Page 137 of Love Me Dangerous

From the barn comes a low nicker.

Henry chuckles. “Leo isn’t very patient.” He slips on a coat from inside the house and walks to meet Linnie. “Should we start with him?”

“Yes!” Linnie joins Henry, and the two disappear into the barn.

Dad and I continue inside. A fire crackles in the hearth, and it smells like baking bread and Barb’s ginger molasses cookies. Zach’s favorite. My diaphragm spasms but I force in a breath.

I knew a visit to Barb and Henry’s would stir up memories, but now that I’m here, they’re more like a whirlpool. It still just hurts so much.

“Come in, come in!” Barb says, her warm brown eyes twinkling with delight as she helps us with our coats and gives us each a soft hug. Inside, the living room is just as cozy as I remember, with a large couch facing the river rock fireplace and a neatly stacked pile of split pine, but with a giant Christmas tree decorated with white lights and what looks like a mix of colorful ornaments and artistic creations from her boys when they were small.

I’m relieved that there are several presents still tucked beneath it so mine won’t stand out. I want it to be a surprise.

Jesse arrives as we’re migrating to the table for dinner, and after quick hugs all around, we’re seated and passing around the good food. Linnie and Henry tell a funny story about Leo and the new colt, and Dad and Jesse talk about a project they want to do together that highlights Big Horn Sheep conservation in the Bitterroots. I try to stay engaged but my mind wanders. When we’re clearing the table for dessert and a car arrives outside, I’m quick to answer Barb’s request to see who it is.

I don’t recognize the car. The bright headlights obscure the dark figure hurrying toward the house, boots crunching over the snow and a duffel slung over his shoulder.

The person looks up as the car pulls away, bringing his face into focus.

Zach.

I stare in disbelief while my heart pounds in my chest.

There’s someone else too. A lanky boy with the same broad shoulders and dark hair. My breath catches.William!

My feet are moving before I can even think to slip on my boots.

Zach’s eyes glisten in the low light as he drops his duffel and rushes to me.

I leap into his arms as he grabs me, wrapping his arms around me sotight. He’s warm from the cab and his wool coat smells of woodsmoke and the scent that’s purely his—a mix of cloves and sweet earth. I inhale it into my memory as he cradles me against him.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” I say.

“Like I could stay away.” He sets me on my feet. In the low light from the house, those deep blue eyes lock with mine. He caresses my face. “God, I’ve missed you.”

A fierce look takes over his face as he leans down to kiss me. Despite the chilly night air, his lips are warm and so welcoming. I kiss him back and our lips turn hungry, making my skin prickle and my belly tense. He pulls me closer to him and I slide my hands around his waist.

Zach releases a soft groan that only I can hear. “I want more of that later.”

I slide my hands into the back pocket of his jeans and tug him closer. “Me too.”

With a soft sigh, he steps back. “Someone I want you to meet.”

I smile through the tears clinging to my lashes. “Hi, William.”

He extends his hand, and I take it. His hand dwarfs mine, but his grip is gentle. “Hey. Really nice to meet you.”

“Come in before you freeze out there,” a voice calls from the doorway behind us.

With a soft smile at me, then Zach, William heads toward the door.

Zach pulls me close for another quick embrace.

“I’m so happy you both came.”

“It was William’s idea,” Zach says, sighing into my hair. “I think it was to shut me up. I talk about you and everyone nonstop.”

When he picks up his duffel, he must notice my socks because his gaze turns playful. “Um, where are your shoes?”

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