Page 24 of Her Grumpy Lumberjack

“I don’t know,” I tell him honestly, pressing my lips together. Tears are pricking behind my eyes, but I force them back. “I never should have come here in the first place. I don’t know what I was thinking. I was stupid to think I could make this work.”

“Sienna, what are you talking about?”

I throw my hands up in frustration, ignoring my suitcase as it topples over. “All of this was just a stupid fantasy. The cabin, the writing, all of it. I shouldn’t be here.”

“That’s not true, Sienna.” Chase scowls at me. “You know it’s not true.”

I let out a harsh breath, scowling right back at him. “You don’t have to keep pretending. I know you don’t want me here.”

“Are you kidding?” He looks bewildered as he takes a step toward me. “I want you here more than anything.”

“I heard what you said, Chase.”

“What did I say?”

His confusion is infuriating. How can he pretend he wasn’t talking about this just a few minutes ago?

“You said I don’t belong here with you.” I cross my arms. “I heard those words come out of your mouth, and if that’s how you feel, then…then fine! But don’t stand here and lie about it.”

As soon as the words leave my mouth, the anger seeps out of me as quickly as it arrived, replaced by miserable numbness.

How did I get it all so wrong?

Why did I think he’d changed his mind about me being here?

Understanding dawns on Chase’s face, and he takes another step toward me.

“Sienna, did you hear the rest of what I said?” he asks quietly.

“I…no.” I swallow hard. “But your words were pretty clear.”

“I was talking to my friend Ronan, telling him about you.” Chase’s eyes pierce mine. “I told him you didn’t belong in the forest with me because you deserve the world, Sienna. You deserve more than a life out here in the woods.” He sighs, running a hand over his beard. “I wanted to ask you to stay here with me, but I’m scared of not being able to give you everything you deserve.”

I blink at him, my breath quickening as I process his words. “You were going to ask me to stay?”

“Yes,” he says firmly. “I want you to stay more than anything. I’m fucking crazy about you.”

“You are?”

“Of course I am.” He closes the gap between us, cupping my cheek as he looks down at me. “I love you, Sienna. And if you don’t want to stay in Cherry Hollow, then I’ll do anything to be with you. I’ll move to Denver if that’s what you want. I don’t care where I am as long as you’re there.”

I gawk up at him, feeling like I might faint. My head is spinning. A minute ago I was certain Chase wanted me gone. Now it looks like I was totally wrong.

“Talk to me, sugar,” he says. “Say something.”

“I…I love you too.”

As soon as I say it, I know it’s the truth. My grumpy lumberjack stole my heart the minute I saw him, and I don’t want to go back to life without him. I understand why he’s worried about me giving up city life, but I’m ready to take a leap of faith. Living out in the woods for the past few days has made me happier than I’ve ever been in Denver, and I’m ready to leave publishing behind and finally go after what I want. Maybe I’ll make it as an author and maybe I won’t, but either way, I’ll have Chase by my side.

“I want to stay here with you,” I tell him. “I’ve been dreading having to leave.”

Chase’s eyes twinkle as he looks at me. “You’re sure? I don’t want you to have any regrets. If you want me to come to Denver, just say the word, princess.”

“I’m sure.” My eyes well up with tears. “I don’t want to leave, Chase. I want to stay in Cherry Hollow with you.”

Chase makes a deep noise in his throat, something passionate and full of relief as he throws his arms around me, pulling me close. He smothers me with kisses, his beard tickling my face, making me giggle.

“Fuck, I love you so much,” he says, breathing hard. “You have no idea, Sienna.”

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