Page 88 of A Rebel's Shot

She knew she’d thrown the question from left field, but she also knew he’d had plans for after the summer ended. They both had.

“Come on.” She screwed the cap back on and continued up the mountain in front of him. “Over the last three days, we’ve talked about pretty much everything and anything.”

Except the future.

They had avoided that conversation. Eventually, they’d have to talk about it.

She took a breath and continued. “Why clam up now?”

Instead of focusing on the silence behind her, she concentrated on her footing, her breathing, the squirrel chittering a warning from the tree above them. Anything but the reluctant man following her.

“You know that painting of the plane in your office?” His voice was low when it finally came out.

Merritt sagged against a tree as she reached the top of the ridge. Her dad had had the painting commissioned. It was her favorite, making her feel peace every time she looked at it.

“Yeah.” She watched Tiikâan as he stared at the top of his boots.

“That’s the dream. The goal.” He finally looked at her and smirked. “Fly the hoity-toity mining exec around for the summer, pay off my debts, and hope there’s enough to build a hunting cabin on the property I own.”

“Hoity-toity?” She laughed, even though anticipation made her fingers twitch.

His smile widened. “Totally.”

“Whatever.” She tossed a spruce cone at him.

He chuckled, then uncapped his own drink.

“Why didn’t you want to tell me?” Did she really want to know?

He stared at her, the determination in his gaze making her lightheaded before he finally answered. “Dreams change.”

“To what?”

He stepped closer, pushing her back against the tree trunk. “Don’t know yet. We haven’t talked about where you’re offto next.”

Her heart pounded in her chest at his confession. He’d give up his dream to be with her.

She wrapped her hand around his arm caging her against the tree. “I think Alaska’s grown on me.”

“Has it now?” His rumbling voice curled her toes.

“The mine will need a lot of attention.” She shrugged. “Although it may be a while before I’m ready to camp again.”

He chuckled, and her knees threatened to give out. “I don’t blame you.”

“So, we’re sticking together?” She slid her hand up his arm and around his neck.

“Always.”

His quick answer had her cheeks hurting from smiling. She bit her lip and feigned seriousness.

“It’s a good thing sticking with me comes with that cabin on the lake.” She twirled her fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck as he leaned toward her.

His gaze jerked from her mouth to her eyes. “What?”

“That cabin in the painting. It’s my dad’s… well, mine now. Ours, if you want.” She shrugged, but he cut her nonchalant motion off with a kiss.

His lips were hard and demanding, but his hands cupping her face were gentle. Wild, but peaceful. She loved that he was a perfect reflection of the wilderness he loved.

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