Page 13 of The Mountain Man's Curvy Boss

I lean against his solid chest, relishing his warmth and the crisp, woodsy scent of his cologne. "It looks perfect. Everything is perfect."

I turn in his arms to face him, looping my arms around his neck. His blue eyes sparkle with amusement and adoration as he gazes down at me.

"You're perfect," he murmurs, brushing a strand of hair back from my face. "Have I told you lately how amazing you are? Look at everything you've accomplished here in just a few months."

I feel a blush heating my cheeks at his praise. "I couldn't have done it without you, you know. Your support, your hard work... I never would have pulled this off on my own."

"We make a pretty good team, don't we, city girl?" He grins, using the nickname that used to annoy me but now fills me with affection.

"The best team," I agree, rising on my toes to press my lips to his.

The kiss starts soft and sweet but quickly ignites into something hotter, needier. Archer hauls me closer, one hand sliding into my hair as he deepens the kiss. I melt against him, losing myself in his taste, his touch, and the overwhelming sensation of being completely surrounded by him.

A wolf whistle from across the lobby makes us break apart, both of us flushed and breathing hard.

"Hey, lovebirds, quit canoodling and get over here!" Ivy calls out. "The first guests just pulled up."

Archer chuckles and rests his forehead against mine. "To be continued," he promises in a low, intimate voice that sends shivers skittering down my spine.

"I'm going to hold you to that, mountain man." I steal one more quick kiss before reluctantly stepping out of his embrace.

As we walk hand-in-hand to where Ivy is waiting, my stomach does a little flip. This is it, the moment of truth. Three months of hard work and preparation led up to this.

I take a deep breath, smoothing my hands over the front of my dress. Archer squeezes my shoulder reassuringly. "You've got this, Maddie. The place looks amazing, thanks to you."

His steady confidence bolsters my own. Squaring my shoulders, I follow Ivy to the doors, Archer right beside me.

As we step out into the crisp mountain air, an excited murmur rises from the crowd gathering on the front lawn. I spot some familiar faces in the mix—the bakery owner, the couple who runs the bookstore on Main Street, and a few of the local artisans whose work we now sell in the gift shop.

Their eyes widen as they take in the freshly cleaned exterior, the new landscaping, and the updated signage. "Wow, Madison, you've done wonders with this old place!" the bakery owner exclaims.

Pride swells in my chest. "Thank you, that means a lot. We've all put so much heart into this project."

I make my way through the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging greetings, Archer a steady presence at my back. A few travel bloggers and journalists hover at the edges, cameras and notepads ready. My palms start to sweat. I know how important their coverage will be for drumming up non-local business.

Just as I'm trying to figure out how to approach them, Archer leans in close. "Want me to take point with the press? You keep charming the hometown crowd, and I'll schmooze the out-of-towners."

I could kiss him. I settle for a fierce hand squeeze instead. "Have I mentioned lately how amazing you are?"

He winks. "You can show me later, after your big speech. Now go dazzle the locals like I know you will."

As we split off to work the crowd, my nerves settle. With Archer by my side, I feel ready to take on the world - or at least this small Colorado town. I just hope I can make my grandmother proud.

10

ARCHER

Istand in front of the guests gathered in the resort lobby, champagne flute in hand. The din of conversation fills the warm, wood-paneled space. I clear my throat and clink my glass. "Can I please have everyone’s attention?”

The room quiets as all eyes turn to me. My heart swells with pride as I glance at Madison standing nearby, a vision in her deep blue dress that hugs her luscious curves. "I want to introduce someone very special who has a few words to say. Madison?"

Murmurs ripple through the crowd as Madison joins me, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor. She looks around the room, her glossy brown hair cascading over her shoulders. Even though we rehearsed this, I know she's nervous about addressing so many people. I give her an encouraging nod.

Madison takes a deep breath. "Hi everyone, I'm Madison Callahan. When my beloved grandmother passed away earlier this year and left me this resort, I honestly didn't know if I was cut out for this - running a business, living in the mountains, so different from my life in the city." Her voice gains strength as she continues. "But thanks to Archer and the incredible staff whowelcomed me with open arms, this place has come to feel like home. Like family."

Her eyes shine with emotion as they meet mine. My throat tightens. God, I love this woman. She's come so far from that overwhelmed city girl who first showed up here.

"We have lots of exciting plans for the resort's future," Madison goes on. "And I hope you'll all visit often - maybe have a meal at our restaurant or attend some of the special events we'll be hosting. I'm so grateful you could join us tonight. Please, enjoy the rest of the celebration!"

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