Page 9 of Charming Mountain Man

“It was,” I admit quietly, surprised by the relief honesty brings. “It made me realize I preferred solitude. At least that way, I wouldn’t be disappointed.”

She shifts closer, her presence a comforting warmth beside me. “I understand feeling like you’re safer alone. My problem is the opposite. I jump into things too quickly, trusting too easily. I guess that’s my way of avoiding loneliness.”

Her vulnerability tugs sharply at something protective within me. “There’s nothing wrong with hope, Callie. It’s admirable.”

She chuckles softly, a note of self-deprecation coloring her voice. “Maybe. Or maybe it just makes me reckless.”

I turn slightly, facing her more fully. “It makes you brave. It’s one of the things I admire most about you.”

Her eyes widen slightly, warmth flooding her cheeks. “Garrett…”

“I mean it,” I interrupt gently, sincerity deepening my voice. “You’re bright, fearless, full of life. It’s refreshing, and honestly, a little terrifying.”

“Terrifying?” she repeats softly, her gaze locked on mine.

“Terrifying,” I confirm, voice roughening with emotion. “Because it makes me want things I swore I’d never risk again.”

Her breathing quickens slightly, and her eyes search mine with intensity. The air between us thickens, charged with unspoken longing.

Slowly, almost hesitantly, I reach out, gently cupping her cheek. Her skin is soft and warm beneath my roughened fingers. Her eyes flutter closed briefly, and she leans into my touch with a quiet sigh.

“Garrett,” she whispers again, her voice husky and emotional.

My thumb brushes gently over her lower lip, the soft intake of her breath nearly unraveling my restraint entirely. “Tell me to stop,” I murmur roughly, my voice betraying how close to breaking I am.

“Please don’t stop,” she breathes, eyes locked on mine, openly pleading.

Unable to resist, I close the remaining distance between us, capturing her lips in a slow, gentle kiss. When our mouths meet, warmth explodes through me, a mixture of relief, longing, and fierce protectiveness.

Callie responds eagerly, her hands sliding tentatively to my chest, fingers clutching at my shirt as she deepens the kiss.It’s intoxicating, her mouth’s sweetness and her body’s softness pressed closely to mine. The crackling fire and the stars above fade away until there’s only the sensation of her in my arms, surrendering to the undeniable pull between us.

Eventually, we part slightly, breathless and dazed. Her eyes flutter open slowly, hazy with desire and something deeper, something tender that resonates profoundly within me.

“I’ve wanted to do that since the moment you walked into my shop,” I confess softly, my voice heavy with sincerity.

Her smile is radiant, shy yet brilliantly beautiful. “Me too.”

The passion between us quickly intensifies, our kisses growing deeper, hungrier. Breathless, Callie pulls back slightly, her eyes glittering with desire. “Garrett,” she whispers urgently, tugging gently at my shirt, silently urging me to follow her.

Without hesitation, I scoop her carefully into my arms, mindful of her injured ankle, and carry her back inside the tent. The fire crackles low, casting flickers of orange over Callie’s flushed cheeks. She’s lying beside me on the blanket, head tilted back to stare at the stars, her hair fanned out like a halo of temptation.

“You ever think about what you’d be doing if we hadn’t run into each other?” she asks softly, voice lilting with curiosity.

I grunt. “Probably fixing a broken shelf and eating a cold sandwich.”

She laughs, eyes glinting. “Sounds thrilling.”

I roll onto my side, bracing on one elbow, and look down at her. “This is better.”

Her breath catches. She hears what I mean, even if I don’t say it straight. The air between us crackles, charged with heat and something more dangerous. Want. Need.

She lifts a hand to trace my jaw, fingers featherlight. “Then kiss me, Garrett.”

I don’t need to be asked twice.

Our mouths meet with slow heat, deep and unhurried, but it doesn’t stay that way. Her fingers slide into my hair, tugging, her hips arching toward mine like her body knows exactly what it wants.

I roll over her, settling between her legs, bracing myself so I don’t crush her. Her thighs cradle my hips, her breath coming in shallow pants. She rocks up against me, and I can feel how ready she is through both our clothes.

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