Page 7 of Mountain Man's Obsession

“I’m going to warm up some dinner,” I finally say, needing some distance between us. “Come out to the kitchen when you’re ready.”

“Thank you.” She smiles sweetly at me.

Once I’m in the kitchen, I take a few deep breaths. I need to get this possessive need to claim her under control. But first I need to feed her and make sure she’s on the same page as I am.

I have the stew warming in a pot on the stove when my angel steps into the kitchen. She’s wearing one of my sweatshirts that goes down to her knees, along with a pair of wool socks that reach halfway up her toned calves.

We both stare at each other, getting lost in this intense, all-consuming connection we have. One thing’s for sure; it’s no coincidence my angel is standing here in my kitchen.

She walks toward me, limping slightly. The sight of her in pain feels like a dagger to my chest. I rush over and scoop her up, carrying my woman over to the small dining room table and helping her get situated in the chair.

"That wasn't necessary," she says, rolling her eyes at me. I see a smile and blush, though, so I know she doesn't really mind my overprotectiveness. That's good. I don't think I could stop if I wanted to, and I don't want to.

I shrug and kiss the top of her head, giving her a wink as I head back to grab our dinner. Her eyes go wide when I set the bowl of stew down in front of her.

“What’s this?”

"Beef stew." For the first time in my whole life, I feel self-conscious. I still don't know anything about her, but if that fancy wedding dress was any indication, she probably eats fancy meals prepared by professional chefs. And here I am, giving her a bowl of meat and potatoes.

I watch as she lifts the spoon to her mouth and takes her first bite. She chews and thoughtfully considers what she’s eating. Finally, she swallows and grins at me before digging in. I let out a huge breath and feel my chest loosen up a bit as my angel devours her food.

“So good,” she mumbles around another big bite of stew. Her hand goes up to cover her mouth and her cheeks turn slightly pink. “Sorry. I shouldn’t talk with my mouth full.”

I can’t help the laugh that rumbles through me. “Firefly, that’s the joy of living up here on the mountain. No one can tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. You’re free to make your own choices.”

She hits me with a look that nearly has me scooping her up again and holding her to my chest. It’s like no one ever told her she’s her own person or capable of making her own decisions. The look is gone before I can read any more into it, replaced by a brilliant smile.

“Well in that case…” She sets her spoon down and picks up the bowl, slurping down its contents. It shouldn’t make me hard, but fuck if I can help my body’s reaction to every little thing she does.

After setting the bowl down, my angel slumps in her chair and pats her belly, a satisfied grin on her face.

“I’ve never been this full before,” she sighs. “It feels good. Like I’m all warm inside.” Her eyes widen a bit and that damn blush creeps back into her cheeks. “Uh, that was a weird thing to say,” she laughs nervously. “I just meant this was so good. Much better than the rabbit food and diet drinks my mom feeds me all the time,” she says, rolling her eyes.

So many thoughts flood my brain. I’m practically beating my chest with pride over the fact I fed my woman something she enjoyed, but I’m pissed that she’s never had a solid meal before. Instead of voicing all of that, however, I ask if she wants seconds.

“I can’t possibly eat another bite. Seriously, you’re going to have to roll me out of here.”

“You’re not going anywhere,” I say a little more harshly than I intended. The thought of her leaving is unacceptable. “I’m keeping you, Firefly.”

“Ainsley,” she whispers.

“What?”

“My name. It’s Ainsley.”

“Ainsley,” I repeat, rolling it around on my tongue and swallowing it down. “Beautiful.”

I get up from my chair and kneel in front of her chair. This woman has literally brought me to my knees more than once in the short time I’ve known her. I’ll stay down here and worship her for as long as she lets me.

Taking her hands in mine, I rub my thumbs over her delicate knuckles and look into her otherworldly teal eyes.

“I’m keeping you, my beautiful Ainsley,” I murmur before kissing the back of her hand. She gives me a soft, sweet smile, but then yawns suddenly, making me chuckle. “Let’s get you to bed.”

She nods and I scoop her up, loving the weight of her in my arms.

“I can walk the five feet to the bedroom,” she says, even though she snuggles deeper into my chest.

I wince at the reminder of how my small cabin must look to her. From what I’ve gathered, Ainsley comes from a family who takes pride in flaunting their money.

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