Page 74 of Mountain Protector

Inching her chair even closer, she leans over and brushes her lips across mine. “And I have the most amazing man in the world with me. A man who’s brave and kind and dedicated andverysexy.”

“Sexy, hmm?”

“You know you are.”

I take a sip of my beer, tasting notes of caramel and cinnamon and nutmeg. “I only care what you think.”

“Well.” Lark’s hazel eyes shift to a sun-kissed green. “I think you’re very sexy. And wonderful. And I love you.”

Oh.

I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing that.

“I love you, too, songbird.” Tracing the line of her delicate jaw, I ask, “Are you sure you’re okay, though? Really?”

“Yes. I am. Really. I want to enjoy the rest of ourevening out. We still haven’t seen the gingerbread house competition, or the Christmas tree auction, and caroling is supposed to be starting at eight. So I want to enjoy all those things with you. And not spend any more time thinking about something that’s ancient history.”

“Okay.”

“And later, when we get home, we could cuddle by the fire? And do some sexy things?”

My pants go tight. “Yes. To all the sexy things.”

Then my mind circles back to the other part of it. The part where she called her cabin home.

“Lark.” My stomach jumps. “There’s something I’ve been thinking about.”

“Oh? Sexy things?”

“Not exactly. More like… when you said we could go home.”

“Oh.” That tiny stress line forms between her eyes. “I’m sorry, Knox. I just… I shouldn’t assume. You have your own house. And now that I’m thinking about it, you’re probably sick of staying with me. I’ve been selfish?—”

“You haven’t.” Turning her hand over in mine, I stroke my thumb across her palm. “I love staying with you. Being with you feels like home. Which is why…”

Shit. Why is this so scary?

“Knox?”

In a rush, I say, “I was hoping you might want to live together. It hasn’t been long, but I just… I love all of it. Waking up next to you every morning. Cuddling with you each night. Smelling your shampoo in the shower. Having coffee together in the morning. I don’t care where we live, my place or yours. Whatever makes you happy. If you want to live with me, that is. If it’s too soon, I understand.”

Lark stares at me for several seconds, giving nothing away.

My stomach turns to lead.Too soon. I asked her too soon.

Then she smiles, and all is right in the world again. “I would love to live with you, Knox. Every day I worry you’ll decide to go back to your place. And I desperately want you to stay.”

“Then I will.” Framing her face with my hands, I slant my lips over hers. When the kiss ends, I hold her gaze as I say, “I want to stay with you, Lark. Nothing would make me happier.”

CHAPTER 17

LARK

It’s amazing the difference a year can make.

This time last year, I was still living in my condo in Montpelier, working through the daytime hours while I tried to prove I deserved the next promotion. My social life was quiet—I’d occasionally go out for drinks with people from work or have coffee with someone from the gym—and I was okay with that. More often than not, I’d make an excuse and go home instead, preferring to read or watch movies or text with Kate.

A year ago, my plans for Christmas were the same as they’d always been. A lazy morning by myself followed by lunch and presents with my dad. Then we’d watchA Christmas Storywhile my dad quoted all the lines and I asked if he’d ever get tired of it.

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