Page 56 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

I close my eyes, trying to focus on the mission ahead. But all I can think about is Ian, skulking around town, looking for Kenzie. The thought of him anywhere near her makes my blood boil.

But it also shows that no one in the buzz circuit has blabbed their mouths about her working for me.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I'm on the phone with my security contractor, arranging for additional cameras to cover the entire property. It's overkill, I know. But the thought of Kenzie, or the girls, being vulnerable while I'm away... I can't stomach it.

As I hang up, I hear a soft knock at my office door.

"Come in," I call out, already knowing who it is.

Kenzie pokes her head in, a dishtowel slung over her shoulder. "Hey, I was just wondering if you needed anything. I'm about to start dinner."

I open my mouth to say no, but what comes out instead is, "Actually, yeah. You got a minute?"

She looks surprised but nods, stepping fully into the room. "Sure. What's up?"

I gesture to the chair across from my desk, and she sits, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. I try not to notice how the fading sunlight catches the gold flecks in her eyes.

"How are the girls doing?" I ask, realizing I haven't really checked in with her about it. "Are they behaving themselves?"

Kenzie's face lights up. "Oh, they're wonderful. Harper's been helping me in the kitchen, and Hazel's got quite the green thumb. We started a little herb garden yesterday."

I blink, surprised. "A garden? Here?"

She laughs, the sound warm and rich. "Just a small one, in pots on the back porch. I hope that's okay. I should have asked first."

"No, it's... it's fine," I say, still processing. "They've never shown interest in that kind of thing before."

Kenzie shrugs, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Sometimes all it takes is someone showing them it can be fun. They're energetic, curious kids. You should be proud."

I am proud, but hearing it from her... it hits different.

"Thanks," I manage. "I'm glad they're not giving you too much trouble."

She tilts her head, studying me. "Is everything okay? You seem... I don't know, tense."

I consider brushing her off and keeping things professional. But something in her expression, open, genuinely concerned, makes me pause.

"Work stuff," I say finally. "Nothing for you to worry about."

Kenzie nods, but I can see she's not entirely satisfied with that answer. "Well, if you need anything, even just someone to talk to. I'm here, okay? We're a team."

The offer catches me off guard. When was the last time someone other than Axton asked if I needed to talk?

"I appreciate that," I say, meaning it.

She stands, smoothing down her jeans. "All right, well, I should get back to dinner. You hungry?"

My stomach growls in response, and Kenzie laughs. "I'll take that as a yes. I'll bring you a plate when it's ready."

As she turns to leave, I find myself not wanting her to go. "Kenzie?"

She pauses at the door, looking back. "Yeah?"

I struggle for a moment, not sure what I even want to say. Finally, I settle on, "Thanks for everything you're doing here. It's... it's good for the girls."

Her smile softens, and I forget how to breathe for a second. "It's my pleasure, Everett. Really."

After she's gone, I try to refocus on work, but my mind keeps drifting. To Kenzie's laugh. To the way she is with the girls. To how different this house feels with her in it.

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