Page 7 of Claimed By 3 Mountain Men

“Sure. I brought you here, didn’t I?”

My heart skips a beat at the thought. “I’d like that,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “I could use a local guide.”

He smiles, the mischievous glint back in his eyes.

We reach baggage claim, and as I grab my suitcase, he stands next to me, a steady presence. “Here’s my number,” he says, handing me a small card. “Call or text me if you need anything before tomorrow.”

“Thanks,” I say, slipping the card into my pocket. “I appreciate it.”

As he turns to leave, I call after him. “Wait! I didn’t catch your name.”

He pauses and turns back, a slow, almost reluctant smile. “It’s JT,” he says, his voice carrying a hint of something I can’t quite place. “Jack Truitt.”

The name hits me like a physical blow.

Jack Truitt.

The eldest son of the Truitt family empire.

The ones threatening the habitat of the silver lynx. My heart races, a mix of excitement, confusion, and a twinge of betrayal.

How could I have been so oblivious?

His expression changes as he sees the recognition and shock in my eyes.

“Is something wrong?”

I swallow hard, trying to regain my composure. “No, nothing’s wrong. I just… didn’t realize.”

“Didn’t realize what?” he asks, stepping closer, concern etched on his features.

“That you’re… that you’re one of the Truitt’s,” I manage in a voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes darken slightly, a flicker of defensiveness. “Is that a problem?”

I take a deep breath.

“No. No. Of course not.” I am a terrible liar.

He stands still for a moment, the tension between us palpable.

“Good. You had me worried for a moment.” He takes several steps, backing away and gives me a half lazy smile. “See you around, Mac.”

He disappears into the sea of people before I can utter another word, leaving me standing there, suitcase in hand, reeling from the jaw-dropping revelation.

This is a problem.

3

JT

God. She has a mouth on her.

I step into the shower, the hot water pounding against my skin, and let out a deep sigh, hoping to lose some of the tension rising through me.

She had been just the distraction I needed. Being stuck on that flight for hours, thinking about what I’m going to say to my brothers after losing Dad.

Her wide, curious eyes had seemed to see right through me. I hadn't expected to feel this... connection. And then her reaction when she realized who I was. Jack Truitt. The name apparently carried more weight than I remembered. I had forgotten what it was like to have everyone know your name.

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