Page 145 of Knot my First Rodeo

"Yeah," I reply, because I don’t know what else to say to everything she just told me.

"I just don't feel like chasing him."

I lean forward, resting my forearms on my knees.

"I want you to stay." Her eyes lift, and I don't look away. "I mean it, Autumn."

The traffic noise fades into the background.

"I want us to be a pack."

A smile tugs at the corner of her mouth.

"Does your cousin know that?"

A laugh escapes me. "Briggs is an asshole."

She snorts. "I've noticed."

"He's your asshole, though."

That earns a real laugh from her.

"He just has to stop being scared."

"I'm staying with, or without him." Her answer comes so fast, I know she's thought about it.

For a second, I just stare at her, relief hitting me so hard I feel dizzy.

"Thank God."

I lean forward and kiss her before I can stop myself. Her hand slides against my jaw and she kisses me back, smiling before we even pull apart.

"Don't tell Clint." She points at me.

I grin. "You wanna tell him yourself?"

"Yes."

"Fine."

"Promise."

"I promise."

The drive home feels different after that, like something finally settled into place and it feels fucking good.

By the time we pull into the ranch, Autumn's singing badly to the radio and arguing with me about song lyrics she clearly doesn't know.

That night, Autumn ends up in my bed. She followed me up the stairs like it was the most natural thing in the world, climbed into my bed, and pulled the blankets over herself like she'd been sleeping here forever. Half the covers are already wrapped around her, and I don't even mind. I'd give her all of them if she asked.

Her hand rests on my chest, fingers spread wide, palm flat against my heartbeat. I wonder if she can feel how fast it's going.

I turn my head to look at her. She's on her side, facing me, her hair fanned across my pillow. Her eyes are open, reflecting the dim light, and she's watching me with an expression I can't quite read.

"Hey," I whisper.

"Hey."