Page 14 of Her Mountain Rescuer

His fingers weave into my hair and he gently untangles the damp strands, sending sparks dancing across my scalp.

“You were amazing,” he murmurs. “You did so well, sweet girl. I’m so proud of you.”

I blush and smile against his chest. “I’m scared I’m going to wake up and realize this was all a dream.”

He reaches down and pinches my ass. I giggle and squeal, writhing against him.

He laughs. “Nope. You’re definitely awake.”

“Good. Because you make me feel safe.” I glance up at him, feeling suddenly shy. “You make me feel like I’m the most important thing in the world.”

He smiles softly at me. “That’s because you are.” He kisses me gently, and then I snuggle into him again. We lie there in contented silence, our bodies entwined, hearts beating together. The fire crackles, casting a warm glow over us.

Beau presses a kiss to the top of my head, his arms tightening around me. “I’ve got you, Hailey,” he says softly. “I’ve got you, and I’m never letting you go.”

I close my eyes, breathing him in as more of that contented peacefulness washes over me. I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. Exactly where I belong.

I might’ve been lost in the storm just a few hours ago, but now I’m home.

Five

Beau

I slowly peel open my eyelids to find sunlight flooding the cabin. Dust motes float in the air, and birds are singing outside. I’m stiff and sore from sleeping on the floor, but it was worth it to keep Hailey warm and safe all night.

I glance over at her to find her still asleep. I swear my heart stutters to a stop before restarting at how beautiful she is. Her long, dark hair falls around her bare shoulders, the light catching the subtle golden streaks woven through it from all the time she spends outdoors. Her flawless olive skin gleams, her thick eyelashes fanning out over her cheekbones. Full lips, small upturned nose. She’s not a tiny, delicate thing, and I like that, too. I like that she’s on the taller side, that she’s got some muscle on her, that she’s got tits and hips and an ass.

I watch Hailey sleep, her features soft and relaxed. She looks so young, so innocent in the morning light that a twinge of guilt settles right between my ribs. No matter how much she wants me, it doesn’t change the fact that I’m twenty-four years older than her.

It doesn’t change the fact that her dad’s going to murder me.

I suck in a breath, pushing that unwelcome thought aside. Hailey’s a grown woman. She’s smart, and strong, and she knows what she wants. And I want to be the man to fulfill those wants. I meant every word I said last night. I want to build a life with her. A future. Babies.

I wonder what kind of ring she’d like. What kind of wedding she’d like to have. Whatever she wants, I’ll make it happen. Anything she wants is hers.

I reach out, wrapping a strand of her dark hair around my finger. It’s silky soft, and I’m captivated by the sight of it against my rough, calloused skin. God, I can’t believe she’s here, that she’s actually mine. After all this time, after so much longing and denial—from both of us, apparently—she’s in my arms.

She gave me her virginity last night, a gift that I’ll cherish forever. Hell, for all we know, she might’ve gotten pregnant last night.

I hope she did.

I lean down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. She stirs slightly, a small sigh escaping her lips, but she doesn’t wake up. I smile, rubbing a hand over my chest. My heart feels too big for the confines of my ribs now. I think it’s doubled in size over the past twelve hours. If I’m honest, I never thought I’d feel this way about anyone. That it just wasn’t in the cards for me. But Hailey’s special. She’s different. She opened me up to things I didn’t think I could have.

And now she’s mine.

Unable to help myself, I lean down and brush my lips over Hailey’s. Her pretty brown eyes flutter open, and she gives me a sleepy, content smile that makes my heart squeeze almost painfully.

Fucking hell, how is this angel mine? What did I do to deserve so much sweetness in my life?

“Morning, beautiful,” I murmur.

She reaches up, curling her hand around my neck and pulling me down for another kiss. I don’t resist. Our lips meet, and I feel like I’m coming home. Like for the first time in a very long time, I’m exactly where I belong.

When we break apart, she grins up at me, all sleep rumpled and sweet. “I could get used to waking up like this.”

I chuckle. “Good, because I plan on kissing you awake every morning.”

“Yes, please.” She looks up at me, blushing. “Daddy.”

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