“Understood, Colt.”
“It’s Sheriff Briggs to you.”
“Whatever, Colt.”
Sheriff Briggs shakes his head. “Later, Kenzie.”
“Later, Sheriff.”
The door closes and Dean turns back to me. “So, you ready for this?”
“For?”
“I love you, Kenzie, and I want you to be my Valentine.”
My heart soars and my soul is filled again.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Dean.”
“Happy Valentine’s, Day, sugar.”
His kiss seals the deal.
The rebel is gone, he’s just… mine.
EPILOGUE
Six months later…
Dean
I’ve boosted cars. I’ve faced down the law. I’ve faced down men like Tig… and yet I’ve never been more nervous than I am now. Everything needs to be perfect— she’s perfect after all.
Kenzie’s still in the car behind me, something about touching up her lipstick. I’m thankful for the few moments alone I have to get my nerves in check. It’s been a year since I’ve been out, since I’ve found my footing with Kenzie at my side. I’m not the outlaw she met anymore.
But I’m still abad boywhere it counts.
A sly smile spreads across my lips as I recall last night, her back arched and fingers in my hair as I made her call out to God and then to me over and over again. I’ll never get tired of her taste. I’ll never get tired of the fact I’m the only one who’s tasted her too.
She’s mine.
I was her first and I’m going to be sure I’m her last.
“Oh, it’s beautiful,” Kenzie sighs, alerting me to her presence.
She’s closing the door to the old beater that I first took her in to this very same overlook. It’s a lot less beat up these days with a fresh coat of paint and new custom upholstery. Turns out Storm Canyon needed a mechanic and I was the man for the job. It was a real bitch getting permits but Sheriff Briggs helped me out, so long as I discounted the service to all the law enforcement vehicles.
Those Briggs’s give and then they take.
I turn from her to look out at the horizon, the blue sky turning orange and violet as the sun sets. It was dark when we were first been here, and since then we’ve seen many sunsets and some sunrises.Hell, we’ve even had a few afternoon delights.
“You make everything about this place my home,” I told her, taking her hand into mine, leading her into my arms. I wrap them around her snuggly, nuzzling her strawberry blonde hair and sighing. “Or maybe my kitchen. You always make me hungry,” I practically purr.
“Best watch out,” she teased, her ring finger jabbing me in the ribs.
Seizing the opportunity I quickly snatch her finger and bringing it to my lips, kissing it slowly.
“Mhm…something,” I say, feigning pain as I release her hand. “Owe, damn rock cut me,” I lie.