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“I know. That’s what made it so wonderful.”

I drew her closer, resting my hand against her back.

For a few minutes, we stayed together without speaking. I liked hearing her breathe against me, and I liked knowing she’d trusted me enough to share something that mattered to her.

“There’s something else I’d like to do while I’m here,” Peyton said, lifting her head from my shoulder. “I’d love to see more of the town tomorrow, assuming we can get through the remaining recording without your dragon causing another international incident involving vegetation.”

I laughed and drew her closer. “There’s plenty you haven’t seen. We can spend the morning working and head over to the farm afterward. They’ve got some good food booths, and I know a few people I’d like you to meet.”

She looked at me with interest. “People you know?”

“Well, I grew up here. It’d be pretty hard to take you anywhere without running into somebody who knows me. I figured you might enjoy meeting a few of them.”

Peyton was quiet for a moment, her fingertips moving idly along my forearm.

“Would you mind if I told my sister about you?” she asked. “Chelsea’s been asking whether I’ve actually left my cottage, and I think she’d be delighted to hear I’ve been on a date. I know you value your privacy, though, and I don’t want to make assumptions about what you’re comfortable sharing.”

I shifted onto my side so I could see her better.

“Honey, I don’t mind your sister knowing you’re spending time with me. I just don’t want strangers buying an audiobook and thinking that gives them a right to know everything about my life. Your family is a different matter.”

She smiled, clearly pleased with the distinction.

“Good. Because I think I’d like her to know about you.” She hesitated, then added, “And I’d really like to meet some of the people who matter to you. I’ve heard you talk about your family and your crew, but I’d love to see that side of your life too.”

I ran my hand gently down her back.

“Then that’s what we’ll do tomorrow. We’ll finish what we need to record, and after that, I’m taking you out again.”

Peyton rose onto one elbow, looking down at me with her dark hair falling across her cheek. She wasn’t wearing her glasses, and the smile spreading across her face made me wish I’d met her a hell of a lot sooner.

“I have one request,” she said.

“What’s that?”

She bent and kissed me, taking her time before easing back.

“Tomorrow, when somebody asks who I am, don’t introduce me as your audiobook narrator.”

I smiled, already liking where this was going.

“How would you like me to introduce you?”

Peyton traced a finger along my cheek, her eyes bright with that wonderful mixture of shyness and determination I’d come to appreciate.

“As your date, Hudson. I’d really like that.”

Chapter 5

The quilt had migrated to Hudson’s side of the bed overnight, and I was trying to retrieve a corner without waking him when his arm settled around my waist.

“Sorry,” he murmured. “Was I hogging it?”

“An impressive amount. Do they teach blanket acquisition in forestry training?”

“No, but I’m a fast learner.” He lifted the covers, inviting me closer instead of handing them back.

I accepted his solution. His chest was warm beneath my cheek, and his stubble brushed my temple when he kissed it. His sandy hair stuck up at the back, which was a deeply unfair thing for a man to look attractive doing.