Page 13 of Chosen for the Mountain Man

“Ciara—” He stills, shuddering, hips jerking as he spills inside me with a groan that could melt glaciers.

Collapsing onto me, he peppers kisses along my throat. He rests his head on my neck, and I could cry because it's all so overwhelming.

Sex is one thing, but Max is so much more.

“You okay?” he asks.

I hum in response, boneless and buzzing. “Did we...break the bed?”

He lifts his head, glancing at the sideways mattress and shrugs. “Worth it.”

We untangle limbs, laughing breathlessly. He fetches a towel, cleaning me with a gentleness that contrasts with the animal he was five minutes ago. When he settles back, pulling me against his chest, I relax into him.

I’m going to be so sore tomorrow—everywhere.

His fingers card through my hair, affectionately. “You were incredible.”

Warmth floods my chest. “You too. For an old guy.”

He pinches my thigh. “Respect your elders.”

We fall quiet, his heartbeat steady under my ear. His thumb strokes my hip. “You’re nothing like I expected, you know.”

I stiffen.

“I’ve heard most people lie on dating sites,” he continues. “About their age, their interests. But you...” He kisses my forehead. “You’re so honest. Soreal.”

Guilt acid sears my throat.

No, I’m a liar, a fraud, and a total disaster. And I’m not the woman you think I am.

“Max, I?—”

“Shh.” He tucks the blanket around us. “Sleep. We’ve got time.”

I’m thankful he stopped me. I’m not even sure what to say now. Or how to say it without ruining everything.

Ishouldtell him. I should confess, come clean, lay it all out there. But the thought of seeing the look on his face, the disappointment, the betrayal...it's too much. I can't do it. I can't lose him. Not now. Not after this.

I focus on the feel of his arms around me, the warmth of his body against mine. Tonight might be all we have. Tomorrow, everything could change.

But tonight, I'm his. And he's mine. And that's enough.

His breathing evens out, and I stare into the dark, his words on loop.

Honest. Real.Tears burn my eyes.

Dammit, I’m so in love with him.

And once I tell him the truth, I’m going to break both of our hearts.

CHAPTER 7

MAX

Steam curls against the bathroom ceiling as Ciara leans back against my chest, her damp hair floating amid the remaining bubbles. I knead the tension from her shoulders, and she lets out a moan that goes straight to my cock, making it hard yet again.

“You’retryingto kill me,” I growl into her ear, my hands slipping lower under the water. “All I want to do is make you come.”

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