Page 119 of Mountain Daddy

“You've been through hell,” Rosa continues. “Both of you. Take a night. Breathe.” She winks, entirely unsubtle. “Or don't breathe. Whatever works.”

“Rosa!” I hiss, mortified and grateful all at once.

“I'm just saying.” She shrugs. “That boy needs a father. And that father needs some alone time with his baby mama.”

Nikolai's laugh surprises me. Genuine. He likes my best friend and what more can a girl ask for?

“We appreciate it.”

“I know you do.” Rosa pats my arm. “I'll drop him off after lunch.”

She disappears into the crowd before I can properly thank her. Already calling Chleo's name. Already planning their sleepover.

“Guess we have the cabin to ourselves tonight,” Nikolai murmurs.

A shiver runs through me. The anticipation is sweet, sinful torture.

“Guess so.”

His eyes darken, and for a second, I forget where we are. Forget the crowd around us. Forget everything but the heat in his gaze.

“Mom!” Chleo's voice breaks the spell. “They're gonna do fireworks! Can I watch? Please?”

I blink, drag myself back to reality. “Sure, baby. Just stay with Rosa, okay?”

He nods, already racing back to where the other children gather. Rosa gives me a thumbs up from across the square.

“Come dance with me,” Nikolai says suddenly.

“What?”

“Dance.” He takes my hand. “One song.”

The band's playing something slow now. Couples sway together in the fading light. Mrs. Chen and her husband. The mayor and his wife. Teenagers pressed close, shy and awkward.

It seems impossible. Dancing in the middle of town with Nikolai Vetrov himself. My sin. My salvation. My damnation.

My love.

Nikolai's already leading me toward the makeshift dance floor.

His arms encircle my waist. Mine loop around his neck. We sway together, barely moving. His heartbeat strong against my chest.

“They're watching us,” I whisper.

“Let them.” His lips brush my temple. “Let them see.”

What would they see, these townspeople who've known me for years? Would they see a woman in love?

Probably just that.

Because it’s the truth.

Stars emerge overhead. Someone's lit candles on the tables, and they flicker like fireflies in the dark.

For a moment—just one moment—it feels like we could be normal. Like this could be our life. A bakery. A son. Dancing under the stars on a warm summer night.

“I saw your cousin,” Nikolai says, breaking the fantasy.

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