Page 26 of The Forbidden Mountain Man Lumberjack
Later, in his bed, with his body curved protectively around mine and his breathing deepening toward sleep, I stare into the darkness and confront the truth I've been avoiding.
I'm falling in love with him.
And I have absolutely no idea what that means for either of us.
CHAPTER NINE
WYATT
The morning light streams through my bedroom window, illuminating Sophia as she sleeps beside me. One arm is tucked under her cheek, dark hair spilling across my pillow, her breathing deep and even. The peaceful sight stands in stark contrast to the turmoil of last night's conversation.
I'd pushed her away, questioned her integrity, even implied that our personal relationship might be compromising her professional judgment. Yet here she is, still in my bed, still willing to give me another chance I'm not sure I deserve.
The realization hits me with sudden clarity: I'm in love with her.
Not just attracted. Not just enjoying her company. In love. Completely, irrevocably in love with this brilliant, determined woman who challenges everything I thought I knew about myself and my business.
The certainty of it should terrify me. Instead, it brings a strange sense of peace, like finally naming something I've known but couldn't articulate.
Careful not to wake her, I ease out of bed and head downstairs to make coffee. Her preliminary report still sits on the counter where we left it last night after going through each recommendation point by point. Looking at it now, without the filter of fear and doubt, I can see the care she's taken to preserve what matters most to me while suggesting practical improvements.
She wasn't trying to change my company's soul. She was trying to protect it by making it stronger.
My phone vibrates on the counter. Tim.
"Morning, boss," he says when I answer. "Just wanted to let you know the investors are on their way to Grizzly Ridge. They'll be at the office by noon."
The news lands like a stone in my stomach. "Today? Without notice?"
"Got the call twenty minutes ago. Something about wanting to discuss Ms. Coleman's preliminary findings in person."
"She hasn't submitted her report yet." I glance at the papers on the counter. "We just reviewed it last night."
"Apparently she sent them a draft yesterday afternoon, before..." He trails off diplomatically.
Before I acted like an ass and pushed her away. Of course she sent it. It's her job.
"I'll be there in an hour," I tell him, ending the call.
I stare out the kitchen window at the mountains beyond, decision crystallizing. The investors' sudden appearance isn't coincidence. They've been looking for an excuse to push me out for years, to replace my sustainable approach with practices that maximize short-term profit. Sophia's report—even with her careful recommendations—gives them just enough ammunition to make their move.
Unless I make mine first.
Upstairs, Sophia stirs as I sit on the edge of the bed. Her eyes flutter open, finding mine immediately.
"Morning," she says, voice husky with sleep.
"The investors are coming today. They'll be at the office by noon."
She sits up, instantly alert. "What? Why didn't they call me?"
"They saw your draft report." I take her hand, needing the connection. "This isn't a routine visit, Sophia. They're making their play."
Understanding dawns in her eyes. "They want to use my recommendations to force bigger changes."
"Or force me out entirely." I squeeze her fingers gently. "But I'm not going to let that happen."
She studies my face, searching. "What are you going to do?"
