Page 89 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

I freeze, my blood running cold. I'd know that voice anywhere.

Ian.

I look up, taking in his disheveled appearance. His eyes are bloodshot, his clothes rumpled. He looks... not good.

"Ian," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "Excuse me, I need to?—"

He grabs my arm, his grip too tight. "What's the rush? We haven't talked in ages."

I try to pull away, but he doesn't let go. "Ian, please. I really need to go."

Ian's grip on my arm loosens, but he doesn't let go. "What's the rush? We haven't talked in ages."

I try to pull away again, but he holds firm. "Ian, please. I really need to go."

His eyes narrow, studying me intently. "You're different, Kenz. More guarded."

I swallow hard, fighting the urge to squirm under his scrutiny. "People change."

"Not you." He shakes his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "You were always an open book to me."

My heart pounds in my chest as memories of our letters flood back—the way he seemed to understand me in a way no one else did. How naive I was back then.

"Silver Ridge seems to agree with you, though," he continues, his tone light. "How're you liking small-town life?"

I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. But something in his eyes, that familiar warmth I once found so comforting, has me answering honestly.

"It's... more than I expected," I admit, thinking of Everett and the girls. I've found a sense of belonging here despite the rocky start.

Ian nods, his smile widening. "I told you it was a special place, didn't I? Peaceful. A good place to start over."

I shift uncomfortably, very aware of the pregnancy test burning a hole in my basket. "I'm not sure I'll be sticking around long."

His brow furrows, and for a moment, I see a flicker of the man I thought I knew—the one who listened without judgment, who made me feel understood.

"Kenzie," he says softly, "you know you can talk to me, right? About anything."

I open my mouth to respond, but the words catch in my throat. How can I explain the tangled mess my life has become? The fear and uncertainty swirling inside me?

Ian seems to sense my hesitation. He reaches out, his fingers brushing my cheek in a tender and achingly familiar gesture.

"I've missed you, Kenz," he murmurs. "Missed this. The way we used to be."

My breath hitches at his touch, a confusing mix of emotions swirling within me. Part of me wants to recoil, to put as much distance between us as possible. But another part, the part that still remembers the comfort of our friendship, leans into his touch despite my better judgment.

"Ian..." I start, but the words trail off.

He drops his hand, his expression turning serious. "I know I messed up, Kenzie. Big time. But you have to know, what we had... it was real for me. You were the one thing that kept me going in that hellhole."

I blink back tears, hating how easily he can still get to me after all this time.

"I'm not that naive girl anymore," I manage, my voice thick. "Too much has happened."

He nods, seeming to accept my words. "I get it. I do. But Kenz, I have to ask..." He takes a deep breath, steeling himself. "Would you ever consider giving me another chance? A real chance to show you how much you mean to me?"

The question hangs in the air, heavy with implication. I search his eyes, looking for any hint of deception, but all I see is raw honesty.

"Ian, I..." I falter, my mind spinning.

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