Page 26 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

I glance at the girls, their innocent enthusiasm grounding me, but my attention drifts back to Kenzie. Her eyes widen before she turns her expression into something more neutral.

“Looks great, girls,” I manage, trying to keep my voice steady, even as my heart races. “You’re doing an awesome job.”

“They really are. I think we’ve got a little fashion show in the making here. Now, remember what I said about matching the colors?"

"Yes, Miss Kenzie!" they chorus, beaming up at her like she's hung the moon.

I'm unable to tear my eyes away from the scene. It's so...normal. Everything my life hasn't been since their mother left.

"Mr. Logan," Kenzie says, her tone clipped as she eyes me with a hint of wariness. "Can I help you with something?"

I clear my throat, suddenly aware of how intently I've been staring. "I, uh... I'm here to pick up the girls." My gaze drifts to Harper and Hazel, still engrossed in their task. "What are you doing?"

Kenzie arches an eyebrow, her lips curving into a wry smile. "What does it look like? I'm sunbathing."

The sarcasm catches me off guard, and I feel a flush creeping up my neck. This woman has a way of keeping me on my toes. "I meant..." I gesture vaguely at the piles of clothes. "What are you doing here?"

"Working," she says simply, turning her attention back to folding a shirt. "Miss Steph was kind enough to offer me a job."

I nod, unsure of how to respond. Small talk has never been my strong suit, but something about Kenzie makes me want to try.

"How are you doing?" The words feel clumsy on my tongue.

She pauses, studying me for a moment as if weighing her response. "I'm... hanging in there." There's a guarded quality to her voice, a hint of vulnerability.

Sensing her hesitation, I take another step closer, my boots scuffing against the worn floorboards. The sound seems to echo in the quiet shop.

"How are you settling in?"

6

BENEATH THE SURFACE

EVERETT

Kenzie's eyes dart to mine, then away. Her shoulders tense. "I'm... managing."

Something in her tone makes me pause. There's a wariness there, a guardedness that tugs at something deep inside me. I find myself wanting to know more, to understand what's going on behind those expressive hazel eyes.

"Steph treating you all right?" I press gently.

She nods, a small smile softening her features. "She's been wonderful. I don't know what I'd do without her."

My attention catches on the way her curls frame her face, how her full curves stir my imagination. Images of her body beneath mine. The sound of her moans in my ear. Then, I force myself to focus on her words, not her body.

"And the town? I know it can be... a lot to take in."

Kenzie laughs, but there's a bitter edge to it. "That's one way to put it. I've never felt so judged in my life."

Her honesty surprises me. Most newcomers try to sugarcoat their experiences, not wanting to offend the locals. But Kenzie... she's different.

"Yeah, Silver Ridge isn't exactly known for its warm welcome," I say, my tone thoughtful. "Especially to newcomers. It’s not that the town lacks hospitality; it’s just fiercely protective of its own."

She looks at me then, really looks at me, and I feel pinned by her gaze. "Is that what I am? An outsider?"

The question hangs between us, loaded. I find myself wanting to reassure her, to let her know she belongs here. The intensity of that desire catches me off guard.

"Not to everyone," I say softly.

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