Page 21 of My Tempting Mountain Man

He swallows visibly, holding my gaze a moment longer before slowly turning back toward his truck. The sight of his retreating figure blurs through my tears, my heart aching unbearably. Maybe Liam's right—maybe this is better. Maybe he needs something I can't give him.

Or maybe he simply doesn't love me enough to try.

14

Liam

My grip on the steering wheel is white-knuckled, my jaw clenched tight as I drive away from Everly. The silence in the truck is deafening, filled only with the harsh echo of my racing thoughts and painful regrets.

What the hell have I done?

I slam my hand against the wheel, frustration boiling through me. Anger. At myself, mostly. How could I ever believe pushing her away was the right choice? But how could anyone ever truly forgive me for what I did to my brother, for tearing my family apart? I’ve told myself a thousand times I’m unworthy of love, unworthy of forgiveness—and maybe part of me hoped Everly would finally make me believe differently.

Leaving her behind at the shop with Jeremy gnaws at me like a sharp blade. Jeremy is a good guy—kind, friendly, genuine. Exactly the kind of guy Everly deserves. The thought of him making a move on her sends a surge of jealousy scorching through me. My fists clench tighter around the wheel.

No. The idea of someone else holding her, comforting her, being there for her in all the ways I've just refused to be makes me physically sick. But isn't that what I wanted? For her to find someone better, someone less damaged?

Everly’s words echo relentlessly through my head, her accusations and truths slicing through my carefully built walls. She’s right—I’ve hidden away from the world, from life, punishing myself endlessly. How would my brother feel about this? He was always full of life, laughter, and adventure. He’d hate seeing me locked away in isolation, trapped by guilt and self-hatred. Would he want this for me?

Of course not.

The truth slams into me with staggering force, a clarity I've avoided for years. My brother wouldn’t want this. He’d want me to live, to love, to find joy again. He’d want me to be happy. He’d want me to forgive myself.

By the time I reach the cabin, my chest aches painfully, a weight pressing against my lungs. The emptiness of the place is overwhelming, oppressive. Everly’s scent lingers faintly, a ghost of her presence haunting me already. I can't breathe without her. Every second away from her feels like an eternity, a suffocating torment.

Without allowing myself to second-guess, I jump back into the truck, tires spinning as I speed down the mountain road toward town. Panic and desperation fuel my urgency. I have to tell her I was wrong—I have to tell her everything. That I want to live, truly live again. And I can't do it without her.

I arrive back at the car shop in record time, leaping out before the engine even fully stops. Jeremy looks up, surprised, thenoffers me a knowing smile as I stride purposefully toward Everly, who turns in confusion at my sudden arrival.

"Liam?" Her voice is wary, guarded.

I step close, breathing heavily, heart racing as I meet her cautious gaze. "I was wrong, Everly."

She searches my eyes, uncertainty flickering across her face. "About what?"

"Everything," I breathe shakily. "Pushing you away, hiding myself up in the mountains, punishing myself endlessly. You were right—I’ve been a coward. But I don't want to hide anymore. I don't want to run from life."

Everly's eyes soften, hope sparking within their depths. "What are you saying, Liam?"

"I'm saying I want to live again," I whisper urgently, taking her hands in mine, holding them firmly yet gently. "But I can't do it without you. You make me want to be better. You make me feel alive again. I love you, Everly. And if you’ll let me, I promise I'll fight every day to be worthy of you."

Tears fill her eyes, spilling over and streaking down her cheeks. "Liam?—"

"Please," I interrupt desperately, heart pounding. "Don't let this be the end. Give me a chance to prove I can be the man you deserve."

She stares up at me, emotions swirling openly in her eyes, and finally nods softly, a tearful smile breaking across her face. "Yes."

Relief crashes through me, overwhelming and sweet, and I pull her close, holding her tightly against me. I breathe in her warmth, her scent, feeling a piece of myself finally clicking into place.

For the first time in years, I allow myself to believe in hope again.

Epilogue

EVERLY

It’s late afternoon, and the cabin is glowing with the soft amber hue of golden hour. My favorite time of day. I sit on the edge of the porch swing, a mug of hot tea cradled in my hands, watching the light filter through the tall pines. The mountains are quiet, peaceful—but my heart is anything but still. It’s full. So full it’s hard to believe that just a few months ago, I was stranded on the side of a dirt road in a rainstorm with nothing but a suitcase full of sundresses and a dream of some lakeside yoga retreat.

Now I live in the mountains.

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