Page 14 of Courage of the Mountain
“Yeah, you’re right. I… Thank you, Heath. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
I kiss her left temple and then nuzzle into the top of her head. Her shampoo smells like strawberries, and I’m instantly addicted. “You would have risen to the challenge. I have no doubt. But I’m glad I could be here to make things a little easier.”
“How do you always know what to say? It should probably worry me that you’re a smooth talker.”
I think she’s teasing me, but I don’t want there to be any doubts between us. “I swear, I’m not usually this articulate. I guess you bring it out in me.”
Lily turns her head, her blue eyes sparkling. “Another smooth answer,” she says with a wink.
I press a kiss to her forehead and then twine our fingers together. “Let’s get a few things packed up for you, then I’ll take you home.”
“Your home, you mean,” she corrects.
“For now.”
Lily’s eyes go wide, but I just grin at her. I can’t believe she’s had a crush on me for years. I’m making up for lost time by obsessing over every detail, down to the way her feet point slightly inward when she’s shy or unsure of herself.
My sweet little Lily is about to get everything she’s been dreaming of, and I’m the lucky motherfucker who’s going to give it to her.
7
LILY
Iroll over in bed, savoring the warmth of the morning light as it spills over my cheeks and chest. I haven’t opened my eyes yet; I’m simply enjoying the last few moments of this dream. It’s so realistic, I even smell Heath’s peppermint and pine scent on the sheets.
Memories of last night flash behind my eyes, pulling me from the last of my sleep state.It’s not a dream.
My eyes snap open, and I sit straight up, peering around for any sign of Heath. He’s not here, which hurts more than it should. It’s not like we slept together or anything. I remember Heath driving us here in the middle of the night and ushering me into his bed while he slept on the couch.
I swing my legs over the side of the bed and take a look around the room. It’s nearly empty, which makes sense. He just moved here. I’m trying not to envision matching throw pillows on the bed and massive oak bookshelves along the back wall, but I can’t seem to help it. I wish we were decorating this house together.
Instead of getting carried away with the fantasy, I hop out of bed and make a pit stop in the bathroom across the hall. When I’m a bit more refreshed, I tiptoe my way downstairs, letting myfingers trail over the ornately carved railing. Every single detail about this place makes me love it more.
I peer into the living room, but don’t see Heath. Continuing my exploration, I check the dining room and then the kitchen, only I still don’t find any sign of the man in question.
“Looking for me, beautiful?”
I gasp and turn around, locking eyes with the sexiest, sweetest man I’ve ever met. Heath’s lips pull into an easy smile, and I fall even more in love with him. It’s kind of ridiculous how happy he makes me, even after the nightmare of an evening I had last night.
“Always,” I answer.
His eyes sparkle, and I’m sure he’s remembering my lifelong crush on him. I was so nervous to admit anything, but Heath seemed to love my secret crush.
“I have some coffee for us out on the porch if you’d like to join me.”
“Coffee on a beautiful porch, overlooking a pristine landscape, with a sexy mountain man? Yeah, I guess that sounds like an okay start to the day.” I breeze past Heath, who circles an arm around my waist and pulls me against his chest.
“Just okay?” he growls playfully before kissing my temple. “What can I do to make it incredible?”
“Hmm… maybe a kiss?”
His eyes light up and then darken as they flicker to my lips. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Heath claims my mouth, his tongue diving between my lips and tangling with mine. I breathe him in and let him have control, moaning into his kiss as his hands slide down my curves. My hips roll against his, our bodies moving to the steady rhythm of his tongue lapping against mine.
When we break apart, my eyelids flutter shut, and I take a deep breath. Heath chuckles and presses a kiss to my foreheadbefore tucking my head under his chin. I sigh contentedly, happy to melt here forever in his arms.
“Come on, the day’s just getting started,” he murmurs.
