Page 38 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

Kenzie's jaw drops, and I realize I've just turned both our worlds upside down with four little words.

9

THE PROPOSAL

KENZIE

"What was that?" I stutter, my heart racing a mile a minute. The taste of Everett's lips still lingers on mine, and I can't quite believe what just happened.

One minute, I'm sitting in Millie's, trying to enjoy my first real paycheck lunch, ready to get lost in a book. The next, Paige is there, spewing venom and calling me every name but a child of God. And then... Everett's kissing me like his life depends on it.

My cheeks burn as I remember the feel of his strong hands cupping my face, the way his body pressed against mine. It was... intense. Overwhelming. And now he's standing here, cool as a fucking cucumber, offering me a job?

I shake my head, trying to clear the fog. "I... I don't understand."

Everett's blue eyes lock onto mine, his gaze steady and unwavering. "It's simple, Kenzie. You need a job. I need a nanny. We can help each other out."

My mind whirls. Part of me wants to say yes immediately. The salary he's quoting is more than generous - enough to save up and get out of this town for good. But another part, the part that's been hurt too many times, is screaming at me to run.

"I... I don't know," I hedge, wrapping my arms around myself. "I mean, I appreciate the offer, but..."

I don't know.

The words hang in the air, heavy with indecision. My mind races, weighing the pros and cons of Everett's offer. On the one hand, the money would be life-changing—enough to finally get me out of this godforsaken town and start fresh somewhere far away from the judgment and whispers.

But on the other hand...

I steal a glance at Everett, taking in the hard lines of his face and the intensity in those blue eyes. This man is a force to be reckoned with. That much is clear. And after the way he looked at me at the bus station, I felt like I was lower than dirt. I'm not sure I want to be anywhere near him.

Especially not living under the same roof.

My gaze drifts to the diner's entrance, and I picture Paige's twisted sneer as she hurled those vicious insults. If that's the kind of drama I'd be signing up for by taking this job, maybe it's best to steer clear.

"Kenzie?" Everett's deep voice snaps me out of my thoughts.

I blink, refocusing on him. "Sorry, I was just... thinking."

His brow furrows slightly, and I can practically see the wheels turning in his head. "Look, I know this whole situation is... complicated. But I need help with the girls, and you're good with them. That much is obvious."

A pang of longing tugs at my heart as I think about Harper and Hazel, those sweet little faces that welcomed me so warmly. Being around them had felt... right, in a way I can't quite explain.

But then I remember the way Everett had looked at me, and my resolve hardens.

"I appreciate the offer, Everett, I really do," I say, keeping my tone even. "But I'm not sure taking a job with you is the best idea right now."

His jaw tightens, and for a split second, I think I see a flicker of disappointment in those icy blue eyes. But it's gone before I can be sure.

"Because of what happened at the bus station," he states, not a question.

I nod, suddenly unable to meet his gaze.

"Listen, Kenzie," Everett leans forward, his voice low and intense. "I don't know the whole story with you and Ian, and frankly, it's none of my business. But what I do know is that you didn't deserve to be treated like that."

My head snaps up at his words.

"I was out of line with how I reacted. You're new in town, and I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."

The apology, however subtle, catches me off guard. Part of me had already written Everett off as just another judgmental small-town asshole. But then his concern for me last week. This man is causing a lot of confusion for me.

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