Page 24 of Claimed By 3 Mountain Men

I wonder if he can tell how flustered I am.

I breathe and release the air out of my lungs slowly.

I can do this. It’s a swim. Nothing more, nothing less.

I wade in ankle-deep, wincing at the cold water before diving in headfirst.

The water envelopes me, cool and refreshing, washing away my nerves.

"How's the water?" Ben asks, his hazel eyes glinting with mischief.

"Perfect," I reply truthfully, feeling a playful smile tug at my lips. "Just what I needed after a long day."

He swims closer, the water rippling around him. "So, Mac, how did a city girl like you end up in a place like this?"

I arch an eyebrow. "Who said I'm a city girl?"

Ben laughs, the sound is rich and deep. "Just a guess. You have that determined, take-no-prisoners attitude that screams city life."

I splash him, water droplets catching the sunlight. "Maybe I just like a challenge."

"Oh, I don't doubt that," he says, shaking the water from his hair. "But seriously, why here? Why the silver lynx?"

I tread water, meeting his gaze. "Because they need someone to fight for them. And because ofthisplace,thisforest, all of it deserves to be protected."

Ben swims even closer, so close I can see the flecks of gold in his eyes. "You know, you're pretty impressive when you're passionate about something."

I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. "Is that so?"

He grins, his eyes sparkling. "Absolutely. It's... pretty inspiring."

I roll my eyes, but I can't hide my smile. "You're not too bad yourself, Truitt. Surprising, even."

He raises an eyebrow. "Surprising?"

I nod, floating on my back to look up at the sky. "Yeah. I didn't expect to find someone here who actually gets it. Who cares."

Ben's voice is softer when he speaks again. "It's more than just caring, Mac. It's about finding a way to make it all work. For everyone."

I turn to look at him, our eyes locking. "And you think we can do that?"

He swims closer, his fingers brushing against mine in the water. "I think we have to try. Together."

My heart skips a beat at the sincerity in his voice. The connection between us feels palpable, electric. "Together," I echo, feeling a strange mix of hope and uncertainty. But in the back of my mind, my thoughts are screaming, “What’s happening?”

Ben leans in, his face inches from mine. "You know, Mac, I think you're one hell of a woman."

I laugh, a light, airy sound that seems to echo across the lake. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Ben."

He smiles, his gaze intense and unwavering. "Good to know."

Ben's eyes hold mine as he dives under the surface, and I watch his muscular form disappear beneath the water. He pops back up with a chuckle, skin shimmering in the sunlight. I feel like I'm in a dream as our fingertips brush against each other when he moves past me.

He swims closer, butterfly stroking towards me with strong and controlled movements. My breath hitches at the sight ofhim so close, the water sliding over his muscled chest and arms, rippling around his tanned skin, dripping onto my face as he nears.

I look up into his hazel eyes, which are filled with an intensity that matches the fluttering in my chest.

“Mac,” he says softly, the low rumbling voice vibrating through the water and into my very bones.

---