Page 27 of The Wrangler Takes a Wife

Every item was perfectly packaged making it easy and manageable to eat. This had been worth every penny he paid Van.

Chase brought a sausage roll to her mouth. “I can feed myself.” She quirked an eyebrow at him, but he didn’t move the roll. Eventually, she took a bite.

“See, that wasn’t so hard,” he told her before popping the rest in his mouth. Chase winked at her. It set the tone for a dinner where they shared their meal.

While they ate, the sky became illuminated by the stars and the quarter moon. The gentle glow of the moon cast a soft light across the landscape, creating a picture-perfect scene.

They talked in a soft and intimate tone. Even their laughter was gentle. The twinkling stars added a touch of magic, making the evening feel enchanting. The tranquil brook mirrored the night sky, its surface rippling slightly from the movements of nocturnal creatures. Nearby, a field of wildflowers basked in the moonlight, their subtle fragrance mingling with the crisp night air.

Crickets chirped rhythmically and the gentle rustle of leaves accompanied the soft whisper of the breeze, creating a soothing symphony that underscored the quiet of the night. Occasionally, the distant call of an owl echoed through the trees, adding a mysterious note to the serene atmosphere. Nature was the perfect backdrop for their meal.

“It's been a while since I got to enjoy nature at night like this.”

“You’ve had nighttime outdoor dates before?” Chase asked.

Amara wrinkled her nose at him. “No. My family used to camp out when I was a kid. That was when there were a lot more Welches around. Most of them have moved away to bigger towns or cities.”

“You miss them.” Chase didn’t know what it was like to have an extended family. After his dad passed, it was just him and his mom. However, he could see how much she missed her family.

“I do.”

“But you’ve never thought of moving away?”

“No. I love it here. My family is tied to the land. Our history is so rich. It’s hard for me to let go of that.” She gave him a half-hearted smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Shaking her head, Amara handed Chase one of the ginger beers, but he declined. “Van doesn’t put any alcohol in his,” she informed him.

“Okay. I’m just not the biggest fan of ginger beer.”

Pursing her lips, it looked like she was searching for her words. “I’ve noticed you aren’t a big fan of alcohol either.”

Chase considered what Amara wasn’t saying. She was observant and had noticed his aversion to liquor. He had nothing to hide from her. “When I came back from my last deployment, alcohol started to feel more like a need, than a want. It wasn’t a good feeling, so I put an end to it. I haven’t looked back since.” It’s how Chase handled things, if something bothered him, he eliminated the problem.

Sighing softly, she tilted her head. “That takes a lot of fortitude and self-awareness. Thanks for sharing it with me.”

Amara began closing containers. Chase had finished his food, and she hadn’t touched what was left of hers. He brushed away her hand. “I’ve got this. Just sit back.”

Once he packed the items back into the basket. He asked if she was ready for something sweet. “Not right now. I probably overindulged with those rolls.”

Instead of regaling Amara with his knowledge of the constellations, the two ended up snuggling and star gazing. Words seemed like they would be an unnecessary intrusion.

Chapter Eleven

Amara

One moment Amara was nestled in Chase’s arms, looking up at the stars flickering in the sky like diamonds. In the next moment, she turned towards him, finding him staring down at her. The depth of his gaze seemed to pull her closer, igniting a spark between them that was undeniable. She felt her heart racing as her breath quickened. Without a word, he moved closer, his lips pressing against hers in a passionate embrace. Amara ignored how her heart skipped a beat at the contact. Instead, she focused on his masculine, woodsy scent. A needy moan escaped her.

It flipped a switch in Chase. He gripped her nape and deepened the kiss. Amara loved it when he took command this way. She kissed him back, running her hands up his chest. Chase’s grip tightened, his tongue dominating hers. She moaned into his mouth, and he growled in response. Slickness pooled in her core. The things this man did to her body. It was as if his every move ignited a fire within her, consuming her with an overwhelmingcraving. The kiss was amazing, but God, she wanted… no, she needed more. As if reading her mind, he pulled away from the kiss.

Echoing her thoughts, he groaned. “Need more.” Peppering her neck with fiery pecks. His hands slipped under her sweater. Caressing her back, he located the hooks of her bra, freeing them. Cupping her breast, he teased her sensitive nipples. She moaned in encouragement.

“What do you need?” he asked.

“You,” she panted.

He abandoned her heavy globes. A groan of protest escaped. However, her disappointment was short-lived. Chase unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans. His hand hovered at the opening. “Tell me what you want,” he demanded.

“For you to touch me.” Her breath hitched.

Chase immediately slipped his hand into her jeans. After fumbling for a moment, he announced, “this isn’t working.”

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