Page 5 of Relentless

She couldn’t stop her mind from wandering to ranch business, reminding her that their vacation wasn’t only for pleasure. She had strategically planned to attend a cattle auction near the mountain resort town where they were staying. She and Sawyer had been eyeing a young heifer that would be an excellent match for Lil’ Slim. It was vital to always be looking ahead, adding to their herd of prize-winning, fierce bucking bulls. Keeping Callaway Ranch the industry standard for rodeo was her top priority.

As though he could sense her mind churning, Dallas took Maeve’s hand, lightly toggling the ring on her finger. He moved his hand to her thigh, causing her heart to pound. Feeling the warmth of his touch, she turned her thoughts to the night ahead of them.

The drive was long and quiet, and they simply enjoyed each other’s closeness. Their truck was the only one on the roadwhen they finally pulled into the picturesque mountain town of Alcott Ridge.

Throughout the planning process, Maeve had harped that she would be perfectly fine with a standard hotel, but now she felt grateful that she had lost that particular debate. It was evident what had drawn Oakleigh to book the room at the charming bed and breakfast. The crisp mountain air held rich notes of cedar and pine, and the wooden sign out front readRustic Haven Inn.A quaint lamppost dimly illuminated the path to the two-story house surrounded by woods.

“I guess we’re here,” Dallas announced, shifting the truck into park.

Before he could step out, she reached for him, not wanting him to leave her side.

“You all right, darlin?” he asked.

She nodded.

Pull it together, Maeve. You’re almost fifty, not fifteen.

She nervously ran her palms over her jeans and straightened the soft fabric of her button-up shirt. It wasn’t the first time she had been with a man, but it would be the first time for her and Dallas.

He went around to her door and lifted the latch, pulling it open for her. The moment she stepped onto the pavement, she thankfully found herself again in his arms. She clasped his hand as he ran his fingers across her cheek, turning to caress them with her soft lips. The gentleness of his touch contrasted his sturdy, muscular frame, which he had maintained since hisdays in rodeo. She felt comfortably at home in her nearness to him.

My husband.

Everything about it felt right.

“Maeve,” he whispered, kissing her brow.

“Mmhmm?” she hummed.

He ran his fingers through her brown locks. “We better go check in.”

Dallas pulled the luggage strap over his shoulder and took her by the hand, leading her up the steps to the lobby of the inn. When they stepped inside, she realized that Oakleigh had not been exaggerating about the age of the woman patiently waiting for them behind the desk.

“I’m sorry if we kept you waiting,” Maeve apologized.

The woman’s wrinkled mouth creased into a smile. “You must be the newlyweds, no worries at all.” She pointed at her nametag. “I’m Barb. You let me know if there’s anything you need.” Flipping the thick guest book around on the desk, she handed Dallas a pen.

“Go ahead and sign in,” she instructed.

Barb squinted to read their names as he scribbled them across the lined paper.

“Mr. and Mrs. Wilder?”

“Well, actually, she’s Callaway Wilder,” Dallas quickly corrected. “I’ll fix it.”

“Leave it, Dal. I’m sure it’s fine,” Maeve interjected, giving him a gentle nudge with her elbow.

Barb simply waved away his concern. “Everyone’s doing things a little different these days. No business of mine.”

“I suppose it’ll take me a bit to get used to all this,” he said, taking in a sharp breath.

Maeve wrapped her arm around his middle. She pulled him in close and leaned her head on his shoulder, hoping to subdue his nerves.

“You all come down when you’re ready for breakfast,” Barb said with a sly wink, handing Dallas the room key. “No rush.” She paused, raising her finger as she remembered one last tidbit of information. “And the bossy little thing that booked the room told me to remind you two to stay busy, but no ranch business until Friday.” Barb raised an eyebrow. “And she sounded like she meant it.”

Maeve’s face flashed hot as a flush crept across her cheeks. Dallas let out a burst of laughter, which thankfully filled the corners of her embarrassment.

Leading her by the hand up the stairs and down the hall to their room, he fumbled with the key. She placed her hand on his, steadying him as he twisted the doorknob open with a loud click.

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