Page 68 of Full Send

I guess this is one way to start a new year.

My eyes linger on Tanner sleeping beside me. He’s still bundled up under the covers, his arms crossed under his pillow. Everything about him is so timeless, rugged, and masculine. In this old cabin, it feels like we could be waking up on the Wyoming frontier a century ago.

My gaze wanders to his face. He was already gorgeous but seeing the details of his face now, with his beard nearly gone and mustache trimmed, I could get used to starting my day like this.Laying on my side facing him, I softly run my fingers across his face.

Every day since this man kissed me, my mind has been clear. At ease. Sure, I was a little worried about getting caught by Collin initially, but even that paled in comparison to the pleasure and comfort he brings me.

Yes. I’m definitely in love with Tanner. Fucking. Chapman. Am I crazy for falling this hard for someone this fast?

Maybe? I don’t know.

It just feels so right. He’s been a part of my life for so long. He just fits in. We’re passionate about this place, skiing, and the happiness it brings us. We know each other’s families. And now we know we have amazing chemistry together.

As my mind starts trying to imagine what a future with him could look like, my fingers tracing the line of his jaw, his head shifts and he lets out a contented low grunt. His eyes flutter open and a warm smile crosses his face as his green eyes meet mine. He unwinds his hands from under his pillow to cup my cheek, his hand matching mine.

“Am I dreaming? Or are you actually here, waking up with me in my bed?” He leans forward, planting a soft kiss on my lips.

“It sure feels like a dream, but nope, I’m definitely here in your bed,” I say, my hands drifting down his side, resting on his hip.

He lets out another contented grunt.

“As much as I like the idea of a morning quickie, I think we’re back on the clock, Ronni. Gotta get Collin and Lizzy coffees and some pastries as promised.” As he says this, he wraps his leg over my hip, pulling our bodies together. In one quick movement, he’s now on top of me, his hands pinning mine above my head, his powerful chest inches from my face.

“Later,” his eyes say exactly what he has in mind, the corner of his mouth lifting, as he leans forward to whisper in my ear, “you’re mine.”

If you only knew Tanner, if you only knew. I’m falling head over heels for you so fast, so hard. I’m already yours.

???

We get to the condo a bit earlier than expected, coffees and pastries in hand for Collin and Lizzy. I know Collin took it surprisingly well that Tanner and I were together. No, not well, great actually. I hope a night to sleep on it hasn’t changed things.

And Lizzy, well her expression gave her feelings away. Can’t wait to talk with her about this. I’m sure she has a million questions already and I’m not sure I want to answer all of them.

As we walk into the condo from the mudroom, Collin and Lizzy are nowhere to be seen. Glad to see they’re back to their usual selves, sleeping in after a night out.

“Tanner, can you go ahead and set out breakfast? I’ll go get them up,” I say, turning up towards the bedrooms from the landing.

As I turn, I run into an unexpected object.

No. Not an object.

A… a fucking cowboy?!

I take a step back to see the cowboy from the Silver Dollar Cowboy Bar the night before, hat in hand, walking out of Lizzy’s room.

Fuck. She really did it. She bagged her cowboy!

“Pardon me, ma’am,” he says with a thick draw as he heads toward the mudroom on his way out, nodding at Tanner.

Well I guess Lizzy must be up. Might as well start there. As I walk towards the main bedroom, Lizzy is coming out of thedoor and starting to close it. When she turns and faces me, her expression is unusually startled. I mean, I did just catch her cowboy on a walk of shame so I guess that checks out.

I smile, already wanting to hear all about how she pulled that off. As I reach the landing, I hear Collin’s voice from inside the room.

“Hey, Lizzy, did he make it o-,” he says, emerging from the bedroom behind Lizzy, freezing in place as he sees me in the hall. His eyes go wide and the color drains from his face.

“Uhh… morning, lil sis,” he says, swallowing a lump in his throat.

Wait. What. The. Fuck. Did they…?

---