by Shae Scott
Chapter Twenty-Four
The morning came with a familiar fuzziness that I wanted to hold on to. I had woken up to these dreams a lot over the past few months. I could nearly imagine the feel of Owen wrapped around me, his familiar scent, his warmth. I sunk into the memory and smiled. But just like every other morning, the haze lifted and reality set back in. Only this time it wasn’t just a dream. This time it was real. He was pressed against me; his breath tickled the back of my neck as he continued to dream there beside me. It made my heart full and I turned gently to face him, because I needed to see him. I needed to see his face. He didn’t wake, which allowed me a few moments to just admire him.
He loved me. Those words were like a treasured gift. I knew what it took for him to say them. What’s more, I’d seen it there. I’d seen it in his eyes as he’d made love to me. It was easily one of the most intense experiences that I had ever had. Maybe we were crazy to think we could make this work, but I couldn’t stay away from him. I needed him. He was a part of me, and knowing that he was feeling what I was, was enough for me to try my best to make it work. We still had a lot to overcome, but maybe we could.
I watched as his eyelids fluttered and he reached out for me. He pulled me closer to him, wrapping a leg around my own before settling in again. I smiled and wondered what he was dreaming about. Was he dreaming of us, like I had been? Or was he dreaming of trivial pieces of reality all mashed up into a wacky version of craziness that only makes sense in the vices of slumber? I could watch him sleep for hours. He seemed so peaceful. The stubble covering his face made him sexier than was fair. But he was mine. For me he was going to take a chance and I still couldn’t quite believe it.
I felt him stir and watched as his eyes slowly opened. The smile that touched his face was instant as he looked at me. “I like waking up to you.” His voice was still thick with sleep as he pulled me to him. I snuggled my head into the crook of his neck and breathed in his familiar scent. Home. This felt like home.
“I’m so glad that you are here,” I said. He grunted in agreement, still not up for real words. So I snuggled in closer, closed my eyes and drifted in and out of consciousness.
I woke a little later to the feel of feather like kisses against my forehead. I opened my eyes and saw Owen looking down at me, eyes more alert than before. “Hi,” I smiled sleepily. He smiled back now that I was awake and moved his kisses down to my cheek, my throat and my collarbone.
“Good morning,” he said as he continued his reign of sweet kisses. I giggled
“You’re in a good mood this morning,”
“Why wouldn’t I be? I’m here with you. Finally. I’ve craved this moment for so long, that to have you here beside me when I wake up is pretty close to perfect,” he said, his fingers lightly making patterns along my skin.
“I’ve missed this too,” I agreed. I took a second to just appreciate the moment. Things had turned around completely in less than twenty-four hours. “You never did tell me what you were doing here,” I pointed out. He grunted.
“I came here to talk to you. I couldn't take the silence any longer and what I had to say couldn’t be done over the phone.”
“Oh,” I smiled, remembering the memory of him professing his love for me. I couldn’t help it, it made me giddy.
“Sorry I ruined your date.” He didn’t even try to hide his smirk. I rolled my eyes.
“He was a nice guy. You didn’t have to be so mean to him,” I said. I still didn’t agree with the way he’d stormed in or treated Austin.
“He was kissing my girl. I don’t have to play nice when that happens,” he said simply.
I chose not to respond. I didn’t want to get into a fight about it. I wouldn’t change his mind and he wouldn’t change mine.
Owen moved so that he was supporting himself on his elbow and stared down at me. “I meant what I said last night. I love you, Ally. I don’t say that lightly. Hell, I don’t say it at all. But it’s true. It consumes me and I can’t deny it, or try and push it away anymore. I just want to be the person that makes you happy. I want to be better for you.” His face was serious and I reached up to stroke his cheek. He was so devastatingly handsome that I had trouble believing that he was real.
“I know how you feel, Owen. I know because I am right there with you. I love you so much and it’s been so hard not having you around. Nothing feels right when I don’t have you to share it with,” I confessed. I watched his eyes light up at my words and he pressed a kiss to my mouth.
“I know that you probably had plans for today, but seeing as I have to leave here later tonight, I kind of want you to cancel them so that we can stay in bed and I can savor you all day.” His gaze was dark and full of promise and I felt my insides begin to wake up with a needy ache.
“I don’t have any plans. I’m all yours,” I said.
“Good answer.”
Watching Owen leave that night sucked. It was hard to watch him drive away and leave for Chicago. I didn’t want him to go. Not now, as we were just deciding to venture down this rocky path of a relationship. I wanted him here, beside me. I wanted to wake up to him wrapped around me and fall asleep to his kisses. I wanted days like today, when we only left the bed to get food, and even then, ended up caught up in passion on the kitchen counter. I should probably scrub that down. I guess I had a kitchen sex story for Cassie now. I laughed to myself as a blush found my cheeks. I didn’t want to let him go when I’d just gotten him.
I sighed and ventured back into the house as his headlights faded away. He’d be back. We would make this work. I knew we were in for a rocky start, but I had to believe that we could find our way through it. I hoped I was strong enough to do it.
It was nearing midnight when my phone began to ring with the familiar ring tone. I jumped to pick it up and settled back against my pillows.
“Hey, baby. I just landed.” His voice sounded tired, but smooth. I smiled at the endearment as it settled the ache that had begun to build since he’d left.
“Hi. How was the flight?” I asked.
“It was good as far as the flight goes. But the fact that it took me away from you really sucked,” he said.
“I know. Chicago has never felt so far away.” I was never one for long distance relationships. I craved contact and the kind of bonds that are built when you are with someone face-to-face. Also, I have a thinking problem. It gets in the way. I was always aware that so much space could cause me problems; too much space to think was dangerous. But I was willing to push that all away. My new relationship with Owen had been built on a different kind of foundation. We had our past friendship that was solid. And now, as adults, we’d developed it more through deep conversation. Conversation without distraction had allowed us to get to know one another on a deeper level. It felt pure and real. It was this that kept me going with the idea of a long distance relationship. We’d make it work for now and figure something else out later. I was willing to make the sacrifice because I wanted him so much. I’d fallen in love with him. It’s amazing what you’ll do for that kind of love. Logic isn’t the thing that moves you forward. It’s need. It’s connection. It’s the intangible piece that makes you whole. You’ll do anything for that kind of love. And I was more than willing to do anything.
“I know. I was thinking…do you think you could get away from work for a couple of days? I want to take you somewhere. Let’s go away for a long weekend. You think you could make that happen?”
I felt excitement build as I thought about having time away with him to build on this new thing. “I might be able to. What did you have in mind?” I felt giddy thinking about the possibilities. I’d be happy just hanging out in one of our houses for days on end. Anything that would get us away from the distractions of our lives and allow us to enjoy each other would be perfect.
“It’s a surprise. But I’ll arrange it all. Just say that you’ll come.” I could hear the smile in his voice. I’d missed him so much this past month.
&nb
sp; “Wait, what about you? Can you get away? I mean you have this huge partnership thing you’re working on finalizing. Is it the best time for you to be gone from work?” I was suddenly nervous that he’d take the offer back. I bit my lip, fearful of that disappointment that would hit if he changed his mind.
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll make it happen. I told you, I want to make this work. We need some time together. I can’t be away from you for very long. I don’t want to be away from you now. All I did on the plane is replay visions of you over and over. I thought I was going to have to escape into the bathroom a few times,” he chuckled.
“I wish you didn’t have to replay memories. I wish I could have gone back with you.” The words were out of my mouth before I could question them. There was still part of me that wanted to hold back a little and not jump in full force, full feeling. But what was the point of holding back now?
“I know, baby. We’ll be together soon. I’ll get this all planned out.” I heard him stifle a yawn.
“Okay.”
“Get some sleep. I’ll talk to you in the morning.” His voice was quiet, full of exhaustion.
“Okay. But will you text me when you get home? I’ll sleep better when I know you are there safe,” I admitted.
I heard the smile in his voice. “I will. I love you, Ally.” My heart warmed at his words. They wrapped around me and it made the distance a little easier to bear.
“I love you. Now get home and sleep. I can hear how exhausted you are.”
“You’re fault,” he laughed. “But so worth it. Good night.”
I hung up the phone feeling hope. Hope for tomorrow and hope that we’d finally find our way.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Two weeks later my plane was landing in Chicago. Owen had arranged my ticket to connect there so we could fly to our final destination together. I was glad. I was secretly ecstatic about traveling with him. He’d finally told me where we were going when I’d complained that I had to know so that I could pack. He’d given in and I was glad that he had, because he had rented a cabin in the snow covered mountains of Breckenridge, Colorado. I was so excited. I had never been to the mountains or been skiing and it sounded romantic.
I practically ran off the plane. I was so anxious to see Owen. I needed to feel him in my arms to make it all real again. Even though we talked all the time on the phone, I needed to see his face, and smell his wonderful scent, feel his hands on me. Just the thought made my skin prickle in anticipation.
I saw him as soon as I exited the sky bridge. My eyes found him instantly. He was wearing jeans and a dark gray hoodie. Owen did casual and relaxed better than anyone I knew. His face broke into a wide smile and I rushed to him, throwing my arms around his neck.
“You’re here,” he said, his mouth against my neck, as he buried his face there, breathing me in. I melted into him, and I realized that we were having a perfect movie style airport greeting. He pulled back so that he could see my face. “Let me look at you.” He took me in, his teeth sinking into his bottom lip as he appraised me. “Damn. I missed you.” He pulled me into him again and his mouth found mine. I didn’t care that we were in the middle of the airport, surrounded by strangers; his mouth on mine left me instantly weak and needy for more of him.
Luckily, Owen pulled back and saved me from the embarrassment of taking our encounter a step too far. I looked up at him, his gray blue eyes dancing with amusement. I felt flushed. “Hi,” I managed. He laughed at me and wrapped me up in one of his famous hugs.
“Come on, we have a plane to catch.” He wrapped his arm around me and we wandered off to our connecting gate.
*******
We pulled up to the most beautiful cabin I had ever seen. Cabin didn’t really even begin to cover it. It was huge. The bright cedar contrasted perfectly with the blanket of snow that covered every surface. The large porch appeared to wrap around the entire house and windows looked out from each side. I could tell the views were going to be breathtaking. How could they not, with a backdrop of mountains like this? I was in awe.
I heard Owen chuckle under his breath and I looked over at him to see what he was laughing at. “What?” I asked confused.
“You look like an excited five year old. You’re eyes are huge,” he smiled.
“I can’t help it. This place is amazing. I can’t believe we get to stay here all weekend.”
“I’m glad you like it,” he said, pulling the car up the final stretch of the drive and parking. “Let’s go in.”
I grabbed his hand and pulled him to the door. I was giddy like a kid. We got snow now and again in Nashville, but nothing like this. This was picture perfect and I couldn’t wait to play in it. “We are so going to make snow angels and a snowman. Oh, and sledding. Do you think they have a place to go sledding?” I asked excitedly. My words ran together in one long rambling thought as I added things to the list of things to do.
Owen laughed as he unlocked the door. “I bet we can find a place.”
We stepped inside to the open floor plan of the cabin. It was warm and inviting. The furniture was plush, colorful throws tossed around strategically. There was a huge fireplace that had me suddenly thinking about making love with Owen there in front of it. I silently added that to my list too.
“Like it? A guy from work told me about this place. He brought his wife up here about a year ago and he said they had a great time. I thought it would make our perfect escape.” He pulled me into his arms and pushed the hair from my face and then cupped my face in his large, powerful hands.
“I love it. Thank you for bringing me here.”
“I want to make memories with you. I want to shut out the world and just enjoy you. I know you wanted to go play in the snow, but maybe I could convince you to put those plans off for a little while?” His gaze turned dark and I saw the promise in his eyes. It turned me to molten lava in an instant.
“I don’t think I would complain about a little detour.” I pulled at his shirt, needing him closer. I watched as Owen bit his lip and then his lip twitch up into a smirk. It was only an instant, so I didn’t see it coming when he picked me up, threw me over his shoulder and darted for the staircase that I assumed led to the bedroom.
I laughed in surprise and he slapped me on the bottom. “Owen, put me down!” I laughed as he continued his trek, effortlessly, up the stairs.
“Not a chance…you’re all mine,” He said darkly.
That I was.
*****
The cabin was amazing. The rich woods gave a feeling of warmth, which just intensified when you stopped to take in the view that the back wall of windows had to offer. Snow covered mountains filled the landscape, majestic, tall and powerful, yet somehow still peaceful, creating an intimate silence. The snow was beautiful, covering everything in an unblemished blanket of perfection. Part of me wanted to run through it, but the thought of disturbing it made me sad.
I stood at the bank of windows, wrapped in one of the throws, a cup of hot chocolate in my hand, thinking of how lucky I was to be here. It was the perfect place for two people who had just given in to love. Owen was right. It was an escape. Here in this massive cabin, with all of its luxury, tucked into this mountainside we were safe from all of the distractions of life. There were no jobs, no obligations, to take us away from this time together. It felt like heaven and I already knew that I wouldn’t want to leave.
“There you are.” Owen came up behind me, a pair of low slung jeans and a flannel button down. I smirked at him as he wrapped his arms around me, pressing himself against my back. “What?” he asked, questioning my smirk.
“You look like a lumberjack,” I teased. He let out a loud laugh and I could feel it against me. God, I loved having him so close.
“You never know if I’ll have to go and hunt us down some firewood. Can’t have my girl getting frostbite,” he said matter-of-factly.
“You are so good to me. Just so you know, I have plans for that fireplace,” I admitted
. He spun me around to look at me and I raised an eyebrow at him.
“Your plans the same as my plans?” he asked me, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
I gave him my best over the top excited smile, “S’mores? You think they have any of those long sticks around here?”
He raised an eyebrow. And I laughed. He pulled me close against him staring me down, the only sign of humor the slight creases at his eyes. “S’mores? Baby, trust me when I say that when I take you in front of that fireplace, the last thing you are going to be thinking about is s’mores. But, if you’re really nice to me…and I mean really nice to me…I might be able to work it into the equation.” He ran his finger across my collarbone, “I’m thinking a little chocolate right here,” he said, tracing the delicate skin of my cleavage. I shivered, my teasing replaced with the hum of want. He did that so easily. My body responded to him so instantly that everything else seemed to fade away, until I was drowning in him. “The question is,” he said thoughtfully, still drawing patterns on my exposed skin, “Is what to do with the marshmallow?” He tilted his head thoughtfully and a smile finally spread across his face.
That was just like him. Take my own teasing and turn it around on me by getting me all hot and bothered. He knew the power he had over me and he wasn’t afraid to use it to his advantage. This weekend was going to be very interesting.
*****
Having Owen all to myself in this little bubble was amazing. I was completely blissful. We had spent the afternoon out in the snow. I had never seen him so handsome, in his big puffy coat, his beanie and his eyes bright with laughter and mischief. He was a boy. He was all man. He was a piece of perfection and he was all mine.
We made matching snow angels and a fort of snow. I had laughed at him when he’d gotten a determined look on his face as he built his igloo. When I’d asked him why he was so focused he gave me a sexy smirk and said, “Sex fort.” I had laughed and smacked him in the head with a snowball.
