Page 57 of Eyes Like a Hurricane

Grabbing my hand under the table, he replies, “I would do it again in a heartbeat. I plan to live a long and happy life. My daydreams for the future include her, so protecting her will always be second nature.”

I’m not sure whose eyes appear glassiest, Leo’s, Kieran’s, or mine. Little heart emojis are popping above Paisley’s head as she sighs wistfully. I squeeze his hand just a little bit tighter and lean my head against his shoulder. Pressing a kiss to his bicep, I take a deep breath.

This is why I needed to return to Montana. My soulmate was mere miles from where I grew up this entire time. Maybe our souls were crying for one another, which is why I never felt settled in Seattle. It would also explain why I never bonded with anyone there, either. I can’t even bring myself to think of how different our lives would have been if he hadn’t decided to get Finn and I hadn’t decided to upend my entire life. I want to believe fate would have continued to throw us in each other’s paths.

Sylvie’s voice rings out over the crowd, “Next up is our version of ‘I Don’t Want This Night to End.’ We hope you are enjoying our Luke Warm Night here at Glaciers.”

Without hesitating, I grab Lachlan’s wrist and pull him toward the dance floor.

He spins me twice in his arms before bending down and whispering, “I definitely don’t want this night to end. You look breathtaking tonight, Aislinn. Watching you shake your hips, I felt like you were putting on a private show for me. I couldn’ttake my eyes off you. My legs quit moving. I felt locked in place at the bar, completely entranced.”

I kiss his neck and whisper, “Iwasjust dancing for you. Believe me. I wish you’d been closer and we could have been alone. Dance with me now?”

He nods and kisses my forehead. We swing dance through the next three songs. All have been upbeat, and we are flying across the dance floor. My voice is getting hoarse from singing so loudly, and my mouth hurts from smiling so big. I feel like my hair is starting to stick to my forehead as beads of sweat form along my hairline.

Finally, a slow song plays off Sylvie’s fiddle, and I feel Lachlan spin me into his arms. My back is pressed against his abs, and my butt rubs against his erection. I love the effect we have on each other. This intense attraction is something I have only ever read about, but it feels natural with Lachlan. His hands hold onto my hips. We sway and glide to an evocative rendition of “Beautiful, Crazy” by Luke Combs. We are both singing along just loud enough for each other to hear. It feels like a private duet. I have tuned out all the other dancers. All of my focus is on the man supporting me.

His lips caress the column of my neck as he continues to quietly sing. His baritone voice resonates with each cell in my body, sending shivers running up and down my spine. The feel of his hot breath and soft lips causes a small moan to leave my lips. As he sings the last line, he nudges my chin to claim my mouth. The final notes of the song are spent in a passionate kiss. Cheers ring out as the lights come on.

Mark steps up to the mic and announces, “We are going to take a five to ten minute break. You all are making it hot in here.” He pointedly looks at Lachlan and me, still wrapped in an embrace. “We hope you are enjoying our covers of Luke Bryanand Luke Combs songs. We have a few more planned for the evening, but enjoy the good beer and food. We will be back in a bit.”

I tilt my head back and look up at Lachlan’s chin. Reaching back, I tap his thigh to get his attention. “Care for a rematch at pool?”

“You still owe me a trip to adopt a couple alpacas,” he says in mock dismay.

Laughing, I reply, “Actually, that was going to be a surprise for tomorrow. After work, I was wondering if you wanted to drive over to Whitefish with me. I found an alpaca farm and thought we could see if they had any for the ranch.”

He hugs me tight. “Pool tonight, alpacas tomorrow. You got it, Hurricane.”

I squeeze his butt as he turns to walk toward the tables.

“Then chalk up, handsome. I’m not going easy on you tonight,” I say with a cocky grin.

Chapter 41

Lachlan

Monday, June 19

Every morning for the last week, I’ve woken to Aislinn’s soft body pressed against mine. I’m so afraid this is all a dream and one day I will wake up to an empty bed. She is my dream girl in every sense, but as I run my fingers through her wavy hair and caress her shoulders, she feels extremely real.

I slowly ease out of the bed, careful not to wake her. She needs her rest. I’m in charge of the early morning shift today, so although I would rather be sleeping, I’m up at 6 a.m. to get the chores out of the way. Making my way through my morning routine, I get dressed, make some coffee, and write a quick note to Aislinn.

Morning Sweetheart,

I had to wake up at 6 a.m. to get things done before the first clients arrive at 9 a.m.. I didn’t have the heart to wake you. You looked so peaceful. If I don’t see your beautiful blue eyes by 8:30 a.m., I will come make sure you are awake. A pot of decaf is set to brew at 8 a.m. so it’s ready when you wake up.

Adoringly, L

Grabbing the thermos of my black brew, I set the coffee machine up to start brewing in an hour and a half so her decaf is nice and hot when she wakes up. The chores go smoothly, and at 8 a.m., I walk out to the office. I see Ingrid at her computer and give a little nod.

“We had another message from that guy you knew growing up, Cooper VanGarn. He wanted to discuss the terms of us selling some land to him again. We’ve told him no a couple times now, right? Later this morning, I will give him a call and tell him to leave us alone, remind him again that we aren’t selling,” Ingrid says, her cheeks reddening.

I look at her as I approach my desk. “Yeah, he’s tried to buy the Topaz Ridge land three separate times over the last five years. Have at him. I can’t stand that guy. I haven’t seen him in over fifteen years, but he gets on my nerves. Feel free to use colorful language when you talk to him.”

She grins at me and gives a resolute nod. Sitting down at my computer, the leather creaks as I rock backward. My back pops as I lift my arms to stretch out after shoveling the stalls all morning. When I open my office email account, a new email catches my eye.

From: [email protected]

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