Crushing on Love (The Bradens of Peaceful Harbor, Book Four)

by Melissa Foster

  “This will be so fun!” she exclaimed. “You’ll see. I’ll call my family and invite them after we confirm the date. And I’ll call my cousins in Trusty, because I know they’ll want to help. You know Wes owns the dude ranch. Maybe he can hold a cattle-roping event and we can sell tickets for donations, or they can bet on it with donations. We’ll figure that out. Ross and Jade could collaborate since they’re both vets. Maybe pet checkups in exchange for a donation. And Ross’s fiancée, Elisabeth, can sell pies. We should focus the event around agricultural things. This is going to be so great!”

  He could hardly keep up with her thought process, and her excitement was contagious. “You really have a knack for this stuff, Shan. I think you’ve found your calling.”

  She trapped her lower lip between her teeth, and a worried expression settled on her face.

  “What’s that look, baby?”

  “I want to ask Jo to help. She can bring birds of prey and give a talk about why conservation land is so important for them.”

  She hadn’t brought up Jo since the night they’d talked about her, and even though she’d said she was okay about the whole thing, he hadn’t expected her to want to bring Jo into the fold of their lives.

  “Are you sure? Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Not really. Unless there’s more that you haven’t told me?” She set the laptop on the coffee table and pulled her knees up to her chest.

  Steve pulled her legs across his lap, bringing her along with them, so she was in kissing range. He didn’t want her erecting any walls between them. Especially not over another woman who was truly nothing but a friend. He brushed her hair from her shoulders, and she leaned forward for a kiss. He loved how openly affectionate she was. He finally understood how a rugged man like Rex turned to mush around the woman he loved. Shannon made him feel warm and squishy inside, even when she made him hard and horny on the outside. Their connection deepened with every minute they spent together, and he had to constantly remind himself that their being together was only temporary.

  “I have no secrets,” he assured her. “But you’re only here for a short while, and I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, so are you sure?”

  “Yes, I’m sure, but will it be weird for you?”

  “Not at all. She’s a friend, and I hope she finds someone who makes her feel what I feel when I’m with you. Everyone deserves that.” He kissed her tenderly. “No one has ever made me feel the way you do. You fulfill my every need—my brain, my body, and my heart. And I hope I do the same for you.”

  Her eyes went dreamy. “Grizz. That was so romantic.”

  “Just don’t go telling everyone and ruining my tough-guy reputation.” He leaned in for another kiss.

  “Jade already knows just how big of a heart you have. If you’re okay with it, then I’ll ask Jo to help. We need knowledgeable people who care about natural resources and wildlife to really sell this to the community. Besides, what kind of person would I be if I let a little jealousy stand between you and that land?” She smiled up at him and ran her finger down the center of his chest.

  That’s all it took. That’s all it ever took. One smile. One touch. One look. She owned him. His father’s voice whispered through his mind. When you find the right woman, she doesn’t saunter into your life. She invades it, silently and effortlessly, like air or steam, and before you know it, she’s taken up residence in your heart. That’s how you know she’s your forever love.

  He set the outline he was reading beside him and wrapped his arms around her. “You’re amazing, baby.”

  “Not fatally flawed?” she teased.

  “Only if being lethal to my heart is a flaw.” He took her in a long, deep kiss. “If you want to ask Jo for help, then I’m all for it, but if you feel at all uncomfortable at any time, nix it. Okay? Do you want me to talk to her first?”

  “No. I’m a big girl. I’ve got this.”

  “I know you can handle anything.” He waved at the papers he’d set down. “Look how much you’ve already done. You’ve managed to come up with an entire marketing plan. I love the idea of certificates of adoption for donators and plaques for larger contributors, naming rooms in the ranch house after them. What a timeless way to say thank you. You’re brilliant, and I hope you know how much I appreciate all you’re doing.”

  “Thank you,” she said with a sexy wiggle of her shoulders. “But don’t forget, you helped with these ideas. I might have come up with the concept, but you’ve been right here in the trenches with me. Did I tell you we already have more than seven thousand Facebook followers? Thanks to Max’s advice about scheduling posts and utilizing that tweet service, we also have more than eight thousand Twitter followers.”

  “I still don’t really get all that, but I know it’s an impressive feat.” He shifted her legs to the floor and stood up, reaching for her hand. “Come on. We need to get out of here.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you’ve been on the mountain researching foxes all day and working on this project all night for days. You need a break.” They’d been leaving the house together early each morning to take care of their real jobs and had sought each other out when they had breaks or as their days wound down.

  She smiled. “No. I don’t. I’m fine.”

  He lifted her to her feet. “I know my girl, and you need to get out of this cabin and off this mountain or you’ll get sick of me and the mountain. Get your shoes on. We’re going out.”

  “First, I’ll never get sick of you. Second. Off the mountain? You hate going into town.”

  “Who said anything about going into town?” He flashed a grin and crouched to help her put on her boots. Her toenails were painted bright pink, and he wondered when she’d had time to do that. “Babe, you need socks.”

  “Socks, shmocks.” She shoved her foot into the boot.

  “Don’t you get blisters?”

  “No. I’m tough like that.” She ran her fingers through his hair as he tied her boots. “I love your hair.”

  “My father thinks I should cut it for the video.”

  “You don’t need to cut it for the video. You look earthy and artsy. People will love it.”

  “As long as you love it, that’s what matters to me. But my father said that while it’ll appeal to people like me, it’s the corporate execs with strong consciences and deep pockets who we want to attract.” He moved to put on his boots. “He’s got a point. I mean, hair grows, right? And if we’re doing this, shouldn’t we do it all the way?”

  She crouched beside him and pushed her hands into his hair, thrusting her lower lip out in a sexy pout. “You’re my Grizz with this hair. And in bed I love hanging on to it when we’re…” Her eyes sparked with heat.

  Damn, he loved that look. “That’s reason enough to leave it long. I thought you liked it when I had it cut for Rex and Jade’s wedding.”

  Her eyes widened. “Oh my gosh, how could I forget? Cut it. You were so hot at the wedding. Cut it, then grow it back. Best of both worlds, because when I saw you at the wedding? Ohmygod. There are no words.” She kissed him again. “But give me one more night with my Grizz.”

  He nuzzled her neck as they rose to their feet. “I’ll always be your Grizz, no matter how long my hair is.”

  As their mouths came together, she tangled her hands in his hair and he lifted her into his arms. Her legs wound around his waist.

  When their lips parted, she ran her hands over his biceps. “I love when you hold me. I love lying in your arms. I love watching you do anything. I just love how big you are.”

  “Damn, Butterfly. That’s exactly what every man wants to hear.”

  He wondered if she realized how many times she’d said the L word—and was surprised that he had—four—and each one hit him square in the center of his chest.

  STEVE PULLED SHANNON across the bench seat of the truck, tucking her against his side and buckling her in.

  “You were too far away. You belong right here n
ext to me. Always.” He kissed her before buckling up and draping an arm around her shoulder.

  She snuggled right in, resting her hand on his thigh. His muscles moved enticingly beneath her palm as he applied pressure to the gas pedal. How could a simple movement be such a turn-on? She inhaled the crisp air as they drove down the mountain and realized it wasn’t the movement. If her hand had rested on anyone else’s leg, she’d feel the simple movement, but now she felt Steve.

  He pulled onto the highway and she asked, “Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see.” His thumb brushed over the curve of her arm in slow, sensual circles.

  She reminded herself it was just a thumb.

  A digit.

  Slowly stroking…

  Holy cow. Shut up.

  “I really appreciate everything you’re doing to help me,” he said. Stroke. Stroke. “If it’s too much, or if you lose interest, just tell me. I don’t want all of this to become overwhelming for you.”

  Did he know how that little touch made her pulse quicken? “Are you kidding? This is the first time in forever that I’ve been so excited about something other than you.”

  “First time in forever, huh?”

  “I forgot how much I enjoyed the business end of things and using my creative mind. The research is interesting and important, but what we’re doing? Think of how many lives it could impact, not just here in Colorado, but if we get donations from around the world, then that many more people will feel good about making a difference.”

  He took the exit for Allure, and Shannon rested her head on his shoulder, pulling her lusty mind into a more appropriate place and enjoying the scenery as they drove into the eclectic small town. Brick-paved sidewalks, old-fashioned streetlights, and white lights strung along storefronts gave the town a romantic feel.

  “I love the lights,” she said. “They make the town feel like a Hallmark card.”

  “They leave them up year-round.” He was quiet for a second, then squeezed her shoulder and said, “We could put solar lights in some of the trees by the cabin.”

  “I would love that. When we’re together, everything feels romantic. Even when you helped me with my boots. I’ve never dated anyone who was so attentive or so sure of himself.”

  He laughed quietly. “Come on, Shan. How could any man not be attentive to you? And I’m sure the guys you dated were all confident. You’re too confident to accept anything less.”

  “You’d be surprised. Most of the guys I know either use confidence to mask their insecurities or their egos are so overblown, it’s a turnoff. But you’re up front about everything. Your likes and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses, what you want out of life.” Those were just a few of the qualities she adored about him—and what had her thinking about how fast their first week together had passed. She wished she could slow down time.

  “Thanks, baby. Honesty is everything in a relationship, so with me, what you see is what you get.”

  The sound of music floated in through his open window, and Shannon scanned the area for the source.

  “It’s coming from the park,” he said. “Allure has outdoor concerts. They’re probably having one tonight.”

  “Really? Can we go?” She sat up and looked for the park. “I love concerts.”

  “Sure, but we have to make one stop first.”

  “Thank you!” She pressed a kiss to his cheek.

  She watched the last of the shops fade away into the distance, replaced with acres of pastures and farmland. Just as she was about to ask where they were going, he turned down a street, then another, and a few streets later golden arches appeared. She smiled, knowing exactly what her thoughtful man had in mind.

  She shrieked with delight, and he laughed. She knew she talked more than he was used to and reacted to things like an uncorked bottle of champagne, while he was more like brooding wine. She worried she overwhelmed him at times, but if she did, he never let on, and he clearly listened to every word she said, making her feel special and important.

  “It’s Happy Pack time, Butterfly.”

  Fifteen minutes later they were sitting among throngs of other couples and families in the park, with two Happy Packs—one for a girl, one for a boy, spread out beside them. A band was playing country music on a bandstand that was decorated with colorful hanging lanterns, giving the event an even more festive feel. Beneath the twinkling stars, couples danced and held hands.

  Shannon took it all in, swaying to the beat on the grass beside Steve. This was so different from Peaceful Harbor, with the backdrop of the mountains and the chilly night air. Sure, they had beach bonfires back home, but there was something about gathering in the center of town that made the evening feel bigger.

  She sensed Steve watching her. He was always watching her, and she enjoyed feeling the heat of his gaze. Sometimes she caught him with a dreamy look in his eyes, but she wouldn’t dare reveal that. Dreamy wasn’t an adjective she thought he’d appreciate.

  “Why are you always looking at me?” she asked, snuggling against him.

  “Fair’s fair.”

  She hadn’t counted on him knowing she was always stealing glances at him, too.

  “You’re radiant, Shan. So full of positive energy and so sexy, you make me crazy.” He pressed his cheek to hers and said, “Waking up with you in my arms, seeing you dance around in the mornings with a Pop-Tart in one hand and a sugar-loaded coffee in the other, your naked butt wiggling beneath one of my shirts? It’s a miracle we ever get out of the cabin. I’m so into you, there’s nothing I’d rather look at.”

  She felt a blush spread over her skin as she soaked in what he’d said. It was hard to believe he was the same guy who’d turned away from her the first night she’d tried to kiss him. He’d opened up so much to her since then, sometimes it still took her by surprise.

  The band began playing another, faster song. “Dance with me later?”

  “Sorry, Butterfly. I’ve got two left feet, and both have been banned from dancing all across the state.”

  Maybe she could convince him to let her teach him to dance one day.

  He nodded toward the food. “Ready for your Happy Pack?”

  She reached for the burger and he touched her hand, stopping her from picking it up.

  “There’s only one way to enjoy a Happy Pack.” He picked up the toy, which was wrapped in clear plastic. “Toys must come first.”

  “You’ll make a little boy or girl very happy one day.” She snagged the plastic and tore it open, wondering if he wanted children. His words came back to her, answering that question for her and bringing an unexpected wave of disappointment. No dreams of a house in suburbia with a white picket fence and two point five children.

  To distract herself from the thought, she focused on the tiny Barbie doll toy. “Why do they think all girls want a doll? I like the pink streak in her hair, and her purple pants are pretty awesome, but what do you do with dolls? I never really understood them. Why would anyone want plastic friends instead of real ones?”

  “I thought all little girls liked dolls.”

  “Not me.” She set the doll down and picked up the toy from the other Happy Meal, tearing it open as she spoke. “I was into forts and swimming, riding my bike, and anything my brothers were doing. But Tempest loved playing with dolls.” She held up the toy car she’d just opened. “At least with this you can push it around, drive it over ramps and have races.”

  “I assumed with your pink laces…I never figured you for a tomboy,” he said with a curious look in his eyes. “But now that you say it, I can see you chasing your older brothers around, trying to keep up.”

  “Trying?” She waved a dismissive hand. “Please. I kicked ass in everything. Sammy taught me how to paddle canoes and do flips off of inner tubes. Cole and Nate taught me to throw a killer baseball and even spin a football. And Ty? When we were little he was into superheroes. He’s only a year older than me, so we played together a lot. He was Wolverine, and I was
Shanna. Do you know who Shanna is?”

  He arched a brow. “No, and I can’t wait to hear, but you should eat while you tell me, because cold McDonald’s leaves a lot to be desired.”

  They ate as she explained. “Shanna was the only daughter of a wealthy diamond miner and grew up in the Zaire jungle. Naturally, Ty and I played this out in the woods near our house. He was the protector, and I was out to prove I didn’t need protecting.” She held up the burger. “This is good, but nowhere near as good as yours.”

  He laughed.

  “Anyway, Shanna was six years old when she witnessed her father’s accidental shooting of her mother, so she hated firearms, and eventually became a veterinarian. She worked at a zoo, and when her beloved leopard died, she took the cubs and raised them in an African reserve.”

  “Just like that?” He finished his burger.

  “Superheroes can do stuff like that.” She shoved a French fry in his mouth and he kissed her fingers. “Just go with it. I promise you’ll love where this is headed. Her father was kidnapped and eventually killed, but while she was searching for him, she was aided by Ka-Zar. I read up on them when I got older and learned what I hadn’t known as a little girl. Shanna eventually became Ka-Zar’s lover, and together they fought to preserve the Savage Land from outside threats and pollution from technology. Can you believe it? A superhero fighting pollution and technology? I told you you’d love it!”

  “I might have to start calling you Shanna.” He slipped a fry into her mouth, then kissed her.

  “She wore a string bikini, probably made out of animal hide.”