Page 68 of Second Chance Savior

I pointed. “Right there. It’s Silver Mountain. About twenty-five miles away.”

Where Charlie’s parents lived.

“Oh.” It was a small sound. Breathy. “I knew we had to be close, but I didn’t realize.”

Their property was on the other side, and the McKinley home didn’t have a view of this valley. That was why Charlie hadn’t placed it. “I bought this land sight-unseen,” I said. “Didn’t want my real name associated anywhere with it, even with my broker. But when I came here and realized I had a view of Silver Mountain, it felt like a sign.”

“A sign of what?”

“That I could be happy here. Like I used to be those summers when we were kids.” I still had my hands on her shoulders. She wasn’t moving, but she felt vibrant under my palms. Someone I could hold on to for a little while, but not for long.

Then Charlie’s head turned, showing me her profile, and our eyes locked. “Those summers with my family meant that much to you?”

“They meant everything to me.”

Her chin lifted, angling her head just so. Our mouths lined up perfectly.

Suddenly we were kissing again.

Our lips and tongues tangled in a seductive dance, though more tentatively than the last time. Like neither of us was sure how we’d gotten here, but we simply couldn’t help ourselves.

With a sharp intake of breath, Charlie broke away. Took a few steps, creating some distance. Squeezed her eyes shut. “Crap, I didn’t mean to do that.”

I stuck my hands in my pockets. “But did youwantto do it? I did. I do.”

“River, what am I supposed to say? I’m flattered by what you told me. About how you feel. But I’m taking a breakfrom relationships right now, and even if I wasn’t, you and me…”

“I know we wouldn’t work. For way too many reasons. I’m not looking for a relationship either. That’s never been my thing.”

“And there’s your brother.”

I grimaced. “Yep.”

Ross and I weren’t close, but this had to be a violation of the brotherly code of ethics. Even though it had been years, and he was living his own happiness. Was that enough? Did that absolve me?

What would he say if he knew I’d wanted her all this time?

Charlie bit her lip. “But…”

“But?” I asked hopefully.

“I care about you too. That’s why I’m so afraid of you getting hurt or screwing up your life because you helped me.”

“I’ve gotten out of worse situations. I’m here with you, and we’re safe. For now, that’s all I could ask for.”

Ineededto touch her. Felt that urge deep in my gut. But somehow, I held myself back this time.

“Unless there’s something elseyouwant to ask for,” I added. Straight from the devil on my shoulder.

“Stop tempting me.”

“Didn’t know I was so tempting.”

She glared. But there was so much heat in that look. We were both wavering. Inches from giving in and ignoring every reason we should say no.

Yes. I wantedyes.

If she wanted this, not evenIcould stop me.

---