Page 11 of The Mountain Man's Curvy Boss

I take a deep breath, my hands trembling slightly as I clasp them in front of me. "Archer, I don't understand. Last night was... it was amazing. I thought we had something special. But this morning, you just brushed past me like I didn't even exist. What's going on?"

Archer's jaw clenches, his gaze flickering away from mine. "It's pretty clear what's going on, Madison. You got what you wanted from me, and now you're ready to move on. Sell the resort and head back to your fancy city life."

His words hit me like a slap in the face. "What? No, Archer. That's not true at all!"

He scoffs, turning back to the sink and picking up his wrench. "Sure it is. I've seen your type before. You come in here, batting your eyelashes and making big promises, but in the end, it's all just a game to you."

Frustration and hurt well up inside me, threatening to spill over. I reach out, my fingers grazing his arm. "Archer, please. Look at me."

Reluctantly, he meets my gaze, his blue eyes stormy with emotion.

"I'm not using you," I insist, my voice quivering slightly. "I care about you, Archer. And I'm seriously considering staying here, at the resort. This place... it means something to me."

Archer's brow furrows, a flicker of doubt crossing his features. "Oh yeah? Then who were you talking to on the phone this morning, huh? Sounded like you were making plans to leave."

Realization dawns on me, and I close my eyes briefly, cursing myself for not being clearer. "You overheard that? Archer, it's not what you think."

He crosses his arms over his chest, his posture defensive. "Enlighten me, then."

"I was talking to my best friend, Callie. She lives back in Denver," I explain, my words tumbling out in a rush. "She asked if I was coming back, and I told her I was trying to decide what to do. Callie suggested I think about what I want for my future, and I realized that if I can sort a few things out, I want to make a go of things here, at the resort."

Archer's eyes widen slightly, a glimmer of hope sparking in their depths. "You're... you're staying?"

I nod, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "I'm considering it, yes. Archer, giving up my job in the city, it's a huge decision. I needed to talk it through with someone I trust, someone who has my best interests at heart. That's all thatphone call was about, I swear. I used to think my job meant a lot to me, but it didn’t really. I’ve felt more alive the past two days with you than I have the past two years in Denver."

He's silent for a long moment, his gaze searching mine intently. I hold my breath, praying that he believes me, that he can see the truth in my eyes.

Finally, Archer's shoulders relax, a slow smile spreading across his handsome face. "Well, damn. I guess I jumped to conclusions there, didn't I?"

Relief washes over me, and I let out a soft laugh. "Yeah, you did. But I understand why."

8

ARCHER

Itake Madison's face gently in my hands, my thumbs caressing her soft cheeks as I gaze intently into her deep brown eyes. "I'm so sorry, Madison. For being an ass, for pushing you away when all I want is to hold you close. I never meant to hurt you."

Madison's eyes shimmer with unshed tears. "I know, Archer. I understand. This is all new and scary for both of us."

"I'm terrified of how strongly I feel for you already," I admit hoarsely.

"I... I feel the same way," she whispers back, her voice shaking with a vulnerability that clenches my heart.

"Madison..." Her name leaves my lips as a sigh of longing. I draw her closer, our bodies interlocking as I claim her mouth with mine in a searing, passionate kiss. Madison melts against me, her arms winding around my neck as she kisses me back just as fiercely.

I pour every ounce of emotion into the kiss - the regret over pushing her away, the need and longing, the growing feelings I can no longer deny. Madison matches me with her own desperation and desire, her lush curves pressing against my hard body in the most tantalizing way.

I angle my head to deepen the kiss, my tongue delving into her honeyed warmth to stroke against hers. She tastes divine, like cinnamon and sin. I could kiss her for hours, for days, and never have enough. My blood heats, and my heart pounds. I've never wanted a woman this much.

My hands skim down her back to settle on her hips, tugging her impossibly closer. I'm dizzy with need, drunk on her sweet flavor and the noises of pleasure she makes. Everything else fades away until there is only Madison. My Madison.

When we finally part, we're both breathing hard, our foreheads touching as we struggle to catch our breath. I know without a doubt that I'm in deep, that there's no going back from what I feel for this woman in my arms. Gazing into her desire-glazed eyes, I see the same realization and acceptance reflected back at me.

"That was..." Madison trails off with a blissful sigh.

"Earth-shattering? Mind-blowing? The best damn kiss of our lives?" I supply with a roguish grin. She laughs, the joyous sound making my heart swell near to bursting.

"All of the above," Madison agrees with a mischievous smile. Then her expression sobers. "Archer, I...I think I'm falling for you."

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