Page 12 of Temptation for the Mountain Man
"Feeling okay?" Blaze asks, running his hand down my arm.
"Yes, thank you." I eye his naked torso. "But you must be so cold."
Blaze grins, his eyes lighting up. "Freezing. You got any ideas about how I can warm up quickly?"
I shrug. "One or two things from my book that I'd like to experience in person."
"Oh yeah, dirty girl?" Blaze's hungry eyes rake over my body. He cups my ass and squeezes as he pulls me toward him.
I rise on my tiptoes and plant my mouth against his. His lips part instantly, and I swirl my tongue into his mouth before he takes over, leveling me with a searing kiss.
"Can't wait to hear about it." He slaps my ass playfully, then bends, putting his shoulder into my belly.
I squeal as he hoists me over his shoulder and carries me down the hallway.
Maybe happily ever afters do happen in real life.
Chapter 8
Epilogue - Blaze
ONE YEAR LATER
I stand near the entrance of the Firelight Games music tent, fidgeting with my tie as I wait for my Cinderella to appear. I'm dressed in a suit for the second time in a year. The last time was at our wedding in December. Only one month after we found out we were having a baby, which was only a month after the night (and day) stuck in my cabin. Baby Ella is three months old already, and tonight is our first night out since she was born. Celeste helped me book a room at the resort, and my mom and sister, Wynn, are spoiling Ella rotten, while we get a much-needed night to sleep.
Speaking of the devil, my head snaps up at the sound of a catcall.
"Where's my uncle, and how'd you get him in a suit?"
I snort, shaking my head at Celeste, who stands with her friends and co-workers, Hartley and Brynn, twenty yards up the hill. It’s true that I usually save this look for weddings and funerals. Hoping to dazzle my wife, I tug on my coat and raise and lower my thumb, asking for the ladies' opinions.
They all send me a thumbs up, and I nod in thanks before ducking into the tent. As I glance around, a text comes through, quickly followed by another. I whip out my phone, worried it's from my mom or sister.
ARCHER
Do you still want help with the addition next weekend? I can be in Festival Valley Friday through Sunday.
BROOKS
I can help. Think we can get it all done in two days?
Archer and my cousin Brooks have become good friends, and we're on a group chat together. Callie and I are headed to Durhing Park for Archer's wedding in the spring, planned by Brooks' wife, Violet. They met around Christmastime last year and have been living together ever since. They say there's something in the water over there, but Archer must’ve drunk the entire river when he landed in town to find her so quickly.
I'm framed out. Plumbing and drywall are what I need. If you can get me through the mudding in two days, I can finish the rest even when it's cold.
Callie changed her mind quickly about having more kids once she realized one of the benefits of a big, close family—it’s like having a whole village at your disposal. Her sister Erin comes to visit as often as she can, and we moved her grandma near us when Shelly found a new sucker—uh, boyfriend—and took off to Nevada with him. We haven't heard from her in months.
Erin is heading to Fiji for a second year-long study abroad opportunity. She got a scholarship, the little Einstein, so Shelly will have a hell of a time reaching her halfway across the world.
We need a few more bedrooms and a second bathroom in our home to accommodate our growing family. I've already framed the additions, and my brothers have helped with the foundation and external walls.
ARCHER
Works for me.
BROOKS
See you next weekend.
