Page 20 of My Tempting Mountain Man

The moonlight streams through the cabin windows. My chest is tight, anxiety and confusion twisting painfully within me.

“You deserve better, Everly,” Liam finally says, breaking the heavy silence. His voice is rough, strained, each word cutting deeper into my heart. “You have so much life ahead of you—more than being stuck up here with someone like me.”

I stare at him in disbelief, my heart pounding furiously. “Are you serious? How can you say that to me after everything?”

He rubs a weary hand over his face, eyes tired and sad. “Because it’s the truth. You’re young and full of possibilities. Staying here, with me… it’s just not right. It's selfish of me to even want it.”

"Selfish?" My voice trembles with hurt and anger. “You think this is about being selfish? You hide up here, cutting yourself off from everyone who cares about you, from life itself, and you’re calling yourself selfish for wanting me to stay? Liam, that's not selfish—it's cowardly.”

His eyes flare briefly with pain, but he remains silent, his jaw tightening as he looks away.

Frustration floods through me, tears stinging the backs of my eyes. "You say I deserve more life to live—what about you? You deserve that too, Liam. You’re not dead, but you’re hiding like you might as well be. How long are you going to punish yourself for something you can’t change?"

He flinches visibly, the muscles in his neck straining as he struggles to hold himself together. "You don’t understand. I destroyed my family. My brother died because of me. There’s no coming back from that."

"You didn’t do it on purpose!" My voice rises, desperation coloring my tone. "It was an accident, Liam. You deserve forgiveness. From your family and from yourself."

He shakes his head, his eyes haunted and distant. "Maybe, but I don't know how to get there. And I can't ask you to wait while I figure it out."

I swallow hard, anger quickly fading into exhaustion and sorrow. My shoulders slump, defeated. "Fine. If you’re so determined to push me away, then take me into town. I’ll get my car towed to a shop. If you don’t want me here, I won’t stay."

He exhales sharply, clearly torn, but nods stiffly. “I’ll help you, Everly. Of course, I will. It’s late, I can take you first thing.”

I stomp off toward his bedroom, letting him fend for himself on the uncomfortable couch. I have the hardest time sleeping, wondering if Liam’s going to come walking through the door of his bedroom.

But he never does.

And I don’t know if that thought makes me more sad, or if I should know that this isn’t what I thought it was. That maybe Liam is right.

Maybe he’s too broken.

The next morning, I quickly pack my things and Liam’s waiting patiently by his truck.

The drive into town is silent, painfully awkward. Each second stretches endlessly as we sit mere inches apart, separated by a chasm of unsaid words and raw emotions. When we finally reach the car shop, Liam parks the truck and stares straight ahead, gripping the wheel tightly.

"Everly," he begins softly, but I don't let him finish.

"Don't," I whisper, my voice shaky but firm. "You've made your choice. Let’s just… leave it."

He nods slowly, resignation darkening his eyes. Together, we step out, and I spot a friendly-looking man approaching us from the open garage bay. Liam stiffens slightly, recognition flickering across his face.

"Liam!" The man grins broadly, extending a hand warmly. "Good to see you, man. It's been too long."

"Jeremy," Liam acknowledges softly, shaking the man's hand. "Yeah, it’s been a while."

Jeremy glances at me, curiosity bright in his gaze. "What brings you both into town today?"

"My car broke down," I answer quickly, forcing a polite smile despite the ache in my chest. "Liam's helping me get it towed."

"Well, you came to the right place." Jeremy’s smile is kind, genuine, as he turns back to Liam. "We miss you around here, Liam. Everyone talks about how they wish you'd come around more. Shop's always got room for someone with your skills, you know."

Liam's expression tightens, clearly uncomfortable but grateful. "Appreciate that, Jeremy."

Jeremy nods warmly, clapping Liam gently on the shoulder before heading toward the tow truck in the back. Liam and I stand quietly, the distance between us painful and palpable.

"Everly," Liam whispers, eyes tortured as he finally turns toward me, his voice barely audible. "I'm sorry."

I meet his gaze, my throat thick with emotion. "Me too, Liam."

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