Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Dillon’s eyes meet mine, and there’s a flicker of surprise. “You’re not leaving, are you?” he asks, his voice tight with concern.
“No, not at all,” I reassure him quickly. Being this close to him has turned my mind to mush, and I’m having trouble articulating what I mean. “I just need to pack up my things, tie up some loose ends. And of course, spend some time with my little sister. She’s been really strong, but I know she’s missing me as much as I miss her.”
Dillon’s expression softens, and he reaches across the table, taking my hand. “We’ll arrange to get your things moved here.”
The sincerity in his eyes makes my heart swell. “I really need to pack it myself.” I can’t stomach the thought of strangers touching my things. “I just need a few days to pack everything up.”
“We’ll work on it,” Dillon says, his gaze steady and reassuring as our food arrives, and we dig in, the conversation shifting to lighter topics.
After dinner, Dillon drives us back to his home. The streets are quiet, the air filled with the crisp scent of pine. He insists on walking me to my door, even though his property is locked down like a freaking fortress.
When we reach my apartment door, I turn to him, feeling the intense pull that’s been growing between us since we met.
“Thank you for tonight,” I say, my voice soft. “I had so much fun.”
Dillon smiles, a heat shining in his eyes that makes my girly parts wake up. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
There’s a moment of silence, charged with unspoken words and feelings. I lean in slightly, drawn to him, wanting to close the space between us. Just as I’m about to step back, Dillon reaches out, his hand brushing my cheek softly.
“Goodnight, little goddess,” he says, his voice a husky whisper as his lips cover mine. I groan in the back of my throat as his tongue slips into my mouth to tangle with mine.
He drags me against his muscular body and kisses me to within an inch of my life as our hearts beat in synchrony.
When he pulls back and lays his forehead against mine, I look up into his deep chocolate eyes and whisper, “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, little goddess.” He runs his nose along the side of my neck and takes a deep breath before stepping back.
Reluctantly, I turn and head inside before I’m tempted to jump his bones. I close the door behind me and lean against it, my heart racing. The night has left me with a heady mix of emotions—love, longing, and excitement for the future.
As I prepare for bed, I text Wrenlee, letting her know my plans and promising to see her soon. Her response is immediate, filled with excitement and relief. I can’t wait to hold her and reassure her that everything will be okay.
Climbing into bed, I think about Dillon—the way he held my hand in the theater, the way he looked at me tonight. My feelings for him are growing stronger, and I know that whatever happens, Glacier Pass is where I’m meant to be.
With a smile, I close my eyes, drifting off to sleep with thoughts of the mountains, the stars, and the warmth of Dillon’s hand in mine. This place, this life, and this man—they all feel like home.
Chapter 7
DILLON
She left most of her belongings in New York and wants to fly back home to retrieve them, but I can’t stomach the thought of my mate being anywhere near the asshole who’s been stalking her.
When I insist on paying a moving company to pack and transport her things, my stubborn little mate puts her foot down and refuses my offer.
In the end, she decides to return to New York City to pack her own things, and I insist on going with her.
After an uneventful flight, we step out of the cab and into the throbbing heartbeat of New York City. The air is thick with the scent of hot dogs, car exhaust, and something else I can’t quite place. It’s overwhelming. My polar bear stirs restlessly within me, agitated by the harshness of so much noise and too many swirling scents. This city feels suffocating, a stark contrast to the wide-open spaces of Glacier Pass. I force down a growl, reminding myself why I’m here. For Emilia—my mate.
Emilia squeezes my hand, sensing my discomfort, and she gives me a grateful smile. “Thank you for coming with me. It won’t take me long to pack up my stuff, and we’ll be on our way back home. I mean Glacier Pass.”
She smiles and my heart settles hearing my mate calling it her home, too.
The thought of Glacier Pass resonates within me, a balm to my frayed nerves. With its endless sky and untamed wilderness, I can’t imagine staying in any other place for very long. My inner polar bear grumbles, eager to shed the confinement of this concrete jungle and roam free once more.