Chapter 42
Mariah relaxed, her cheek against Vaughn's back, absorbing the heat that radiated from him, even through his leather coat. From hips to chest she molded to him and felt each muscle's movement as he shifted in the saddle, guiding the horse in a canter down the forest road.
Once they reached the woods again, the horses slowed to a walk in the snowy, uneven terrain.
Even though they'd put distance behind them, she kept checking over her shoulder, expecting to see a wild-eyed Wyatt or leering Linc. Or that terrifying thing that had touched her. Rubbing her neck, she winced at the raw skin.
"How are you doing back there?" Vaughn's delicious voice rolled through her bones, and it felt like home.
Her chest ached. "I'm okay."
It would be so hard to walk away after being this close to him again.
But she wouldn't fight. He had his world back in New York. He had his family. No way could she ask him to give that up for her. He had made his decision.
And she wouldn't compromise. She needed a long-term relationship, not a few weeks' fling. He needed to be certain of his intentions. As much as it hurt, the final decision would be best for both of them.
But why then had Vaughn come for her?
More to the point, how did he know that she was even missing? Or where to find her?
He'd said he loved her. Well, that complicated his declaration of never wanting to see her again. And he might still leave town, which took him off of her personal relationship "must have" list.
Damn his leather and shaving cream scent. Damn the knowledge that, in his arms, she was safe. Damn the way his muscles tightened and shifted next to her own skin, screwing with her heart and mind and body in the worst possible way.
At the sight of the ranch lights in the distance, a sob bubbled up. Whether the tears came from relief or impending loss, she didn't have the energy to analyze.
Vaughn guided the horse through the gate and to the barn. Light snow fell, buffering all the sounds around them. The windows of the house glowed, a welcoming beacon in the freezing night.
Garrison dismounted and hurried over to help her down. Her legs wobbled as they hit solid ground. Was it exhaustion?
Or was it because she no longer rested against a guy who infused her with strength?
In a flash, Vaughn was next to her, enveloping her in a tight embrace as he lifted her.
"God, you almost died," he ground out. Her bones creaked under his grasp, but no way would she would complain.
When she could breathe, she locked eyes with him. "How did you know where I was?"
"I just knew you were in danger and I had to find you. I needed you to be safe."
"But where do we go from here? It's clear we don't have a future together."
He pressed his mouth into a hard line. Half of his face was visible in the light from the ranch house. "I'm a total idiot."
"That's not really an answer to the question."
"Can you forgive me?"
"For what? You just saved my life."
"For what I said to you this morning."
"You made your opinion clear about us. I can respect that."
He lowered her to the ground. "I never said I was a smart guy when it came to women."
The cold seeped in under her clothes, and she wrapped her arms over her chest, trying to still the shivers.
