you want a ride.”
Gunner nodded, rising to his feet. “Count me in.”
As they started clearing the table, Gunner found himself marveling at how natural it all felt.
The easy banter, the sense of purpose, the way they all moved around each other like a well-oiled machine.
For a moment, he let himself imagine a life like this—waking up to Aubrey every morning, sharing breakfast with friends, heading out to work at the ranch instead of chasing the next big hit.
It was terrifying. And exhilarating.
“You coming, Woods?” Eli called from the doorway, keys jingling in his hand. “Or are you gonna stand there daydreaming all day?”
Gunner shook himself out of his reverie. “I’m right behind you,” he replied, grabbing his cowboy hat from the counter. He turned back, finding Aubrey at the sink. As she began to scrub a plate, he closed in on her.
“Forgot something,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble even to his own ears.
Aubrey’s breath hitched. “Oh? And what might that be?”
Instead of answering, Gunner brushed her hair aside and pressed his lips to the sensitive spot just below her ear. The kiss was tender, a stark contrast to the passionate encounters they’d shared last night.
“That,” Gunner whispered against her skin.
Aubrey leaned back into him. “You’re going to be late,” she managed.
Gunner chuckled and said, “Worth it,” before sliding his hat on his head and heading out the door.