Page 12 of The Mountain Man's Curvy Boss

"Oh, darlin'," I rumble, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "I'm already gone over you. You're everything I never knew I needed."

Madison glows with happiness, stealing another sweet kiss that I gladly return.

"So, I was thinking... Can you help me finish painting the lobby? I could really use an extra set of hands."

I cup her face tenderly, my thumbs caressing her silky cheeks. "Of course, darlin'. I'll do whatever I can to help you in any way you need me."

Madison's eyes shimmer with emotion. "I appreciate that more than you know." She leans into my touch, nuzzling her soft skin against my work-roughened hands.

"C'mon, let's tackle that lobby before Ivy sends out a search party." I link my fingers with hers as we head back outside, both of us grinning like love-drunk fools.

As we enter the lobby, Ivy looks up from the front desk, her knowing smile widening at our joined hands. "Well, well, well. What do we have here?" she drawls teasingly.

I puff up my chest, proudly declaring, "Just me and my girl." I punctuate the statement by lifting our twined hands and brushing a kiss across her knuckles.

Madison flushes prettily, leaning into my side. "Your girl, huh?" she coyly repeats. "I think I could get used to that.”

Ivy claps her hands together gleefully. "Oh, I just knew you two would figure it out! You're absolutely perfect for each other. The whole resort's been rooting for you to get together since Madison arrived."

"The whole resort?" Madison squeaks, her grip on my hand tightening.

I chuckle, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "That's just how it is around here, sweetheart. Everybody knows everybody else's business. But it comes from a place of love. These folks... they're more than colleagues. They're family."

Madison looks up at me, her brown eyes warm with affection and acceptance. "Well then, I guess we'd better not disappoint our family," she jokes.

Ivy cackles at that. "Oh, honey, something tells me the only people you two will disappoint are the poor saps who thought they might have a chance with either of you. Now, don't you have a lobby to finish painting?" She makes a shooing motion with her hands.

Laughing, I tug Madison towards the paint supplies. "You heard the boss lady. Let's get to work... partner."

As we fall into an easy rhythm, rolling the fresh coat of paint onto the lobby walls, Madison turns to me with an excited sparkle in her eyes. "You know, we should have a big grand opening celebration once we finish repainting the lobby and cabins. It would really show off all the hard work we've put into this place."

I nod thoughtfully, picturing it. "That's a great idea. We could invite everyone from town, make it a real event. Show everyone that the resort is back and better than ever."

Madison grins, her enthusiasm infectious. "Exactly! And you know, we could probably get the work done even faster if we bring in some outside help. I'm sure plenty of people in town’d be willing to pitch in."

Pride swells in my chest at her willingness to embrace the community. "I think you're right. And I'd be happy to manage the renovations with you, coordinate everyone, and ensure everything gets done properly."

Madison's eyes soften with gratitude and something deeper, something that makes my heart race. "Archer, that would be amazing. If you take charge of the renovations, I can focus on installing some wifi and really start marketing the resort to bring in new guests."

I reach out, brushing a smudge of paint from her cheek with my thumb. "I'm happy to do it. I told you, Madison, I'm all in. This is our future we're building."

She leans into my touch, her voice trembling slightly. "I hope I'm making my grandmother proud. Taking all of this on, trying to bring the resort back to life. It's what she would have wanted."

Emotion clogs my throat as I cup her face tenderly. "Baby, there's not a doubt in my mind that she's up there beaming withpride right now. You're putting your whole heart into this place, just like she did. Her legacy is in the best possible hands."

Tears shimmer in Madison's eyes, but her smile is radiant. "Thank you, Archer. For believing in me, for standing by me. I couldn't do this without you."

"Oh, I have no doubt you could. You're the strongest, most determined woman I've ever met. But I'm sure as hell glad you don't have to." I lower my head, capturing her lips in a sweet, lingering kiss.

9

MADISON

[3months later]

I adjust the vase of fresh wildflowers on the lobby's welcome desk, taking a step back to admire the colorful arrangement. The lobby looks incredible—rustic yet elegant, with cozy couches and chairs arranged around a massive stone fireplace. We’ve cleaned the place from top to bottom, repainted the walls, and hung my grandmother’s old photos around the room. The resort now radiates a warmth that reflects its rich history and the love my grandmother poured into it while also looking like it belongs in the 21st century.

"What do you think?" Archer asks, coming up behind me and wrapping his strong arms around my waist. "Are we ready?"

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