Page 21 of Snowed In With the Grizzly

“Protecting you,” he says in an undertone.

I nod. “I understand if you don’t want to have anything to do with me. And I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you the truth—”

“Rowan—” His voice is fierce again. “You didn’t do anything wrong. You should never have been put in this situation. You’re notwiththis person.”

“I’m not. I’m single. But in three days’ time, I won’t be.”

“In three days’ time.” He puts his arms around me and sweeps me right off my feet. Automatically, I wrap my legs around his waist. God, he feels soright. Like we fit together perfectly.

“But not now.” He presses a kiss to the side of my neck. And another one on my jaw. “Right now, you’re free.”

“I am,” I agree.

He inhales, sniffing me, and makes a sexy sound of pleasure. His lips are getting closer and closer to my own, his stubble brushing my cheek. I feel lightheaded. I’m losing myself in him—

I want this so much. But I’m as confused as hell.

“You don’t care that this… this can’t last?” I blurt out.

His eyes flash with something… something dark and intense, then they soften again. “Rowan, you’re the most amazing person I’ve met—”

I choke out a laugh. “I don’t feel so amazing right now. I feel kind of gross. Not worthy of you.”

He jerks backward, like he’s been bitten. “Are you kidding?” He cups my face in his massive hands and gazes deep into my eyes. “You’re so strong. This thing you’re doing—sacrificing yourself like this for your sister… it’s beyond brave.”

“She’s a real good kid,” I mutter.

“Even so. This takes real guts, real strength of spirit. The way you didn’t take any shit from those cops impressed the heck out of me. But this, this is on another level.”

“Really?” I’d never seen myself that way before.

He nods. “Big time. I don’t agree with what you’re going to do, but you’re a grown woman and it’s your decision. And in the meantime, I’m gonna make sure the next three days are as happy as they can be.”

Those chocolate-brown eyes of his keep staring into my own, and I swallow hard to choke down a sob. He wants nothing more than to make me happy? He’s a dream. The perfect guy. I don’t want three days with Jaxton. I want a lifetime.

“So?” He shakes his head questioningly.

“What?”

“What do you want to do? Your wish is my command.”

I puff out a breath and pull myself together. Okay, I’ve got this. I’ll never be Jaxton’s wife, and I can’t pretend that doesn’t hurt like hell. But I’d be crazy to waste this time with him.

My vision is blurry as I scan the interior of Grandma Jo’s cabin. “I-I guess I’d like to get this place in good shape. I might never see it again, but it’ll make me happy to know it’s still here, preserving her memory.”

He flashes a smile. “We can do that. What else?”

My eyes dart to those firm, masculine lips. “I-I’d really like you to kiss me again.”

His smile gets broader. “Done.” He leans in, and those firm lips crush against mine again.

I close my eyes and fall, fall into the lushness of his mouth. The bliss of his big strong arms wrapping around me. My whole body lights up, like stars are trailing through it. When I tangle my hands in his hair, he growls and holds me tighter.

His hands slide beneath my sweater, moving higher and higher. And I feel him, his cock, pushing between my thighs. God, that feels good. I’m aching for him. I’m a little nervous, but so ready for him to take me. To make me his—

My phone buzzes.

He groans and puts me down. “Is it him?” he growls.

---