Page 54 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

But even as I say it, I know I'm lying to myself. That kiss was a lot of things, but 'just for show' wasn't one of them.

I keep walking. I've got more important things to focus on. Like figuring out how I'm gonna make a life for myself after this job ends.

I pause in front of a little bookstore, its windows filled with colorful displays. 'The Cozy Corner,' the sign reads. Before I can talk myself out of it, I push open the door.

A bell tinkles overhead, and the smell of old books and fresh coffee hits me like a warm hug. It reminds me of the library back home, where Meme used to take us on rainy Saturdays.

"Can I help you?" a voice calls out.

I turn to see a woman about my age smiling at me from behind the counter. Her name tag reads 'Lucy.'

"Just browsing," I say, returning her smile. "I'm new in town, thought I'd check things out."

Lucy's eyes light up. "Oh, you must be Kenzie! The new nanny for the Logan girls, right?"

I blink, taken aback. "Uh, yeah. How did you...?"

She laughs, a warm, friendly sound. "Small town, honey. News travels fast. Especially when it involves Everett Logan. It's been a lot of cowgirls trying to ride that stallion, if you know what I mean."

I feel my cheeks heat up. Great. It looks like the whole town knows about my little diner drama, and he's the town catch.

Lucy must see something in my expression because her smile softens. "Don't worry, we don't bite. Most of us, anyway. Come on, let me give you the tour. We've got a great selection of kids' books if you're looking for something for the girls."

As Lucy shows me around, chattering away about the best local authors and which coffee shops to avoid, I feel something inside me start to unwind.

By the time I leave the bookstore, arms full of new reads for the girls (and maybe one or two for myself), there’s a lightness in my step. It’s unfamiliar but a welcomed shift.

I check my watch and realize it's almost time to pick up the twins. As I head back to the van, I have an extra bounce in my step. It's been a good day.

And who knows? Maybe Silver Ridge has more surprises in store for me.

12

THE MISSION

EVERETT

I stand at the edge of my property, blueprints in hand, squinting against the late afternoon sun. Axton's beside me, pointing out potential weak spots in our security setup.

"We should add another camera here," he says, tapping the paper. "Covers the blind spot near the treeline."

I nod, making a mental note. "Good catch. We'll need to upgrade the system to handle the extra feed."

Axton grins, clapping me on the shoulder. "Look at you, all high-tech now. Remember when our idea of security was a trip wire and a can of beans?"

I snort, shaking my head. Those days feel like a lifetime ago. "Yeah, well, times change. We've got more to protect now."

His eyebrows waggle suggestively. "Speaking of which, how's the new nanny working out?

I shoot him a warning glare. "She's fine. Does her job well."

"Uh-huh," Axton drawls, his grin widening. "And that's all there is to it?"

I turn back to the blueprints, ignoring the heat creeping up my neck. "We've got work to do, Ax. Focus."

"Sure thing. But you're still grumpy, so that means you're not getting any?—"

"Watch it."

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