Page 20 of Forbidden Mountain Man

She gives him one last squeeze, then returns to my side, tucking herself under my arm.

“Well, I think we’ve all earned a good breakfast,” my mother announces. “Let’s go to the diner. My treat.”

“You two have to get dressed first,” Jett says while mimicking gagging. “It’s going to take a bit for me to get used to this.”

“We have all the time in the world,” I tell him. “I’m not going anywhere.”

I hold out my hand for him to shake. Jett pulls me in for a hug instead. “Thank you for protecting Fiona. If you hurt her, I’ll cut your dick off.”

“Understood,” I say with a nod. “I expect nothing less.”

I pat him on the back and head toward the bedroom to get dressed. It might be an awkward breakfast, but at least the worst of the confrontation is over. I’ll have to remember to buy my mom that new ice maker she’s been looking at, along with a new TV, all the streaming services, and a new recliner. I can never thank her enough for standing up for Fiona and me.

I join my girl in the bedroom, drawing her into my embrace. She melts against me and winds her arms around my torso, clinging to me while I gently rock us back and forth.

“I guess we’re official now, huh?” Fiona asks.

I smile. “Yes. Very official. You can’t get rid of me now, sweetheart.”

“Good.”

10

FIONA

“It’s beautiful up here,” I whisper as Forest parks his truck in front of his cabin. It’s a classic rustic log cabin with a wrap-around porch and a beautiful bay window that I just know has the best view of the sunset. “What’s that?” I point to a smaller building off to the side.

“My workshop,” he says proudly.

“Can I have a tour? I’d love to see what you’re working on.”

“I don’t know,” he says, lifting a brow and looking me up and down. “I’m not sure my work is up to the scrutiny of an interior designer who just graduated with her degree.”

I roll my eyes at his dramatic statement. “I haven’t graduated yet, I just completed my assignments.”

“Same thing. The rest is just a technicality.”

I laugh and Forest smiles, his blue eyes twinkling with joy. We’ve officially been together for a few weeks now. Jett went back to Texas after spending the night with us at Samantha’s house. He gets tripped up sometimes when he hears me mention Forest, but overall, he’s handling our relationship well.

Forest hops out of his truck before coming around to my side and opening the door. He helps me out, then spins me around and dips me backward, ghosting his nose and lips up anddown my throat. “I’m so happy to have you here,” he murmurs, pressing a soft kiss onto my pulse point.

He sets me upright once more, then takes my hand in his. “Can I take the tour now?” I ask.

“Of course. What would you like to see first?”

“The workshop,” I answer without hesitating.

Forest nods and we walk down the path leading from the cabin to the smaller structure a few dozen feet away. When we step inside, my mouth drops open as I survey his inventory, including the piece he has on the workbench at the moment.

I skim my fingers over the sanded and stained wood, following the elegant curves of the chair legs. “You’re so talented,” I whisper, looking over my shoulder at him.

Forest steps up behind me, sliding his arms around my waist while nuzzling into the side of my neck. “I have a feeling you’re going to inspire me to make all kinds of things. Maybe I’ll carve an image of you to memorialize your perfection.”

I roll my eyes, but Forest captures my lips with his before I can protest.

“You’re right,” he says once we break apart. “I couldn’t do you justice.”

“Show me more,” I insist. “How much property do you have? Can I see the backyard?”

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