Page 14 of A Very Grumpy Mountain Man

Screw it.

“Do you want to come in for a bit?” I ask, suddenly shy. “I mean… we could talk more. Or not talk.”

His lips twitch. “I’d like that.”

I unlock the door and step inside, heart pounding, suddenly aware of how small my apartment is. He follows me in, ducking slightly under the low doorway.

“Do you want something to drink?” I ask as I drop my keys in the bowl by the door.

He shakes his head. “No. I just want to kiss you.”

I freeze, then slowly turn to face him. “What?”

He takes a step closer and cups my cheek. “I’ve been thinking about it since our first date. Since the first moment I saw you if I’m being honest.”

“Oh,” I breathe, heart stuttering.

Then he leans in and kisses me.

It starts slow, tentative. His lips brush mine softly like he’s giving me the chance to pull away. I don’t. I lean into him, rising on my toes, and wrap my arms around his neck as the kiss deepens.

His hands settle on my waist, strong and sure, pulling me closer. The heat between us builds, and I melt against him, completely lost in how he tastes, feels, and kisses like he means it.

Like he’s been waiting for this. For me.

When we finally break apart, I’m breathless and a little dizzy.

He rests his forehead against mine, eyes still closed.

“I’ve wanted to do that for a long time,” he murmurs.

“Me too,” I whisper.

I don’t know what happens next. If he stays. If this becomes something more tonight.

But I do know this?—

That kiss changed everything.

And I don’t want to go back.

“Do you want me to leave?” Kye asks softly.

I shake my head. “Stay,” I whisper as I rise on my toes and press my lips to his.

The moment our lips meet, everything else fades away.

It starts gently. Tentative. Like he’s asking for permission, waiting to see if I’ll pull away.

I don’t.

I lean into him, my hands sliding up his chest, clutching the front of his shirt like I’m afraid he’ll disappear if I let go. His mouth moves against mine—slow at first, savoring, like we have all the time in the world.

And maybe we do.

Kye’s hands find my hips, firm and steady as he pulls me closer. The kiss deepens, heat blooming low in my belly as his tongue brushes against mine, and I swear I feel it everywhere.

I gasp softly, and he groans in response, like that little sound undid something in him.

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