Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 24934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
"You're so perfect," Grady whispers as he continues to move in and out of me steadily. "So damn perfect."
I open my eyes to see him biting his bottom lip in concentration. "This is...it's never been..." he pauses, unable to finish his thought. I run my hands up his smooth back, digging my nails into his muscles, needing him harder and faster.
"You're perfect too," I moan, feeling every inch of him fill me. "You feel so perfect."
He rocks more quickly, picking up a steady rhythm that makes our bodies move together blissfully. He straightens above me and runs his palms down the back of my thighs, causing fire to ignite in my nerve endings. He holds them firmly in his hands and leans over me, holding my legs tightly. He works in and out of me, taking on a punishing rhythm as errant strands of hair fall over his forehead and he pants above me. My hand slides down between us and I touch the root of him where our bodies connect. His eyes flicker open as he watches.
"Fuck," the word escapes his lips as I begin massaging my clit. His eyes close and he angles deeper, thrusting faster with his face twisted in pleasure and his body shuddering with release. I close my eyes and fall over the cliff as my climax wracks my body for the second time. He continues to ease in and out of me slowly as my nerves tingle with pleasure. My chest heaves and I try to catch my breath while finding him staring down at me with a thoughtful and sated expression.
"You look beautiful when you do that," he says with a small grin lifting his mouth. I bite my lip in embarrassment and cover my eyes with the back of my arm.
"Oh no, not a chance. You're not hiding that beautiful face from me." He smiles as he lifts my arm away and I roll my eyes at him. His grin widens as he rests on top of me, his elbows holding his weight. I sigh as our cool, sweat-slicked skin makes contact.
"Okay?" He lifts his head in concern.
"Perfect." I press his head back into my neck. Our breathing mingles together as we try to catch our breath. The cool air sweeps up our skin and a large smile spreads across my face as I thread my fingers through his hair. We lie there for a long time in silence, still connected, until finally Grady turns his head and I feel his lips kissing me beneath my ear.
"I love you," he whispers.
I turn my face to his with a content smile and my lips trace the shell of his ear. "I love you back, Grady. So much."
The tenderness in his touch contrasts with the intensity in his eyes, and I feel completely undone. “Sarah,” he murmurs, his voice rough with emotion. “You’re everything I never knew I needed.”
Tears slip down my cheeks, but I’m smiling, my heart so full it feels like it might burst. We lay tangled in the sheets, the room quiet except for the sound of our breathing. Grady’s hand strokes my hair, his touch soothing and steady.
“You know,” he says, his voice a low rumble. “Bear’s not the only one who’s stubborn in this house. You’re the only woman I’ve ever met who could out-stubborn me.”
I laugh softly, turning to look up at him. “Maybe that’s why we work.”
“Maybe,” he agrees, his lips brushing against my forehead. “But don’t think for a second that I’m letting you go, Mrs. Stevens. You’re mine now. Always.”
I smile, my heart swelling with a happiness I never thought I’d find. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.”
Epilogue
Grady–one week later
The Phantom River glimmers like molten gold under the afternoon sunlight. The valley hums with life—kids squealing as they chase each other around the picnic tables, the clink of beer bottles, and the warm buzz of laughter. It’s the kind of scene that feels timeless, like it’s been happening for generations and will keep happening long after I’m gone.
Except this time, it’s not just me watching from the edges. I’m here. And I’m not alone.
Sarah’s hand is tucked into mine, her ring finger glimmering with her new wedding band, her fingers soft and sure. She’s laughing at something Ridge said, her face glowing under the soft brim of her sunhat. It’s ridiculous how good she looks in the simple sundress she’s wearing, the fabric brushing her curves in a way that makes it impossible not to stare. I clear my throat and look away before I do something inappropriate with half the damn town watching. Sarah and I were married on the riverbank just an hour ago, and now we’re celebrating with everyone that matters.
“Grady,” Zane drawls as he saunters up, a beer in one hand and his usual smirk in place. “Didn’t think I’d live to see the day. You? Married? To a sunshiney schoolteacher? What happened to the gruff, no-nonsense lumberjack I used to know?”