Page 58 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

And then there are those quiet moments, like when I walk into the living room after a long day, only to find her on the couch with the girls, their heads bent together over a coloring book. She’s patient, encouraging their creativity, and watching them share crayons and giggles reminds me of the sort of family I’ve always wanted.

Kenzie has transformed this house from a mere shelter into a home filled with warmth and love, and I find myself smiling at the thought.

How did I ever get so lucky to have her in our lives?

Kenzie's humming drifts through the house, a soft melody that seems to wrap around me. I close my eyes, letting it wash over me for a moment.

I gaze at a photo on my desk when I open them again. It's of the girls and me taking a camping trip last summer. We're all smiling, but there's a sadness in my eyes that I can never entirely hide.

I pick up the frame and study it. The girls look so young, so innocent. They deserve better than a father who's always half-present, one foot out the door on the next mission.

They deserve someone like Kenzie.

The thought grips my heart. I set the photo down, my hands shaking slightly. Because she's not ours to have.

But as I sit there, listening to Kenzie move around the house, I let myself imagine what it would be like. To come home to this every day. To have someone to share the burden with. To not feel so damn alone all the time.

I stand abruptly, needing to move. To clear my head. I pace the length of my office, trying to shake off these thoughts. But they cling to me, persistent and alluring.

A soft knock at the door startles me. "Come in," my voice rough.

Kenzie pokes her head in, a concerned look on her face. "Everything okay? I heard you pacing."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. She steps fully into the room, her eyes scanning my face. "You sure? You look... I don't know, upset about something."

I take a deep breath, centering myself. "I'm fine," I say, forcing a small smile. "Just... thinking about work stuff."

She nods, but I can tell she's not convinced. "Well, if you need to talk..."

"I know. Thanks."

Kenzie flinches slightly at my tone, and I immediately regret it.

"I'm sorry," I say, softer this time. "I didn't mean to snap. It's just... it's complicated."

Her expression softens, and she takes a step closer. "I get it. Really, I do. But Everett?—"

My mind knows it's wrong, but my body doesn't care. The moment Kenzie steps into my office, my control snaps like a fraying thread. I can’t stop myself, closing the distance between us in two long strides.

Her eyes widen at my sudden movement, but they have no fear. Only surprise. And maybe, if I'm lucky, a hint of the same desire is burning in my veins. My hands cup her face, tilting her chin up to meet my lips.

13

TOUCH OF FIRE

EVERETT

The kiss is electric. Hungry. Her lips part with a gasp, and I take full advantage, sliding my tongue into her mouth. She melts into me, her fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt as if she's afraid I'll disappear.

I can't get enough of her. Every touch is a shot of fire through my veins.

We're both breathless when we finally pull apart. Her eyes are bright with need, and I can't resist brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek.

I drag my tongue over her lower lip, tasting the remnants of our kiss. She looks up at me, and her voice is a breathy whisper.

"Everett, I?—"

"Don't," I say, my voice low. "Don't say anything. Just... kiss me again."

---