Page 65 of Love Me Fierce

“That day I met him, he came home with me. Didn’t even have a car seat.”

I suck in a gasp. “That’s so dangerous.”

He gives a soft grunt. “So was leaving him behind.”

I can’t hold back anymore and reach for his hand. His callouses rub across my palm, creating the slightest bit of friction that makes an electric pulse tap under my skin. “I’m sorry. I’m not judging. Sounds like you were dealing with a lot in that moment.”

He stares at our hands, then our eyes lock. “All of a sudden, he was my whole world.”

“He’s turned out pretty good, I’d say.”

He laughs. “Except for trying to clobber two eighth graders.”

“He’ll find his way.”

We walk together up the final rise, our hands still clasped. I should let go, but I can’t seem to.

The top of the knoll is a dark rock slab, the cracks filled with pale dirt and the tiniest yellow flowers, faded to almost white. A stiff breeze cools my cheeks while I take in the expansive view of the broad valley, the sparkling blue surface of Bear Lake in the distance, and theconfluence of the Clearwater and Finn Rivers just visible in the afternoon haze. June and Nelson’s sprawling homestead sits like the jewel of Ruby Gulch, shaded by pine, golden aspen, and cottonwoods. My little cabin is just out of sight, but I can see the road curving around the ridge, and the tall grass lining Little Grouse Creek.

“Wow, it’s so pretty!”

Everett squints sideways at me, a sly smile on his lips. “Sure is.”

Butterflies take flight inside my chest as he steps closer. He tucks a loose curl behind my ear, his thumb stroking beneath my earlobe. Our eyes lock, and it feels a little like falling.

I know what’s happening, and I don’t know how to stop it.

I only know that I don’t want to.

I close my eyes as our lips touch, the softness of his mouth on mine such a wonderful contrast to the prickle of his beard. He tugs on my lower lip just a little, making the butterflies swoop low inside me. I step closer to him and rest my hands on his waist. The firm strength of his body under my fingertips is almost as perfect as the tenderness of his mouth on mine.

Have I ever wanted a kiss this badly?

A low groan rumbles from the back of his throat. He caresses the tender place behind my ear. The roughness of his skin where I’m so sensitive creates that perfect amount of friction. Like a push-pull I could spend all day exploring.

He flicks his tongue against my top lip, then he kisses me again. It’s still tender, but I sense his hunger, too. I kiss him back, my grip tightening on his waist. A powerful craving rises through me. How could I have forgotten the pure delight of being kissed? It’s playful, like dancing, and unscripted, like we’re warping the bonds of time to make it last. I could float right off this rock.

I close my eyes and press my lips to his again. We’re standing close enough that my breasts brush against his chest with each of my quickening breaths. The idea of his lips and his prickly scruff on my skin sends my pulse thumping lower, harder.

A steady chirping cuts through my thoughts.

Everett leans back. He’s breathing fast, his hand still cradling the back of my neck.

“It’s okay,” I say.

“It’s not, actually.” He huffs a breath, then kisses my forehead. “I’m going to need more of that later.”

Me too, I think as he reaches for his phone.

Chapter Eighteen

EVERETT

“Dad?”Logan says when I answer.

“Hey, bud, what’s up?”

“Are you guys coming back soon?”

---