Page 15 of Burning Mountains

Axelmust have sensed my mood shift because he pulled back. "What'swrong, darlin'?"

Isighed. "It'sjust... this has been amazing.ButIcan't help thinking about what happens next.Ihave a job inDenver, meticulously planning weddings for couples who think 'rustic chic' means usingMasonjars as champagne flutes."

Axelwas quiet for a moment, his hand tracing patterns on my back.Whenhe spoke, his voice was soft. "Zoe,Iknow we haven't known each other long, butI'venever felt this way about anyone before."

Myheart swelled, even as anxiety gnawed at my stomach. "Butwhat would that even look like?Ican't just abandon my career."

"Whosays you have to?"Axelsaid, sitting up. "You'replanning destination weddings, right?Whycouldn't you do that from here?Hell, we could turn this place into a wedding venue!Imagineexchanging vows with those mountains as your backdrop!"

Theexcitement in his voice was contagious. "Itdoes sound pretty amazing,"Iadmitted, my mind already picturing brides in their designer gowns.

Aswe got dressed and headed to theWindRiverMountainLodge,Ifound myself stealing glances atAxel, my heart playing emotional ping-pong between this flannel-cladAdonisand my color-coded planner back inDenver.

Thelodge came into view, its rustic elegance.Axelwalked me to the entrance, his hand on my back feeling like a warm security blanket. "Goodluck in there, darlin'," he said, pressing a kiss to my temple that made my knees weak. "I'llbe around if you need anything."

Themorning flew by fast.Idazzled the lodge management with ideas for weddings that would makePinterestboards explode.AsIwrapped up, feeling victorious,Iheard a voice that made me freeze.

"Zoe?"

Iturned around, coming face to face withJason, my ex-fiancé, looking like he'd just stepped out of aGQmagazine.

"Jason?"Ibreathed. "Whatare you doing here?"

BeforeJasoncould answer, the lodge doors burst open and in strodeAxel, looking likePaulBunyan'ssexier, angrier cousin.

"Everythingokay here, darlin'?" he growled.

Jason'seyes darted between us. "Who'sthis?"

Axelpuffed up. "I'mAxelHawke," he declared, wrapping an arm around me so possessivelyIhalf expected him to pee on me to mark his territory. "Zoe'sboyfriend."

Jasonrallied. "Zoe, please.IknowIhurt you, butI'vechanged."

Axeltensed beside me. "Listenhere,SaksFifthAvenue.Idon't know who you are, butZoe'swith me now.We'regonna build a life together, filled with love and adventure."

Tearspricked at my eyes asIlooked between the two men.Jason, representing my old life of stability and overpriced lattes.AndAxel, wild and passionate, offering a future full of adventure and potential bear attacks.

AsIstood there, caught in the most ridiculous love triangleIrealized the magnitude of the decision before me.Myheart raced asIopened my mouth, ready to make a choice.

8

AXEL

Istood there, my heart pounding, asIwatchedZoe'seyes ping-pong between me and her city slicker ex.Theair was so thick with tension you could cut it with a butter knife.

Hereyes finally settled on me. "Axel," she said, her voice soft, "Ichoose you.Ichoose us.Ijust can't resist."

Fora moment,Icouldn't move, couldn't breathe.Then, like a flash flood of emotion, joy surged through me.IsweptZoeinto my arms, lifting her clean off her feet.Shelet out a surprised yelp.

"Youmean it?"Iasked. "You'restaying?"

Zoenodded, her smile bright. "Imean it.Iknow it's crazy, but...Ilove you,AxelHawke.Iwant to build a life with you here in these mountains."

Outof the corner of my eye,Isaw her ex-fiancé's shoulders slump in defeat, looking like a sad, expensive sack of potatoes.Withouta word, he turned and slunk away, his polished city shoes kicking up dust.

"Ilove you too, darlin',"Imurmured, my voice rough. "MorethanIever thought possible.Morethan millennials love avocado toast."

Zoeleaned into me, her eyes closing for a moment. "It'sgoing to be a big adjustment," she said, nervousness creeping into her voice. "I'venever lived anywhere but the city.WhatifIcan't hack it?WhatifI'mlike a fish out of water?"

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