Page 12 of Burly and Possessive

I pick up another crate and slam it onto the counter harder than necessary. Her teasing fades, and she tilts her head, studying me.

“She’s been through a lot, Andrea,” I say, quieter now. “I don’t want to rush her into something she’s not ready for.”

Andrea’s expression softens, but only for a second. Then she shakes her head, clicking her tongue. “You’re such an idiot.”

“Excuse me?”

“You think you’re protecting her,” she says, leaning in, “but all she’s gonna see is you pulling back. And someone like Leesa? She’s been brave enough to leave one loser who didn’t want her. Don’t be an idiot and make her think that you don’t want her.”

“It’s not that simple,” I argue. How Leesa could think I didn’t want her after that kiss… Even with pulling back, surely she felt my passion for her.

“No, you’re right,” Andrea says, straightening. “It’s not. She’s vulnerable, yeah. But she’s also stronger than you give her credit for. If she kissed you, it means she feels something for you, which God only knowswhyshe would.” She crosses her arms over her chest and rolls her eyes dramatically. “If you don’t do something about it, she’ll think you’re not interested.”

I look away, but Andrea steps closer, her voice softer. “Jax, you’re a good man. But being a good man doesn’t mean hiding how you feel. I can always set her up with someone from town if you’re too chicken. There’s a new deputy in town—”

“No.” The word comes out low and sharp. No one gets Leesa but me. She’s mine.

Andrea blinks, then grins. “Well, well. Look who’s feeling possessive.” She nudges my arm.

I don’t answer, but my jaw tightens.Damn straight, she’s mine.

“Don’t let her slip through your fingers,” Andrea says, picking up another box. “I like her. And I will come after you if you hurt her.”

By the timeI get back to the cabin, the air is chilly and the sun is dipping low, streaking the sky with shades of orange and pink. The sight should be calming, but my chest feels heavier with every step toward the porch.

Leesa’s sitting there, wrapped in a blanket, her knees drawn up to her chest. Her silhouette is small against the wide expanse of trees, and the sight of her like that my gut twists with nerves. She looks so lost, so quiet, it damn near hurts to see.

The boards creak under my boots as I step onto the porch. She doesn’t turn around, but I know she hears me.

“Mind if I sit with you?” I ask.

She shrugs, the movement almost imperceptible, but she scoots over to make room for me on the bench. I lower myself besideher, close enough to feel the warmth of her presence but not close enough to touch.

The silence stretches between us, heavy but not uncomfortable. Her gaze is fixed on the trees, her face unreadable.

I can’t let this sit between us any longer.

“About last night…” My voice comes out rough, and I clear my throat.

Leesa stiffens, her hands tightening further on the blanket. “You don’t have to explain,” she says quickly, her words tumbling over each other. “I shouldn’t have kissed you. It was stupid—”

“Don’t.” The word comes out sharper than I intended, and she flinches.

I drag a hand through my hair, cursing under my breath. “Don’t you dare apologize for that kiss, Leesa. It wasn’t stupid. Stop thinking that you’re the problem. That’s the farthest thing from the truth.”

Her eyes flicker to mine, wide and uncertain. I can see the hurt in her eyes, like she’s bracing for disappointment.

“I didn’t pull back because I didn’t want to kiss you,” I say, forcing myself to hold her gaze. “I pulled back because I wanted to. Too much.” I run my hand over my beard, to try and calm the storm of emotions inside me. So many feelings are at war inside of me and I don’t know how to deal with them.

Her lips part slightly, but no words come out. The air between us charges.

“You’ve been through a lot,” I continue, my voice softening. “The last thing I want is to make it harder for you to figure out whatyou need. I want you more than I knew was possible, but you need time to settle your emotions. I’m not going anywhere. I need you to think about whatyouwant. You have to make that decision with a clear head. I don’t want to muddy things for you.”

She looks down, her fingers twisting in the fabric of the blanket. “I’m a mess, Jax,” she whispers. “I don’t even know who I am anymore.”

My chest tightens, a dull ache spreading through me. I reach out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her skin is warm beneath my fingers, and for a fleeting moment, she leans into the touch.

“You’re not a mess,” I tell her, my voice steady. “You’re amazing. You’re kind and strong and brave, even if you don’t see it yet. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

---