Page 12 of Craving the Mountain Man

My orgasm hits me like a tornado sweeping through my body and I cry out, my fingernails digging into his shoulders as my legs shake around his hips.

He grits his teeth, his eyes on me, and he pistons into me a few more times before burying himself deep, shoving his head into my neck and groaning long and hard.

I hold onto him, not ready for us to lose this connection.

But I’m worried about what will happen next. He’s my boss and I’m his employee. Tonight was never on the cards, now I’m scared about the aftermath.

CHAPTER 6

SKYLAR

As the morning light brightens, I lie in Grayson's arms, tracing lazy patterns on his chest. The storm has passed, thankfully, and I’ve been able to get a little sleep. Grayson and I slept in each other’s arms and although I only managed a little sleep, it was without a doubt the best one I’d ever had. I felt fully refreshed waking up this morning.

"What happens now?" I ask softly, voicing the question that's been lingering in the back of my mind all night.

Grayson's arms tighten around me. "I don't know," he admits. "This... us... it complicates things."

I prop myself up on one elbow, looking down at him. "Do you regret it?"

His hand comes up to cup my cheek, his thumb tracing my lower lip. "Not for a second," he says, his voice husky. "But Skylar, there's so much you don't know about me, about my past. And this expedition there's more at stake than you realize."

I frown, sensing the weight behind his words. "What do you mean?"

Grayson sighs, sitting up and running a hand through his tousled hair. "The Donovan deal it's not just about funding forFire Mountain Expeditions. If it goes through, they want to develop parts of the mountain. Ski resorts, luxury cabins, the works."

My eyes widen in shock. "But that would destroy everything you've worked for! The wilderness, the protected lands..."

He nods grimly. "Exactly. I've been trying to find a way to keep the company afloat without selling out, but it's been tough. This expedition was supposed to be my last shot at convincing Donovan to invest without the development plans."

I sit up fully, clutching the sleeping bag to my chest. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"

"I didn't want to burden you with it," he says softly. "And honestly, I was afraid you might try to talk me out of it. But now..."

"Now what?" I ask, my heart racing.

Grayson reaches out, taking my hand in his. "Now, I realize I can't do this alone anymore. Skylar, you've shown me there's more to life than just surviving. You make me want to fight for something better."

I squeeze his hand, feeling a surge of determination. "Then let's fight. Together. There has to be another way to save the company and protect the mountain."

A slow smile spreads across Grayson's face, lighting up his eyes in a way I've never seen before. "You really are something else, you know that?"

I grin back at him. "So I've been told. Now come on, Mountain Man. We've got a wilderness to save and a future to plan."

As we emerge from the tent into the crisp morning air, I can feel the shift between us. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together. And somehow, I know that with Grayson by my side, we can conquer any mountain—literal or metaphorical—that stands in our way.

The rest of the group is already stirring, assessing the damage from last night's storm. Mr. Donovan approaches us, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Wells, we need to talk," he says, his tone grave. "After last night, I'm having serious doubts about this whole venture."

Grayson nods, his jaw set in determination. "I understand, Mr. Donovan. And there's something I need to discuss with you as well. Perhaps we could speak privately?"

As Grayson leads Donovan away for their discussion, I busy myself helping the others clean up the campsite. But my mind is racing, wondering what Grayson will say, how he'll handle this crucial moment.

An hour later, Grayson returns. The look on his face is unreadable as he gathers the group together.

"Listen up, everyone," Grayson says, his voice carrying across the clearing. "There's been a change of plans. Mr. Donovan and I have come to an agreement."

My heart races as I wait for him to continue, unsure of what this means for the future of Fire Mountain.

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