Page 23 of Mountain Protector

Then we both laugh, his smile as big as mine, and any remaining embarrassment fades. In its place, this sort of… warmth expands inside me. But not just warmth. It’s fizzy and electric and sends little frissons of anticipation through my body.

As we look at each other, I forget everything else. All I see is Knox’s handsome features—his Roman nose and strong cheekbones and the gorgeous sapphire color of his eyes. All I can think about is him, and how inexplicably happy I am despite the chaos I’m facing.

After a minute or an hour, I can’t quite tell, Knox breaks our gaze to glance into the kitchen. “I started some chicken soup while you were asleep. It needs another hour or so to really get the full flavor from it. But if you’re hungry now, it’s ready.”

“You made chicken soup?”

“Yes. But don’t get too excited. It’s a really basic recipe. Nothing fancy about it.”

“But it’s not from a can?”

He gives me an offended look. “Are you saying you don’t think I can cook? I made you burgers a couple of weeks ago, didn’t I?”

“No, no.” Catching his hand, I give it a little squeeze. “I just… I wasn’t expecting home-cooked food is all. Especially after staying up so late, and you must be exhausted?—”

“I’m fine, Lark. I took a little power nap while you were sleeping. And I don’t get a lot of sleep normally, so”—he shrugs—“missing a night of sleep isn’t a big deal.”

To me, it seems like a big deal, but I’m not going to push. Instead, I say, “Well, it smells delicious. But I don’t want to eat without you. Maybe we can have it when you’re done with your meeting?”

Wait. Is he still coming back after? Knox said he would, but it’s a big ask. I’m sure he has tons of things to do at home, and he has to work tomorrow… I quickly add, “It’s okay if you need to go home, though. I mean… I’m all settled here…”

Which is true. Thanks to Winter and Enzo, I have enough clothes and toiletries to keep me stocked for weeks. And the cabin’s fridge is stocked, so I’m really all set. There’s no reason Knoxneedsto be here.

Do I want him here? Yes. Absolutely. But I don’t want to be selfish.

Knox stares at me for a second. Then he smiles. “And miss out on that delicious soup? No way. Plus, we never got to finish that excellent movie we started. I’m dying to find out how it ends.”

I raise my eyebrows at him. “You want to find out howThe Golden Gingerbread Bachelorturns out?”

“Oh, yes. From the bit I saw, the movie sounds fascinating. A dating contest where the senior bachelor has to wear a gingerbread man costume so the women get to know his personality without being swayed by his looks? How could Inotwant to see it?”

A half giggle-half snort slips out. “Don’t forget, heowns a gingerbread factory. And the whole contest is a way to raise money to save it.”

“Right.” He grins, his eyes twinkling with laughter. “So you understand. It’s a must-see.”

“Definitely.”

Knox’s phone buzzes from the coffee table, and he glances over to read the screen. “Crap.”

My heart lurches. “What’s wrong?”

Standing, he pats my knee. “Sorry. Nothing’s wrong. I’m just late for the meeting, is all.”

“Oh.” Guilt spears through me. Knox told me he had to get to this meeting—about my case, no less—and here I am, distracting him. “You should go, then.”

“I guess.”

I push the blanket off my lap and turn to put my feet on the floor. “It’s okay. I’ll be fine.”

His gaze moves to my arm. “Do you need a pain pill? How is your arm feeling?”

“It’s alright.” Throbbing, but it could be worse.

“Maybe you should take another one with dinner, at least. I think it’s better to take them with food. In case your stomach is sensitive.”

His phone buzzes again, and this time, Knox snatches it up and types out a quick message. A line etches across his forehead.

“Are they upset that you’re not there yet?”

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