Page 16 of Forbidden Mountain Man

“Are you all done?” Forest asks, spotting me lurking in the doorway. I nod. Forest leaps out of his chair and wraps his arms around me, lifting me up and spinning me around. I giggle while Forest kisses my cheek and then sets me down. “All finished with college work. That’s incredible,” he says, beaming down at me. I can see the pride shining in his eyes, and it warms me up from the inside out.

“Thanks, I still can’t believe it’s done yet. I don’t think it will be real until I get my final grades and see my degree.”

“We’re both very proud of you,” Samantha says from her seat on the couch.

“Thank you so much,” I say, my voice full of emotion. This week has been a roller coaster, and it’s not over yet. I need to call Jett. Maybe I can start the conversation off with the fact that I’m all done with my classes. That should put him in a good mood.

“There’s a full moon tonight,” Forest says.

I tilt my head to the side while Samantha blurts out, “What in the non-sequitur is going on?”

We all laugh, then Forest explains. “I was just thinking you might want to get out of the house for a bit after spending all afternoon and most of the evening working on your last project.”

I look outside the front window for the first time in hours, not realizing it’s already dark out. “Oh, wow. I guess that explains why my back and shoulders ache.”

“I’ll give you a massage while we gaze up at the stars,” he whispers into the shell of my ear.

“Is that what the kids are calling it these days?” Samantha says, making my entire face heat in embarrassment.

Forest just chuckles and pulls me in for another hug. I bury my face in his chest, totally mortified that his mother heard us talking about something so intimate.

“Ma, don’t give us a hard time. You know you’ve been wanting this since I brought Fiona here.”

My eyes widen and I look up at Forest. “Really?”

“She hasn’t stopped bugging me about it,” he says rather loudly.

“Love you, son!” Samantha says in an obnoxious tone.

He rolls his eyes, then looks down at me. “How about it? Want to go stargazing with me?” The look in his blue eyes makes me think he has more on his mind than looking at the stars. I have a sneaking suspicion our minds are in the same place.

“Ready when you are,” I reply, taking his hand in mine.

Fifteen minutes later, Forest pulls the truck over to a secluded spot in the countryside where there won't be as much light interference. Just like always, Forest opens my door for me and holds out his hand, silently asking if I trust him. Of course, I do.

I slip my hand in his, letting him lead me to his truck bed. He pulls down the tailgate and spreads out several blankets and pillows, making a cozy spot for us to snuggle. Forest helps me up into the bed of the truck, guiding me to sit back against the pillows. He follows close behind, adjusting us so I’m tucked into his side.

I rest my head on his shoulder and take a calming breath. I feel like I can relax for the first time in forever.

“What’s on your mind, sweetheart?” Forest asks.

“Us,” I answer. “You make me happy and calm me down. I feel…”

“What do you feel?” he murmurs, nudging my head up so we’re eye to eye.

“Safe. Sexy. Loved.” I didn’t mean to say that last one, but I don’t regret it.

Forest’s nostrils flare, desire and lust surrounding us until it’s almost hard to breathe. “You are all of those things,” he rasps, rubbing his nose against mine.

“Show me again,” I whisper. “I need you, Forest. Please?”

“When you ask so nicely…”

He doesn't finish his thought, he simply dives into my mouth, sucking on my tongue and feeling every inch of my body with his large, capable hands. Forest squeezes my breasts, strokes my back, and tangles a hand in my hair to guide my head as he deepens his kiss. Forest consumes me, each stroke of his tongue reminding me I'm his, each soft moan from our lips adding to the symphony of our love.

Forest makes quick work of undressing us, then lays me down on the blankets and pillows he has set up in the truck bed. I'm stretched out before him, naked and unashamed beneath the soft light of the moon and stars. He kneels at my feet and trails his fingers over my toes, up the arch of my foot, circling my ankle, and then trailing his fingers higher, higher, higher.

He continues touching and tickling my skin, bending over to add soft kisses to the places his fingers just touched. He works his hands higher up my legs, massaging my calves, knees, and thighs. When he gets to my center, he places a sweet kiss on top of my curls and continues moving up my body.

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