“What?”

  “I know, but what was I supposed to do? I couldn’t throw him out of his own home. I couldn’t do that and stay here happily with Saxon.”

  Piper sighs, and I know that’s what most people would do if they got wind of my woes. “Your kindness will be the death of you, Lucy.”

  “I wasn’t that kind to his mom.”

  Her interest is piqued for an entirely different reason now. “Oh my god, what did the wicked witch do?”

  I scoff, definitely needing another drink. “What didn’t she do? Let’s just say I’m now at the top of her shit list, but instead of my name, she has listed me as a tramp.”

  “That…bitch.”

  “It’s okay. Her opinion means nothing to me. I’m just focusing on the positives.”

  “Like…?”

  I’m thankful to change the subject, especially to talk about my man. “Like how amazing Saxon is. Like how I’m selling my home.” I bite my lip, wondering if I should reveal what’s on my mind. “Like how maybe, I might…move.” I cringe, waiting for her response.

  “Move where?”

  Here goes nothing. “I’m not too sure. Oregon, maybe?”

  “No…fucking…way. Really?”

  It’s the first time I’ve even considered it, but it seems inevitable. Saxon’s home is there. But mine is here.

  “I’ll miss you.”

  Frowning, I know the feeling all too well. “I’ll miss you too. But nothing is confirmed,” I say more for myself than for her sake. Nothing is decided anyway, so I decide not to dwell on it until I have to.

  “Well, in any case, you owe me a girls’ night out.”

  “I do.” That sounds so simple and ordinary. Something to take my mind off this mess.

  “Whatever you decide, I’m happy for you. Besides—” her voice turns dreamy “—Saxon has always been my favorite.”

  Her change of pitch has me realizing how insensitive I’m being. Piper has had a crush on Saxon for ages; she even made a move, but like the true gentleman he is, he told her he was flattered but he loved someone else—that person being me. “I’m sorry, Pipe. I didn’t mean…”

  “Stop it. Don’t even. No explanation needed. However, an explanation will be required from Sam… He needs to explain why he’s been such an ass.”

  “Piper,” I warn. She and Sam have never really seen eye to eye. She’s mentioned on many occasions that I deserve better. But her tactlessness will just make things worse.

  “Okay, okay…my lips are sealed. For now. But every dog has its day.” I can’t argue with that, but I don’t say a word. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  “And remember, have fun. You’re allowed to be selfish every now and again.”

  I hang up, feeling better. Piper always has the uncanny ability to do this regardless of my mood. I make a mental note to send her a bouquet of unicorn cupcakes.

  As I’m tossing back yet another shot of whiskey, a voice akin to sex and molten chocolate floats through the air. “Starting early?”

  When Saxon walks through the door, I take a moment to compose myself. His hair is wet and slicked back as if he used his fingers to comb it from his gorgeous face. He’s in all black—black V-neck and black ripped jeans—which makes his tattoos appear all the more vibrant. His feet are bare, and who would have thought feet could be sexy. But as I take in the tall, dark, and handsome, I know Saxon is the epitome of the word.

  “Yup.” I clear my throat, managing to push out the word after three attempts.

  He saunters—yes, saunters—over with a smirk. If he doesn’t stop looking at me this way, I’m going to leap across this counter and tackle him to the ground. He stops in front of me, knowing I’m enjoying the show.

  Leaning on both elbows, he slinks forward, scooping the bottle toward him. He raises it to his lips, and I’m suddenly envious of it. His Adam’s apple bobs as he takes a swig. I close my gaping mouth. Rubbing his lips with the back of his hand, he slides the bottle my way. “That’s good whiskey. Everything all right?” he asks while I rival a statue.

  “Y-yes. I just spoke to Piper.”

  He smirks. “How is she?”

  “She’s Piper.” He laughs, and it’s music to my ears. I don’t want to dampen the mood, but I need to be honest. “Thank you for what you said to Sam.”

  “You don’t have to thank me.” He reaches for my hand. “I meant every word.”

  “I’m so lucky.” I will never tire of seeing him smile. “Piper wanted to catch up. I feel like I haven’t seen her in forever.”

  Saxon raises my fingers to his lips, kissing them gently. “Whatever you want.”

  “I thought we were going on a date?” I arch a brow.

  “We can go on a date anytime.”

  Even though I really want to see Piper, I was also looking forward to spending the night with Saxon. “Maybe we could do both?”

  He chuckles, the deep tenor shooting all the way to my toes. “Sounds interesting, quite possibly dangerous, but okay, I’m game. If that’s what you want.”

  A giddy ball of excitement I haven’t felt in so long stirs in my belly. I want to let my hair down and just be me. “Thank you.” I leap up, kissing him over the counter. He tastes like mint and heaven.

  Every time I allow myself a small reprieve, though, my guilty conscience rears its ugly head. “You think Sam will listen?”

  “For now,” he replies, brushing away my furrow lines. “He’s Sam. He does what he wants.” Just as I’m about to second-guess myself, he puts my uneasiness to bed. “But now, no one can say I didn’t warn him. Go and get ready. Let’s get out of this house. We’re going to go out like a normal couple and have fun.”

  I can’t mask my excited little yelp but quickly cover my mouth with embarrassment. I sound like a giddy teenager. Saxon grins, removing my hand gently. “It’s a crime to cover those lips. Unless it’s with my mouth.” It seems so unfair he’s as cool as a cucumber while I’m hyperventilating. But if this is what “normal” with Saxon feels like, then bring it on.

  “This is so fun!” Piper shouts, spinning in a circle as we wait in line for our drinks. “Let’s double date every weekend.”

  Saxon laughs, wrapping his arm low around my waist and drawing me to his side. “Usually, that involves you bringing your own date along.”

  Piper blows a raspberry in response. “Who needs that when I’ve got you guys.” Both Saxon and I don’t bother arguing because Piper was way past rational four beers ago.

  Tonight has been amazing. Saxon didn’t let on to where we were going, but the surprise element made it even more exciting. We had lunch at Patsy’s— my favorite burger place in town. The moment I bit into their mushroom burger with extra onions, it was on.

  Saxon thought it hilarious that I ordered a burger the size of my head, but when I order something that delicious, I commit to it. It took me an hour, but I finished, much to the delight of Saxon, who said he likes a woman who doesn’t eat like a sparrow.

  Thanks to me eating enough food to feed a small nation, we went for a walk through town. At first, it was a little daunting to be seen in public with Saxon. The townsfolk were so used to seeing me with Sam.

  It was our first public outing as a couple, so I pushed down my concerns and enjoyed the sunshine and the man who never let go of my hand. I no longer see the resemblances between Saxon and Sam because they’re entirely different people. When Saxon first arrived, I couldn’t help but compare the two, but now, when in the presence of Saxon, I rarely think of Sam.

  The guilt will never really subside for feeling that way, but the fact I’m able to move on proves that maybe one day I will make peace with what I did.

  Once we were all walked out, we went to pick up Piper. Saxon had retrieved my Jeep from Sawbuck while I was getting ready. I didn’t know how he’d react, considering what happened last night, but he seemed to want to move forward as much as I did.

  Piper couldn’t look happier when she saw me and Saxon. The moment she bounced into the car, she threw her arms around me and held on. It was nice that my best friend finally approved of my boyfriend, and that we could all hang out.

  Saxon was very secretive about where we were going, but when we pulled up to the big white gates, I couldn’t hold back my happiness. He was taking us to the rodeo. I hadn’t been in years, and I had loved attending with my parents. So it goes without saying that I was excited.

  We got front row seats, which most would hate, but not me. I love being close to the action, and I don’t mind getting a little dirty. The moment the animated roar of the crowd hit my ears, I threw my arms around Saxon and thanked him for the best date ever.

  Engrossed in the action, I found my mind finally at peace. We all cheered and watched on in delight, the excitement thrumming through our veins. The weirdness I had felt earlier disappeared, and nothing felt more natural than watching the rodeo with my boyfriend and best friend.

  Piper, being Piper, made friends with a girl whose boyfriend was a rider. She invited us to a party where all the riders and staff would be after the show, which is where we are now.

  Behind the stadium, an old barn was converted into a very cool function area. The beer and fun times flowed freely, and it was exactly what I needed.

  I snuggle into Saxon’s side, buzzed but not wasted like Piper. He kisses the top of my head, entertaining Piper as she lists all the appropriate places for our next “date.” Saxon can own a room. He always has. He has this magnetism that draws people in…like the over friendly bartender who all but offers her boobs as a serving tray.

  “What can I get y’all?”

  “I’ll have a Budweiser,” Piper says, but the bartender barely looks at her.

  “And for you, big fella?”

  “Just a root beer, thanks.” Saxon is our designated driver. After last night, I think he’s had enough beer to last him a month. “Lucy?” I don’t fail to notice the cloud of jealousy surrounding the bartender.

  “Dirty martini.” I place my order, wondering why on earth I opted for a drink I’ve never tried before. It sounded good in my head. Saxon doesn’t hide his surprise, but he smirks while the bartender looks like she just sucked on a sour lemon. An irrational urge to poke out her eyes overwhelms me, but I tell myself to calm down.

  It appears my instant distaste for her shows because she curls her lip before turning around to pour our drinks.

  I have no idea where this green-eyed monster has come from. I was never this way with Sam. But Saxon isn’t Sam. I feel this immense possessiveness over him and seem to want to mark him as mine and mine alone.

  Piper links her arm through mine. “I’ll help you take her down,” she whispers into my ear. Her comment has me realizing I’m not doing a very good job at hiding this irrationality. Thankfully, Saxon looks oblivious.

  “Where is this coming from?” I ask from the side of my mouth. “Why do I want to rip out her eyeballs and use them as olives in my martini?”

  Piper bursts into laughter. “Because you love him. Primitively. That’s a good thing,” she assures me while I wonder if this is normal. Saxon pays for our drinks while the bartender ensures she touches his hand. My fingernails leave half crescent moons in my palms as I resist the urge to make good on my word.

  “You have nothing to worry about. I’ve seen about fifty women eye-fuck him.”

  I blanch, tugging at my necklace. “If this is your pep talk, I’d advise you to rethink your material.”

  She grins at my utter naivety. “He only has eyes for you.” A relieved breath escapes me, and I can’t help but smile.

  Saxon passes us our drinks; however, he pauses, looking back and forth between us while cocking a brow. “Why do I feel like I’m in trouble?”

  Piper snatches her beer and smirks. “Oh, you’re in trouble, all right.” She sashays off, leaving me to explain her insanity.

  I reach for my drink with a shrug. “I think she ate too much glue as a kid.” Saxon laughs, appeased by my response.

  Looping his hand through mine, he leads us toward a huge stack of hay bales. It’s very country, and I love it. We take a seat. When I tuck my cowboy boots beneath me and sip my horrid drink, I feel Saxon watching me.

  Scratching over my nose self-consciously, I ask, “What?”

  “Nothing,” he replies, but his face tells me it’s not nothing.

  “Tell me.”

  He considers whether to share his most treasured thoughts, and I’m thankful when he does. “I’m just… Never mind. You’ll laugh.”

  “I will not.” When he looks at me suspiciously, I smile and amend, “I’ll try not to.”

  Turning serious, he reaches for my hand, rubbing his thumb over my knuckles. “I’m just…happy. I’ve wanted this to happen for so long, but the reality is so much better than I ever imagined.”

  “Why would I laugh?” I ask because in no way, shape, or form would I laugh at something so heartfelt.

  “Because I had this whole speech planned. It started with—” he clears his throat “—feel my shirt.” I arch a brow, not knowing if he actually wants me to or not. He answers my question a moment later. “Wanna know what it’s made of? Boyfriend material.” He accentuates his sentence with a wink.

  I open and close my mouth before pressing my lips shut to hold back my hysterical cackle. It’s pointless, though, and I burst into uncontrollable laughter. This is so like Saxon. We’ve had enough tears to last us a lifetime. Now, it’s time to laugh.

  “I thought you said you wouldn’t laugh,” he accuses with a smirk.

  “Yeah, but that was before you dropped a line straight outta a frat handbook.” I’m snort giggling so hard, tears leak from my eyes.

  He gasps in mock horror. “Are you laughing at me?”

  I clutch my sides, wheezing for breath. “Yes, I most certainly am.” His amused expression only adds to my hysteria.

  “That’s it. I’ll give you something to laugh about.” He catches me off guard and scoops me onto his lap. I know what I’m in for, but it’s too late to beg for mercy when he tickles me without remorse.

  “Stop!” I cry, wiggling like a worm on a hook. But it only encourages him to torture me further. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry.” I’m gasping for breath. When he ceases, I can’t help my smart mouth. “I’m sorry you’re such a cheeseball.”

  “Oh, that’s it.” His fingers are relentless as he steps up the ante, ensuring no part of me remains untickled.

  Anyone looking on would think we’re completely crazy, but I don’t care. This is the most fun I’ve had in forever.

  “Give up!” he demands, continuing to tickle my sides.

  “Never!”

  “Okay, have it your way then.” One minute, I’m wiggling on his lap, and the next, I’m sprawled on my back, his body covering mine. Our chests are rising and falling, our breaths mingling as one. He pins my arms above me, clasping my wrists in one hand. With his hardened chest pressed against mine, I can’t help the whimper that escapes me. The mood suddenly shifts, and I’m breathless for a whole different reason.

  His hair flips forward, his eyes feral as he scours over every inch of my face before working his way down. “Now that I’ve got you, I don’t plan on letting you go.” I know he means that in every way.

  A threat has never sounded more welcoming. “Good. I’m quite content where I am.” This man oozes sex appeal. He smirks, and his dimple punches me low. We’re in a room full of people, but no one exists but us. That’s how I forever feel when we’re together.

  I don’t know what comes over me, but I’m caught in the moment and decide not to overthink it. “Take me to Oregon.”

  “What?” I’ve caught him off guard. It’s a nice change. He loosens his hold, but I don’t move.

  “I want to go to Oregon,” I repeat in case he didn’t hear me right the first time around.

  “Now? To live?” I giggle, pressing a hand against his chest. He sits upright while I follow.

  “Settle down, cowboy. I meant, I want to see what you do. Where you live. And then we’ll take it from there.” When he stares, unmoving, a sense of dread overcomes me. I wet my lips. “I thought you’d be happy.”

  “I am!” he shouts, a zap of electricity bringing him back to life. “I’m just a little shocked.”

  “Why?”

  “Montana is your home.”

  “I thought it was, but houses, they come and go. But this—” I press my palm flat on his chest over his heart “—this will be forever.” Saxon shakes his head in awe.

  I know this comes as a shock. It does for me too. I’ve been unable to decide because I’m afraid, but I’m tired of being frightened. I have to try because, in the end, you just want to be with the one who makes you laugh. Saxon has breathed new life into me, and I can’t wait to dance beneath the fireworks.

  The song changes, and the lights dim. Saxon locks his fingers over mine. The song choice couldn’t be more perfect. “Dance with me?” I nod, too afraid to speak.

  When he stands and offers me his hand, I accept. The moment we make contact, I know everything before I love you doesn’t count. This is our second chance, and I intend to embrace it with both hands.

  Saxon guides me to the dance floor and smiles when I suddenly swallow, nervous. I can’t remember the last time I danced. “I’ve got you,” he says, pulling me toward him and taking the lead.

  I settle against him, allowing Saxon and the music to whisk me away. He holds tight, slow dancing with me to the most beautiful song in the world. But when he leans down and sings the chorus of “Amazed” by Lonestar into my ear, this song will forever be ours.

  When he declares his love through the lyrics, crooning that it just keeps getting better, I can’t help the tears. I press my cheek to his chest, locking my arms around his neck. We sway to the music as Saxon serenades me with a voice sent from above.

  I close my eyes, lulled into a calm state, the white noise finally fading. On the cusp of paradise, another revelation reveals itself, but I knew it was always there. I want to spend the rest of my life with this man, and just as our background melody states, I’m amazed by Saxon Stone.