Page 21 of My Ex-Military Mountain Man

His words and the intensity of his gaze push me closer to the edge. One of his hands slides between us, his thumb finding exactly the right spot to send me spiraling into pleasure once more. Jack follows almost immediately, his body tensing beneath me as his release claims him.

I collapse forward onto his chest, both of us breathing heavily. His arms wrap around me, holding me close as our heartbeats gradually slow.

We stay like that for long minutes, neither willing to break the unexpected peace we've found in each other's arms. Finally, I shift to lie beside him, my head resting on his shoulder, his arm still wrapped around me.

"That was..." I begin, searching for the right word.

"Unexpected," Jack supplies, a smile in his voice.

"Magnificent," I correct, propping myself up on an elbow to look at him. "And yes, completely unexpected."

His face is more relaxed than I've seen it, the perpetual tension around his eyes and mouth temporarily eased. He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, the gesture surprisingly tender.

"I don't do this," he says quietly. "Ever."

"I gathered that," I reply. "I don't make a habit of it either, despite what my behavior might suggest."

Jack shakes his head slightly. "I wasn't implying—"

"I know," I assure him, placing a finger gently against his lips. "I just wanted you to know this isn't... casual for me."

"Good."

The simplicity of his response makes me smile. "Eloquent as always, Jack."

His arm tightens around me, pulling me closer. "I'm better with actions than words."

"I've noticed," I say dryly, which earns me a rare, genuine laugh, "I suppose we should talk about what happens tomorrow," I say, my fingers tracing idle patterns on his chest.

Jack's arm tightens slightly around me. "When you leave."

There's no question in his words, just quiet acknowledgment of reality. My practice in Portland, his sanctuary here, separated by more than just miles.

"Yes," I confirm. "Though I'm finding that prospect considerably less appealing than I did twenty-four hours ago."

He's quiet for a moment, his hand continuing its gentle caress along my arm.

"I can't leave here," he says finally. "The animals—"

"I know," I interrupt gently. "I wouldn't ask you to. This place is part of who you are."

"And your practice in Portland is part of who you are," he observes.

I prop myself up again to look at him directly. "It is. But practices can have satellite locations. Consulting veterinarians can travel. There are possibilities, Jack."

Something shifts in his expression—surprise, followed by cautious hope. "You'd consider that? Coming back here?"

"I'm already considering it," I admit. "The sanctuary needs regular veterinary care. Your rehabilitation work deserves proper documentation. Both excellent professional justifications for return visits."

His lips curve into a small smile. "Professional justifications only?"

"Well," I say, matching his smile, "I might have some personal interest as well. In the sanctuary owner. Who, it turns out, is considerably less grumpy than first impressions suggested."

Jack laughs, the sound warming something deep inside me. "Only with you, apparently." His expression grows more serious."This is... new territory for me, Nicole. I've been alone by choice for a long time."

"I know," I say softly. "And I'm not suggesting we have everything figured out. Just that I'd like to explore the possibilities. If you would."

His hand comes up to cup my face, his gaze intense yet vulnerable. "I would. Very much."

---