Page 213 of Mountain Boss

“I do need you for something.” Sterling’s voice curls around my throat.

I freeze for a heartbeat.

Then I whirl on him.

“You.” I point my finger at him.

He’s already right there.

So close.

“Me.” He steps forward. Forcing the tip of my finger into his chest.

“You…” I can’t think straight with him this close. “You left.”

He nods. And steps closer. “I’m back.”

My stupid heart squeezes.

He’s back.

But for how long?

Sterling grips my wrist and lifts it, taking the pressure off my fingertip.

He presses a kiss to the back of my hand, then sets my hand on his shoulder.

I lift my other hand and press it to his chest.

I don’t really want to stop him.

I don’t really want to stop him from touching me.

But I feel like I need to put up some sort of protest.

His heart thuds under my palm, then he grips that wrist too.

Repeating his action, he kisses my fingers, then places my hand on his other shoulder.

My eyes start to burn, and I focus my gaze on his throat.

Why does he have to be so confusing?

Sterling closes what’s left of the distance between us.And even though his movements are controlled, I can feel his hardness pressing into me.

He’s not unaffected.

And then he proves it by reaching up and gripping my braids.

“Eyes up here.” His voice is rough.

I obey.

Because I can’t stop myself.

But I refuse to completely give in.

I’ve had too long to sit with my thoughts.

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