Page 8 of The Mountain Man's Curvy Boss

As we head back inside, I can't help but wonder...

Was he really just talking about Ashton? Or was he hinting at something more?

Part of me is dying to find out. But the rational part of my brain firmly squashes that notion.

He works for you now, I remind myself sternly. Keep it professional.

But as we resume painting, working side by side in companionable silence, I can't ignore the way my heart races every time his arm brushes mine...

Or how right it felt to have him standing at my back, ready to defend me.

I'm in trouble. Big trouble.

Heaven help me.

6

ARCHER

Itake Madison's hand in mine, her soft fingers intertwining with my calloused ones as I lead her away from the main lobby. She looks up at me with those warm brown eyes, a smudge of pale blue paint still dotting the tip of her nose from earlier. I reach over with my free hand and gently wipe it away. Madison giggles, her laughter like music to my ears. It's a sound of pure, uninhibited joy - something I haven't heard or felt in a long time.

"Where are we going?" Madison asks as we walk, her voice light and playful. The early evening sun casts a golden glow across her face.

"To my place," I reply simply. "It's not much, but it's home."

I suddenly feel a pang of insecurity. My rustic little cabin in the woods is a far cry from the posh city apartments she must be used to. But Madison smiles and squeezes my hand.

"I'd love to see it. I bet it's cozy."

"It is. Though not nearly as grand as the resort itself," I admit as we trek slowly along the worn dirt path that winds behind the property. "Eleanor was real good to us, letting the staff live on-site as part of our employment. Makes it easier, being so remote up here and all."

Madison cocks her head curiously. "I had no idea there were staff cabins back here."

"Yep, a whole little hidden village of them. Me and a couple of other folks stay year-round to keep an eye on things. The rest come and go with the seasons."

I point through the trees to a cluster of small cabins and outbuildings. As we approach, I find myself babbling to fill the silence, nervousness taking hold.

"It's not fancy like what you're probably used to. No cable TV or high-speed internet out here. Hope that's alright."

"It's perfect," Madison assures me. "I don't need any of that stuff. I'm just happy to be here. With you."

My heartbeat quickens at her words. What is this irresistible pull I feel towards her? I haven't let myself get close to anyone in so long...

We reach my cabin door, and I fumble for my key. Is she really choosing me - a gruff, solitary mountain man - over her sleek city life? I barely dare to hope.

I push the weathered wooden door open and gesture for Madison to head inside. As soon as she crosses the threshold, I follow closely behind, the door swinging shut with a soft thud. The click of the latch echoes in the charged silence between us.

Madison turns to face me, her dark eyes locking with mine. In that moment, the air crackles with a palpable electricity. My breath catches in my throat as she steps closer, closing the distance until we're mere inches apart.

"Archer..." she breathes, her voice barely a whisper.

That's all it takes to shatter my restraint. I surge forward, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Madison responds instantly, her arms winding around my neck as she melts into me. Thefeeling of her soft curves pressed against my hardened body sets my blood on fire.

Lost in a haze of desire, we stumble further into the cabin, hands roaming and tugging at clothing. I break the kiss just long enough to trail my lips down the smooth column of her neck, reveling in the breathy sighs escaping her.

"You have no idea how badly I've wanted this," I murmur against her skin. "Wanted you."

Madison's fingers thread through my hair, urging me even closer. "Then show me," she challenges, her voice husky with need.

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