Page 49 of Mountain Defender

It was no small thing, what he shared with me yesterday. Considering that, it gave me some much-needed perspective. After all, I’m not the only one who worries about being judged. I’m not the only one battling demons that have haunted me foryears. And I’m not the only one who’s met with a daily reminder of my injuries.

Thinking about what Gage went through makes me feel protective of him in a way I’ve never felt about anyone before. I want to take away the terrible memories and nightmares he’s alluded to having, shield him from anyone who might think to stare, and reassure him that he’s perfect as he is, reminding him over and over until he believes it.

And heisperfect. At least, he is to me.

My breath catches as I spot him rounding the corner of the road, heading in my direction. His stride is long and purposeful, but with a lightness to it, like maybe he’s looking forward to this date as much as me.

When he starts up the front path, my stomach explodes into a kaleidoscope of butterflies.

Rushing to the door, I wrestle with the three complicated locks before yanking it open. Gage is just at the top of the steps, and as soon as he sees me, his step falters for a second. There’s a moment when he just stares at me, emotion working in his eyes.

My heart makes a sickening swoop to my feet as my old frenemy, insecurity, tries to worm its way in. The irksome voice muses,Maybe he’s disappointed. Maybe he’s regretting this whole date idea.

Then I see it. The worry in his gaze. The uncertainty.

I remember him admitting yesterday that he hasn’t been on a date in over four years.

My chest squeezes.

Smiling, I step across the threshold and onto the front porch. A beat later, Gage grins, his face lighting up with it. And before I can say anything, he sweeps me into his arms. Pressed against his chest, I can feel his heart racing. His lips press to the top of my head.

Then he pulls back slightly, just enough to look down at me. “You look beautiful, Ror.”

The butterflies settle. “So do you.” I laugh, feeling lighter than I have all morning. “I mean handsome. Men are supposed to be handsome, right? Not beautiful?”

Although handsome might be an understatement. In khaki pants and a light blue short-sleeved button-up shirt, he looks a little dressier than I’m used to seeing him, but it works. The pale blue contrasts with his tanned arms, and the fabric strains a bit at his shoulders and very impressive biceps. His hair is neatly combed and his face is clean-shaven instead of his usual day-old stubble. In the sun, his eyes sparkle with glints of amber and gold, almost the same shade as the highlights in his hair.

My gaze lingers on his biceps—have they always been that muscly?—for longer than I intended, and when Gage chuckles, I quickly jerk my attention back to his face.

Maybe he didn’t notice me staring?

Grinning, he says, “Handsome or beautiful; I’ll take either.” Then he touches my cheek, his thumb stroking across my skin. “Do you like my shirt?”

Or maybe he did.

My face warms. “Yes. It’s really nice.” After a brief pause, I add in a bright tone, “Anyway. Do you want to come in? Have a drink? Or…”

For a second, I think he’s going to call me out on it. But instead, Gage just leans down to brush his lips across mine. “I really like your shirt, Ror. It’s the same color as your gorgeous eyes. And the way it fits…”

His hand moves to my waist, the heat of it searing through fabric and into my skin. “You look stunning,” he adds, his gaze holding mine. “And I can’t believe how lucky I am that you agreed to go on a date with me.”

“Ifeel lucky.” Suddenly emboldened, I trail my fingers along his biceps. “And I really like how your shirt fits, too.”

“Oh, yeah?” It’s low. Rough. His fingers tighten on my waist, drawing me closer to him.

Something coils deep inside me, aching and insistent.

Longing sweeps through me, along with the reawakening of my long-dormant libido. I’ve always been attracted to Gage, ever since that first day, but I wouldn’t allow myself to consider the possibility. I couldn’t let myself hope.

Now? It’s scary, the idea of baring myself to him. But I think it might be worth the risk.

“Yeah.” Is that sultry voicemine? “I do.”

Gage’s eyes go dark. His jaw tightens. An emotion that looks a lot like desire moves across his face. He starts to say something, but stops. Then he takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “So. Are you ready for our date?”

A shaft of disappointment spears through me, as ridiculous as it is. It’s not like we’re about to head inside to have sex on our very first date, even if my body is suddenly declaring itself ready.

“I’m good.” Poking my head back into the cabin, I call over to Toby and Elmore, who are both sprawled across the couch, “Be good. I’ll be back in a little while.”

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