Page 16 of My Tempting Mountain Man

He chuckles lightly, pulling his body away from mine. “Stay here, I’m going to get you all cleaned up.”

I nod, my body feeling empty without him next to me. I pull the quilted covers over my body and wait for him to return.

Why did he laugh? Did he not mean it?Does he really not want me to stay?

10

Liam

I meant every word when I told Everly I never wanted her to leave. Yet, as soon as she whispered those words back—that she didn't want to leave either—a crushing weight settled in my chest, pressing hard on my heart.

Guilt.

I'm a selfish prick, pulling her into my isolated existence without considering everything she might be giving up. She's young and bright, and I’m… me. Damaged, complicated, and carrying scars she shouldn't have to bear.

I don't even know if she's got a career waiting for her back in the city. Or college classes. Friends, family—people who'd miss her terribly. Would they blame me if she chose to stay? They’d have every right to.

Love.

It's terrifying, how certain I am of that feeling. I love her deeply, intensely, in a way I didn't think was possible. But loving her means protecting her, even from myself. She deserves a life farbeyond this remote cabin, more than what I could ever offer. I have to let her go, even if it breaks me.

Shaking my head to clear away the dark thoughts, I pad into the bathroom, grabbing a clean washcloth and dampening it with warm water. Returning quietly, I kneel beside her, gently wiping her skin. Her eyes flutter open slowly, gaze soft and trusting.

"Hey," she murmurs, her voice warm and sleep-filled. "You okay?"

"I'm fine," I reply softly, forcing a gentle smile. "We should probably get dressed. Storm might've done some damage outside."

She sits up slowly, rubbing her eyes adorably. "Okay."

After we both dress quickly, we head outside. The morning air is crisp and fresh, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine. Sunlight filters softly through the trees, illuminating the aftermath of the storm.

"Wow," Everly breathes beside me, eyes wide as she takes in the scattered branches and leaves littering the yard. "It looks worse out here than I expected."

"Storms can be pretty rough up here," I say, scanning the surroundings carefully. My heart sinks when I notice several large trees downed near the back of the property. "We better check out the back. Stay close."

She nods, slipping her hand into mine naturally, trustingly. My chest tightens again, but I grip her hand firmly, leading her carefully over the uneven ground.

We reach the fallen trees, massive trunks sprawled chaotically across the yard, branches splintered and twisted. Everly squeezes my hand gently. "What can I do to help?"

"Just stay safe," I say firmly, placing a protective hand on her lower back as I guide her to stand clear. "Let me handle the heavy stuff."

She smiles softly, rolling her eyes. "I can handle myself, Liam. I'm not made of porcelain."

"Maybe not," I concede reluctantly, meeting her playful gaze. "But humor me, okay?"

"Fine," she agrees, amusement sparkling in her eyes as she steps aside. "But only because you asked nicely."

I grin slightly, shaking my head, and turn to the first tree. Muscles strain and tighten as I heave the heavy limbs, dragging them aside to clear a path. Everly helps by moving smaller branches, carefully stacking them neatly. Each time she bends or stretches, my heart skips, distracted by her graceful movements.

After an hour, sweat beads on my forehead, my shirt damp and clinging to my back. I glance over to find Everly watching me, cheeks flushed prettily, eyes darkened with an intensity that makes my pulse race.

"Enjoying the view?" I tease gruffly, wiping sweat from my brow.

She blushes harder, but doesn't look away. "Maybe a little."

"Good," I chuckle softly, chest warming at her honesty. "That's fair, considering I've been enjoying mine."

Her blush deepens even more, but she laughs, stepping closer. Her eyes sparkle mischievously. "Guess we should clean up out here more often."

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