Shelter (Heroes of Big Sky 2)

I love a woman who isn’t afraid to eat, and watching Remi’s lips as she chews is my new favorite pastime. When that dimple winks at me, it’s a hell of a bonus.

“Oh, God, I shouldn’t have had that last piece of bread,” she moans and leans her head against the back of the sofa. “But damn, it was good.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

And I enjoyed watching her enjoy it.

“So, you said two women raised you,” she says and leans her cheek on her hand, watching me with sleepy eyes. “I assume Jillian is one of them.”

“Of course.” I grin at her. “And Aunt Cara lives here on the property with Uncle Josh. Two different houses, but less than a mile apart. I bounced back and forth between the two all the time as a kid. If I didn’t want what one was having for dinner, I ran down to the other house. I’m sure it drove them both crazy, but it was a nice perk. Actually, my grandparents have always been close by, as well, so my grandma played a big part in my growing up also.”

“That’s awesome,” she says with a sigh. “That you have so much family. And that you’re so close to them. So, this is an old-timey homestead, then?”

I nod in agreement. “Absolutely. I’m the fifth generation of Kings to live here, and I plan to stay on the ranch until I die.”

“And then your kids will, too?”

I shrug. “Nah, I’m not planning on having kids. But I have two brothers and a sister, and a couple of cousins, so the tradition will live on, I’m sure. We’re a big, noisy family. The twins—my brother Miles and sister Sarah—are in high school. Troy’s the youngest. He’s in eighth grade and has more passion for this ranch than the rest of us put together. He’ll help run it one day, I’m sure.”

“That’s quite an age gap between you and your siblings.”

I nod. “What about you? Any brothers or sisters?”

“A few half-siblings,” she says. “I have a really weird family dynamic.”

“We all do.”

She snorts. “Right. You have the all-American family out here on the perfect ranch in Montana.”

I watch her for a moment and decide just to come clean. It’s not like my childhood is a secret. I just hate talking about it.

“Jillian isn’t my biological mother,” I begin. “My dad married his high school sweetheart because she got pregnant—with me. He went into the military to support us. And while he was deployed, she fucked around on him. She was a shitty-ass mother, and one blessed day, she brought me here and dumped me off because she couldn’t be bothered anymore.”

Remi’s mouth drops open, but I keep talking.

“I was a pissed-off kid. I’d seen shit I shouldn’t have seen. And I had a chip on my shoulder. But we worked it out. I learned that my family loved me and wouldn’t send me away. And Dad married Jillian. They had babies. They’re my family. But believe me when I say that we’re not perfect. We have moments that make me shake my head and question my paternity.”

Remi’s eyes bulge, and I laugh.

“Not really. I look just like him. What I’m saying is, no one is perfect.”

“I guess I have a similar background,” she says slowly. “My parents divorced when I was about eight. My biological father pretty much left without looking back. Mom remarried. Dale’s not a bad guy, as in he’s never been mean to me. But once they started having kids of their own, it was pretty clear that I was the odd kid out. I’m not close to them, and they pretty much just do their own thing. Sometimes, they invite me to things as an afterthought. Last year, Mom called me on Christmas Eve to ask if I wanted to come for dinner.”

“Yikes.” I hate that for her. No one should live through life without family.

“Yeah, well, it’s not even hurtful anymore. I just don’t feel bonded to them in any way. I don’t wish them harm. They’re just…strangers.”

“So, you’ll stay here through the holidays and make new traditions for yourself.”

“Yeah.” She smiles, her eyes still sleepy. “I like it that way, to be honest. It’s easier, that’s for sure.”

She yawns, and I move over next to her.

“You can sleep in the guest room tonight if you want.”

“I have the van.”

“And I’m sure it’s fine, but you’re here, and you’re tired, and I have an extra bed that’s just sitting back there, not being used. You’re welcome to it.”

She sighs. “Okay. The thought of driving back to town and hooking up at the campground isn’t appealing. I’ll take the guest room.”

I grin and lean over to brush my lips over hers. I’m gentle at first and then sink into her. She shifts so I can settle against her. As my mouth explores hers, she runs those sweet fingers through my hair.