CHAPTER14
For Melthe next few hours were a blur of wound care, packing, and giving statements. She dozed off on the drive back to Gunny’s place. All she wanted was food and sleep, preferably with Dean snuggled up with her in the bed.
At the office, Beck greeted them like heroes as they turned in their equipment and gear, including the wedding bands. Seeing her finger bare again put a strange knot in her gut, but the charade was over. Dean loved her and was willing to admit it. That was the biggest win in Mel’s mind.
Before sending them home with orders to rest for at least a week, Beck reported that Atwell died in emergency surgery at the hospital. She assured them that the authorities were moving quickly, gathering up his associates, including Spalding, for further investigation. She heaped praise on them for not only protecting the scouting crew, but also nabbing one of the most-wanted criminals in the world.
The sun was setting as they stood outside on the porch of the lodge and she wasn’t sure she had the energy to make it back to Dean’s truck.
“Guess that means the Lattice Creek Ranch will go up for sale,” Dean said. “Feel like changing careers?”
Mel waved her hands weakly. “No. I don’t want any part of that.”
“Hey, RJ has room for you here, if you don’t want to go home.”
“Oh.” She’d been hoping she wouldn’t have to be alone. She didn’t need girl time or her friends hovering. She needed Dean. Remembering her vow not to procrastinate or hold back, she said, “I was hoping we’d stay together tonight.”
His arm came around her shoulders. “I was hoping that too.”
The real question was burning in her throat, but she would become the epitome of pushy if she proposed marriage right now. Besides, she was a wreck. She’d taken a few minutes to freshen up and change into clean clothes, but she knew there were dark circles under her eyes and her arm was one big, dull ache.
He loved her. They were partners, lovers now. Inseparable on a whole new wonderful level. Of course, she wanted to be his wife for real. Some day. Assuming marriage was something Dean was willing to try again, with her.
“Your place or mine?” he asked, driving away from the ranch.
“I’m not sure I care, just as long as we’re together.”
What was she going to do with all these feelings and heart-shaped demands pressing in on her? She blamed the sense of urgency on surviving the crisis with Atwell. If defeating Atwell at his own game didn’t prove they were tough enough to last as a team and a couple, nothing else would.
“Do you mind if we make one stop first?”
“Fine by me.” The hum of tires on pavement was starting to lull her back to sleep. “Forgive me if I doze off again.”
“No worries. You need the rest.” He reached over and took her hand. That small gesture, the sweet connection that had become second nature during the assignment soothed her. “It could be two stops.”
She chuckled. “You’ll notice I’m just along for the ride at this point.”
Mel didn’t pay much attention as he drove back into town. It didn’t even register where they were when he parked, only that they weren’t at his place or hers. Maybe he was picking up food.
“I’ll be right back.” He squeezed her hand before he hopped out of the truck. She looked around and realized they were parked in front of Laurel’s Florals.
What was he up to? She should just ask. Dean had proven he could handle anything. Including pretending to be a husband when it went against everything inside him.
Tears stung her eyes. She would have to accept it eventually. Marriage flew in the face of everything he wanted. Could she be happy without the traditional trappings of rings and vows? Love should be enough, but sitting here, heavy with exhaustion it didn’t feel like enough anymore.
Dean walked out of the florist shop and she let herself stare. She admired his sexy stride and that wonderful profile as he hustled back to the truck and tucked a bag behind his seat.
“Where are we going?” she asked as he drove in the opposite direction of her apartment complex.
“You agreed to more than one stop. Hang in there.” His grin roused her curiosity, but then her stomach growled.
“Dean, come on. I’m beat.”
“I know. I’m pretty weary myself. But we just wrapped up one of the biggest loose ends of your life.”
“True.” She sat up a little straighter in her seat. “You think his daughter will be okay?”
“She has a better chance because of you,” he said. “And I don’t think you caught it, but Lacy and Andrew are extending their stay in Colorado. Something about putting a happier spin on the trip.”
“I can understand that.” She rubbed her eyes. “They’re good together. I wish them nothing but happiness.”
“Same.”
He turned up Bearpaw Street and she coached herself to play it cool. He was about to spend the night in her place for the first time. She couldn’t wreck it by proposing to him.
Only a week ago she considered him her best friend. Now he was that and so much more. She could be patient. For him. For the future she wanted with him.
He didn’t turn back toward her complex at the next intersection. What was he up to? Her stomach growled once more, but she held her tongue, waiting it out. A few minutes later, he took another turn onto a gravel road that cut through the trees. Putting the car in Park, he hopped out and unhooked the chain that blocked the drive.