Page 9 of My Tempting Mountain Man

“See?” she says cheerfully, turning her face up toward me with an encouraging smile. “Easy, right?”

“Not even close,” I grunt, attempting to mimic her stance and failing spectacularly. She laughs, the sweet, musical sound dancing around the cabin. It tightens my chest painfully.

“You’re not even trying,” she teases gently, stepping closer to correct my posture. Her soft hands press lightly against my shoulders, guiding me into position. Her touch burns straight through my skin, sending sparks skittering down my spine.

“I’m trying,” I manage to choke out, my voice thick and rough.

She pauses, clearly sensing the tension radiating from me. Her hands still rest lightly on my shoulders, and when I turn my head slightly to look at her, I’m met with wide, questioning eyes filled with warmth and uncertainty.

“Liam?” she whispers softly, fingers tightening slightly against my muscles. Her gaze searches mine, and in that moment, my resolve shatters.

“Everly,” I murmur, voice low and strained, “you have no idea what you’re doing to me.”

Her breath hitches softly, eyes growing wider with anticipation. “Then show me.”

That’s all the encouragement I need. I turn swiftly, pulling her into my arms, my lips capturing hers hungrily, without restraint. She gasps softly, then melts into me, arms sliding around my neck as her body presses close. She tastes sweet, addictive, innocent yet fiercely passionate. It drives me wild.

My hands roam her back, pulling her closer still, desperate to feel every inch of her softness against me. Our mouths move urgently, passionately, exploring and claiming. I can’t get enough. I’m drowning in her—her scent, her taste, her warmth.

Breaking the kiss briefly, I brush my lips along her jawline, then down the smooth column of her neck, inhaling deeply her sweet vanilla scent.

“Liam,” she breathes, tilting her head back to grant me better access, fingers tangling in my hair. My heart pounds painfully, desire scorching through me with relentless force. I trail soft, heated kisses back up to her ear.

“You’re killing me, Everly,” I rasp against her skin, voice thick with need. “You’re young, innocent. You deserve?—”

“You,” she interrupts firmly, pulling back just enough to look into my eyes. Her gaze is earnest and unflinching, cheeks flushed with desire. “I deserve exactly you.”

I close my eyes briefly, struggling against the wave of emotions and longing threatening to sweep me under. “You don’t know what you’re asking for.”

“Don’t I?” she counters softly, cupping my face gently in her hands. “I know exactly what I’m asking for. I trust you.”

My chest tightens painfully at her words. Trust. It’s been so long since anyone trusted me, since I allowed myself to be trusted.

I open my eyes, meeting hers with raw intensity. “I won’t hurt you, Everly. I swear.”

“I know,” she whispers, her gaze unwavering and tender. “I trust you.”

Groaning softly, I capture her lips again, kissing her slowly, deeply, pouring every ounce of feeling and restraint into this moment. My hands cup her face, thumbs brushing tenderly over her cheeks as our lips move in perfect harmony.

“I need you something fierce, little girl. How old even are you?”

She blushes slightly. “Nineteen. I’ve actually…” her words fall away as her big eyes search mine.

“Actually what?”

She leans back, like she’s going to get up and walk away, so I tighten my grip on her.

“Tell me,” I demand.

“I’ve never done anything like this before.”

I smirk, relief flooding through me. I’d hope she’s never been stranded with a stranger and slept with him. “This is a first for me too.” I’ve never been the kind of man for random hookups. Lately, I haven’t been with anyone in a long time.

“A first? You’re not a virgin, are you?” she asks the question so damn innocently that it dawns on me.She’sa virgin.

I loosen my grip, instinctively, and she notices. “Everly, I…” I don’t know what to say. Hell, I’ve never been with a virgin before. Not even when I was one. “No, I’m not a virgin,” I nearly choke on the words, kind of wishing I was one for her. “But you are?” I phrase it like a question, but one look into her eyes has me knowing the truth.

“Yes, I am.” Worry crosses her features. “Is that okay?” She starts to back away, and I hold onto her tighter.

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