Page 42 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

A man is what got me into this situation. And now, it looks like a man might be my only way out.

The truck rumbles down the winding mountain road, the steady rhythm of the engine providing a grounding comfort amid the chaos of my thoughts. I watch the scenery past, trees and rocks merging into a green and brown blur that offers a momentary distraction.

Each twist and turn of the road mirrors the tumultuous emotions roiling inside me—hope, fear, and uncertainty—each vying for their moment in the spotlight.

I’m caught in a whirlwind, still reeling from Everett's kiss, his lips lingering on mine like a promise wrapped in confusion. My heart races, a stark reminder that the stakes are higher than ever.

The girls in the backseat giggle, their laughter a sweet melody that tugs at my heart. Their innocence reminds me of everything I want to provide for them and how, despite my own turmoil, they deserve stability and love.

But as I glance at Everett, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard lights, I can't ignore the unease bubbling within me. This man, with his rugged charm and intense gaze, is so different from Ian.

Yet here I am, torn between the past that threatens to define me and the uncertain future he represents.

But all the drama aside, I still can't believe…Everett Logan kissed me.

The memory of his lips on mine replays in my mind. I can still taste the faint hint of coffee on his breath.

Part of me wants to revel in the moment, to let myself get swept up in the fantasy of a man like Everett wanting me. But another part, the part that's been burned too many times before, is screaming at me to guard my heart.

To keep my eyes open. To not be stupid.

I shake my head, trying to clear the fog. Everett is my boss now, for all intents and purposes. And after the disaster with Ian, the last thing I need is to get dragged up into another messy situation.

But what if it's different this time?

The thought drifts through my mind, unbidden. What if Everett is the real deal? A man who sees me for who I really am, not just some fantasy he's built up in my head?

I sneak a glance at him in the driver's seat. His strong jawline is set in a look of determination, his eyes focused on the road ahead. He's all hard lines and quiet strength, a far cry from Ian's easy charm and empty promises.

Don't go there, Kenz. This man is grumpy, divorced, and has kids.

Granted, his kids are amazing. But this all spells…complicated.

Still, I can't deny the spark. I comb my mind, searching for another kiss that even partially compares. But there is none.

Maybe it's just my own desperation talking. After everything that's happened, maybe I'm so starved for affection that I'm reading too much into a simple kiss.

Or maybe it's a sign.

I shake my head again, more forcefully this time. I can't afford to get caught up in maybes and what-ifs. Not when so much is riding on this job.

The girls' laughter filters up from the backseat, and I turn to see them giggling over some private joke, their faces alight with joy. And I smile, wanting that for them, that carefree happiness that comes from feeling safe and loved.

And if taking this job, if living under the same roof as Everett Logan and all the complications that come with it, is what it takes to give them that... well, then, I'll just have to suck it up and deal with it.

I can do this.

I've survived worse than a little awkwardness with my boss.

This is just another challenge, another obstacle to overcome on my journey. And I'm a survivor.

The Energizer Bunny ain't got shit on me.

I turn, hiding my smile, and then I see the ranch up ahead.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come. This is my fresh start, my chance to finally get my life on track. I won't let some silly kiss derail me.

Just keep your head down, do your job, and everything will be fine.

---