Page 12 of Speed Dating the Mountain Man

As we step out from under the pavilion’s shelter, I notice movement at the resort entrance. It's Rena’s boss, watching us with a knowing smile. She dashes out to meet us, seemingly unbothered by the downpour.

"Well, well, well," she says, her voice raised to be heard over the rain. "I knew you two would work things out!"

Rena blushes, ducking her head. I squeeze her hand, feeling a surge of pride and affection.

Madison turns to Rena, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Honey, take the day off. Go be with your man." She winks, her grin turning mischievous. "I'll find someone to cover your shift. Don't you worry about a thing."

Rena starts to protest, but Madison cuts her off with a wave. "No arguments. You deserve this. Now go before I change my mind!"

Rena looks at me, her eyes wide and hopeful. I nod, my heart swelling in my chest. "Let's go," I say softly.

Hand in hand, we dash for my truck, laughing as we splash through puddles. The rain soaks through our clothes, but I barely notice. All I can think about is getting Rena back to my cabin and starting this new chapter of our lives together.

The drive to my place feels both too long and too short. Rena's hand rests on my thigh, her touch sending sparks through my body. We don't talk much, but the silence is comfortable, charged with anticipation.

As I pull up to the cabin, I feel a flutter of nerves in my stomach. This is it. This is the moment everything changes. I glance at Rena and find her already looking at me, her expression a mix of nervousness and excitement that I'm sure mirrors my own.

"Ready?" I ask, my voice rough with emotion.

She nods, her smile soft and sure. "Ready."

When we make it inside, I quickly kneel by the fireplace, carefully arranging the kindling and logs. My hands shake slightly, and I take a deep breath to steady myself. I can hear Rena moving around the cabin behind me, her soft footsteps echoing on the hardwood floor.

As I strike a match, I glance over my shoulder. Rena is running her fingers along the spines of the books on my shelf, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. She looks up, catching me staring, and her smile widens. My heart stutters in my chest.

The fire catches, and I stand, brushing my hands on my jeans. Rena crosses the room to join me, her eyes flickering in the firelight. She reaches up, cupping my face in her hands.

"This is perfect," she murmurs, her thumb stroking my jawline. "You're perfect."

I lean down, capturing her lips with mine. The kiss starts soft, tender, but quickly deepens. Rena's hands slide into my hair, tugging me closer. I wrap my arms around her waist, pressing her body against mine.

We stumble backward, Rena's back hitting the wall. She gasps into my mouth, and I take the opportunity to trail my lips down her neck. Her fingers tighten in my hair as I nip at the sensitive skin below her ear.

"Aaron," she breathes, my name sounding like a prayer on her lips.

I pull back, resting my forehead against hers. We're both breathing heavily, our chests rising and falling in sync. Rena's eyes are dark, her pupils blown wide with desire.

"I love you," I whisper, the words slipping out again before I can stop them. It’s like my mouth has a mind of its own and needs Rena to know how much I want her, need her.

"I love you too, mountain man,” she says, her voice thick with emotion. "I think I have from the moment I first saw you."

I grin, feeling lighter than I have in years. I capture her lips again, pouring all the love and passion I feel into the kiss. Rena responds with equal enthusiasm, her hands roaming over my back, tugging at my shirt. I can't get enough of her, can't seem to kiss her enough. My hands are just as desperate, fumbling with the buttons of her blouse, eager to feel her bare skin against mine.

With a muffled curse, I break the kiss and step back just enough to yank my shirt over my head, discarding it on the floor. Rena's eyes darken as she watches me, her breathing ragged. I reach for her, my hands trembling slightly as I unbutton her blouse, revealing the lacy bra beneath.

"You're so beautiful," I breathe, my voice rough with desire.

Rena blushes, but there's a newfound confidence in her eyes, a fire that matches my own. "I want this, Aaron. I want you."

Her words are all the encouragement I need. I slide the straps of her blouse down her arms, revealing the creamy expanse of her shoulders. I trail my lips along her collarbone, savoring her gasps and moans.

"Aaron," she whimpers, her fingers tangled in my hair.

I look up, my question clear in my eyes.

"I'm sure," she says, her voice firm. "I've never been surer about anything."

That's all the assurance I need. With a growl, I scoop her up in my arms, carrying her over to the couch. I lay her down, my body hovering over hers.

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