Page 20 of Mountain Protector

That might be a little weird after I emphasized the wholewe’re friendsthing, though.

Instead, I just keep my arm around her as we walk inside, watching her carefully in case she stumbles. But with each step, Lark seems steadier, though her jaw is set and her shoulders are tight from the effort.

As we enter the open living space, complete with a small dining area and kitchen, she exclaims, “Knox! This is amazing. I love it!”

Even though I’ve completed dozens of projects, none of them have filled me with the same sort of satisfaction as what I feel right now.

“I’m glad. I hope you’ll be comfortable here.”

Her head on a swivel, she scans the room, her gaze lingering on the gas fireplace I installed last minute after hearing Lark talk about how much she loved hers. “And the fireplace,” she adds. “I’ll definitely be comfortable in front of that.”

“Good.” I guide her toward the couch and grab the fireplace remote sitting on the table in front of it. Flicking the power on, the flames burst to life, adding a warm glow to the room. “Down here we have the livingspace, obviously, a laundry room, and a half-bath. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms and a full bath. The bigger one has the bench in the dormer, and I think that’s probably where Winter left your things, but you can choose either room, of course.”

Lark looks up at me with an unreadable expression. After a brief pause, she says, “I’ll take the one with the bench.” She pauses. Swallows hard. “This is just… it’s beyond anything I imagined. With all this beautiful woodwork, and the cozy furniture, and the kitchen is just perfect with that butcher block counter—anyone would feel at home here.”

“That’s what I was hoping. I knew whoever came here would probably be stressed, maybe scared, so if this could help even a little…”

“It does.” She steps away from me, leaving me feeling oddly empty. But a second later, she takes my hand, slipping her slender fingers around mine. With a small squeeze, she adds, “I was worried about being in a strange place. Which isn’t like me, usually. But here… I feel better.”

Oh.

Just friends, remember?

Lark has never given any indication of wanting anything more.

But.

Have I done the same thing? Have I given Lark the same idea without really intending to?

Maybe, just maybe, she’s thought about more.

“I’m going to take a shower,” Lark announces. “Well.” She glances at her injured arm. “Maybe a bath. I’ll have to figure out how to keep the bandage dry.”

Before I can stop myself, I warn, “And be careful of the heat. If you’re tired and feeling weak, the heat could make you dizzy.”

But instead of rolling her eyes or dismissing me, Lark nods. “You’re right. I’ll make sure it’s not too hot. I really just want to get clean and condition my hair so it’s not so tangled.”

“I think there’s a first aid kit in the kitchen somewhere. If we can find some plastic, we could cover your bandage with it and use medical tape to keep it on.”

“That’s a good idea.” She squeezes my hand again. “What would I do without you, Knox?”

Just friends?

Shit.

Now isnotthe time to explore the possibility of a relationship with Lark. She’s hurt, scared, exhausted, and dealing with a bunch of trauma. Plus, there’s a man out there who may be trying to kill her. She needs protection. Support. Friendship.

But half an hour later, when Lark settles onto the couch with a tired sigh, the shadows under her eyes even darker than before, and asks in a small voice, “Do you have to leave?” the last thing on my mind is friendship.

She looks so small and vulnerable and just so…

Shit.

This feeling is so much deeper than just being friends.

I want to slay dragons for her.

“No way,” I reply firmly, sinking down on the couch beside her. “I’ve got some soup warming on the stove,and there are ingredients for sandwiches in the fridge. Unless you’d like something else?”

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