Page 3 of Sugar-Shacked with the Mountain Man
"Since my dad died three years ago. But I grew up here. Been working the farm since I could walk." He moves closer, drawn by the fire's warmth. "What about you? Always wanted to be a corporate shark?"
I laugh, surprised by the sound. "Corporate shark? Is that what you think I am?"
"Aren't you?"
I'm quiet for a long moment, staring into the flames. "I used to think I was good at my job because I was helping people. Finding buyers for struggling properties, helping families get out of debt. But lately..."
"Lately what?"
"Lately I wonder if I'm just really good at destroying things people love."
The admission hangs between us, honest and raw. Kane steps closer, close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from his body.
"And what do you love, Sophie?" he asks quietly.
The question catches me off guard. What do I love? My career? My condo in Toronto? My carefully controlled life? Looking up into his green eyes, feeling the warmth of the fire and the unexpected safety of this rustic space, I realize I don't have an answer.
"I don't know," I whisper. "I don't think I've ever really thought about it."
His expression changes, the hostility fading entirely. "That might be the saddest thing I've ever heard."
Before I can respond, he reaches up and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. The simple touch sends shivers down my spine, and suddenly the space between us feels charged with electricity.
"Kane," I breathe.
"Yeah?"
"I think I'm in trouble."
"Why's that?"
"Because I look at you and I want things I shouldn't want. From someone I'm supposed to be fighting."
His hand slides from my hair to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing across my skin. "What kind of things?"
I should step away. I should remember why I'm here, what Mom's medical bills require of me. Instead, I lean into his touch. "I want to know what you taste like," I admit. "I want to feel your hands on me. I want to forget about everything except this moment."
He sucks in a breath. "Sophie..."
"I know it's crazy. I know we're supposed to be enemies. But I've never wanted anything the way I want you right now."
For a heartbeat, we hover on the edge. Then Kane's control snaps, and he crushes his mouth to mine.
two
Kane
Themomentmylipstouch hers, I'm lost. Sophie tastes like coffee and something sweet, and when she makes a small sound of pleasure against my mouth, every rational thought disappears.
This is insane. She's here to destroy everything I care about, and I'm kissing her like she's the answer to every prayer I've never made. But God help me, I can't stop.
Her hands fist in my flannel shirt, pulling me closer, and I back her against the warm stone wall of the evaporator. She's soft and pliant in my arms, all the sharp corporate edges melted away.
"This is crazy," I breathe against her lips, my hands tangling in her dark hair.
"I don't care," she gasps, her fingers working at my shirt buttons. "I don't want to think anymore. I just want to feel."
I capture her mouth again, deeper this time, tasting her thoroughly while my hands roam over the soft flannel coveringher curves. She arches against me, and I can feel her nipples hardening through the thin fabric.
