Page 90 of Love Me Dangerous

On the opposite hillside, at the base of a rocky outcropping, a small herd of elk is grazing, their breaths making little clouds in the cold mountain air. The six-point male stands at the edge, his nose occasionally lifting to the wind to evaluate the many dangers he’s in charge of recognizing.

My heart feels tight in my chest, and I sigh in gratitude. Two years ago, that meadow was blocked by ancient sheep fencing that a cranky rancher at first refused to take down.

I wrap my arms around Zach’s waist and watch over his shoulder as the elk make their way across the grassy stretch and clamber into the rocks, blending in so effortlessly it’s hard to believe they were ever there.

“That buck was huge,” Zach says.

It makes me think of my dad out there somewhere, watching over things. “It’s almost winter.” I eye the thickening clouds. “He’s almost safe.”

“Until next year.” Zach caresses my arm, his eyes still fixed on where we lost sight of the herd.

I press a kiss to his shoulder blade, my lips brushing the top of the jagged scar. “Any more coffee?”

He spins and drapes his arms around my waist, then nuzzles his nose with mine. “You think I’d leave you hanging like that?”

“How do you like your coffee? That seems like something I should know.”

“Hot,” he says.

I give him a look.

His eyes turn serious. “I’ve learned to not be picky.”

“Flexible standards, huh?”

He sets the cup aside and strokes down both sides of my face, then combs my hair over my shoulders. The look in his eyes, like I’m something precious, makes me squirm.

“Only about some things.”

Last night, he saidit’s been a while. Does that mean his flexible standards don’t apply to women, and I’m special somehow?

“Whoa,” he says, lifting my chin so I’m forced to lock eyes with him. “Where’d you go just now?”

“I’m not used to this,” I say.

“Coffee in the morning?” His gaze bores into me.

“All of it.” I try to smile, but being this vulnerable is making it difficult to pull off.

He pulls me close and kisses my forehead. “Does it scare you?”

I smile, and my fears melt back. “Yeah.”

“Me too.” He strokes down my back.

“Tell me what else you like,” I say. “Favorite breakfast.”

“Besides you?” He gives my bottom a little squeeze.

I laugh. “That might not sustain you, given how many calories you burn doing it.”

“You’re worried about my nutrition?”

I wrap my arms tighter around him and sigh. He doesn’t need to hear any more of my worries.

“If it makes you feel any better, I’ve already scarfed down a piece of toast with some of that amazing jam.”

“It does. I can’t have you passing out on me.”

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