Page 31 of Mountain Man Summer

"I know enough," she countered. "I know you wake before dawn to swim in the lake. I know you renovated yourgrandfather's cabin with your own hands. I know you watch out for everyone in this town, even summer tourists who can't operate a boat properly."

Her words warmed something that had been cold for too long. "Didi—"

"I know you taste like the lake and whiskey," she continued, stepping closer. "I know your hands are calloused but incredibly gentle. I know when you look at me like you're doing right now, I forget every reason I had for keeping people at arm's length."

I couldn't resist any longer. I drew her against me, one hand tangling in her hair as our mouths met. Unlike our encounter in the lake—all urgency and heat—this was something deeper, slower, more deliberate. A choice rather than an impulse.

I backed her against the cabin wall, lifting her slightly as her legs wrapped around my waist. My hands slid beneath her thin t-shirt, finding warm skin and the lace edge of her bra. She made a soft sound against my mouth, her fingers working the buttons of my uniform shirt.

"Inside," she murmured against my lips. "Now."

I carried her through the back door, not breaking our connection. The cool air of the cabin was a relief against overheated skin as we made our way to her bedroom. I laid her on the bed, taking a moment to simply look at her—flushed skin, tousled blonde hair, lips swollen from our kisses.

"You're beautiful," I said, the inadequate words all I could manage.

Her smile was radiant as she reached for me. "So are you."

We undressed each other slowly, each newly revealed inch of skin explored with reverent touches and heated kisses.When I finally entered her, the sensation overwhelmed me—not just physically, but emotionally. The way she looked up at me, completely present and trusting, broke open something inside me that I'd thought permanently sealed.

"Stay with me," she whispered as we moved together. "Right here, right now. Don't think about tomorrow."

I pressed my forehead to hers, our breath mingling. "I'm here. Only here."

We found our rhythm together, building toward release with whispered encouragements and breathless pleas. When she came, her body tightening around mine, her eyes never left my face—as if what she saw there was as important as the physical sensation. I followed moments later, her name on my lips like a prayer.

Afterward, we lay tangled together, her head on my chest, my fingers tracing idle patterns on her back. The afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, casting golden light across the rumpled sheets. For the first time in years, I felt no urge to retreat, to rebuild the walls that usually protected me from vulnerability.

"What are you thinking?" she asked, looking up at me.

"That I've never been good at temporary," I told her, the confession easier than expected. "Truth is, I'm an all-or-nothing kind of man."

She propped herself up on one elbow. "Is that what you think this is? Temporary?"

Before I could answer, my phone vibrated on the nightstand. I considered ignoring it, but years of law enforcement training made that impossible. "Sterling," I answered.

"Noah, it's Mike." Callahan's voice was tight with urgency. "Chicago PD just called. They've confirmed Barrett used a credit card at a gas station in Billings yesterday. He's definitely in Montana, heading west."

My body tensed. Billings was only a few hours' drive from Hope Peak.

"Do they have visual confirmation?" I asked, sitting up. Didi watched me with growing concern.

"Gas station security camera. It's him alright. I've alerted state patrol, but with the holiday traffic..." He didn't need to finish the thought. Law enforcement would be stretched thin with Fourth of July celebrations across the state.

"I understand. Thanks for the update." I ended the call, turning to Didi. "Preston Barrett was spotted in Billings yesterday. He's in Montana."

Fear flashed across her face before determination replaced it. "What do we do?"

"We stay vigilant. Security's in place. The department is aware." I cupped her face gently. "And we don't let him steal tomorrow from us. The Fourth of July at Hope Peak is something special."

"You still want to go to the celebration?" she asked, surprised.

"More than ever," I confirmed. "Every officer in town will be there. It's actually the safest place you could be." I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Plus, I was promised a day off to remember what it's like to be a civilian. I'd like to spend it with you."

She smiled, though tension still lingered in her eyes. "A date with a mountain man under the fireworks? How could I resist?"

I embraced her again, breathing in her scent, memorizing the feel of her in my arms. Professional distance be damned. Whatever came next—whether Preston Barrett or the complications of our different lives—I knew one thing with absolute certainty: Didi Lawson was worth the risk.

And for the first time since Jessica walked out, I was willing to take it.

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