Page 28 of Restored By the Mountain Man
She smiles, her eyes heavy with this intimate release and peace we’re finding in each other’s arms. She combs through the hair by my ear and my eyes become hooded at the shivers that brings down my back. My hold on her tightens, pulling her body closer till there’s no space between us.
“Where did you come from, Zoe Diaz?” I whisper.
“Three hours north, Ezra Hunter. Go figure, huh?” she softly laughs.
“Go figure,” I say, our heads closing the distance before the simple, reverent touch creates a burst of light that pierces my soul.
Delicate, cautious, and yielding are our lips. This first kiss feels more than a romantic gesture. This is two broken hearts, meeting in purgatory, and giving each other a life line.
Zoe’s quiet whimper has me turning my head, pressing my lips deeper against hers which open slightly, taking my bottom lip into her kiss. We pull away in a hypnotic state, watching the other, coming into agreement. This was more than just a kiss.
I scoot further down until I’m lying completely, pulling Zoe further into my chest. She settles in, draping her knee over my thigh. This is more comfortable than I last remember feeling. We don’t say anything more. We drift off together into what I know will be the best night’s sleep I’ve had in years.
Hope is the last emotion I remember feeling as I let myself entertain for once that maybe, it wasn’t entirely my fault. Perhaps, Liz had a hand in fate, to help me heal. And this remarkable woman in my arms is worth exploring.
CHAPTER 8
ZOE
The sensation of warm lips trail down my neck, strong hands mapping the curves of my body with reverent touches. In my dream, Ezra's mouth finds the sensitive spot where my neck meets my shoulder, and I arch into him with a soft moan.
"So beautiful," his deep voice rumbles against my skin as his fingers trace the edge of my tank top. "I've wanted to touch you like this since the moment you walked into my distillery."
His hands are everywhere, sliding under my shirt to cup my breasts, thumbs brushing over my nipples until they peak against his palms. The sensation shoots straight to my core and I press my thighs together, seeking friction.
"Ezra," I breathe, my hands fisting in his dark hair as he takes one nipple into his mouth, sucking gently before moving to the other.
"Tell me what you want, Sexy," he murmurs, the nickname makes my stomach flutter. His hand slides down my body, slipping beneath the waistband of my pajama pants.
I gasp as his fingers find me wet and ready, circling my clit with just the right pressure. "I want you to fuck me," I whisper. "Hard."
The dream feels so real I can almost taste him on my lips, feel the weight of his body above mine as he positions himself between my thighs. Just as he's about to push inside me, my eyes flutter open.
Reality crashes over me like cold water. I'm alone in the RV bed, my body flushed and aching from the vivid dream. Sunlight streams through the small windows, and I blink in confusion, trying to orient myself.
That's when I notice the folded piece of paper on Ezra's pillow.
With shaking hands, I reach for it, my heart still racing from the intensity of my dream.
Zoe,
Meeting with Francisco this morning to finalize our partnership. Didn't want to wake you since you looked so peaceful. Left breakfast sandwiches and coffee in the main area.
Back soon.
E
I clutchthe note to my chest, my body still humming with unfulfilled desire. The simple gesture of him thinking to leave me food makes my heart flutter almost as much as the memory of his lips on mine last night.
Last night. Had that really happened? The tender kiss we shared, the way we held each other as we talked about our losses. It felt like a dream, but the lingering scent of his cologne on the pillow beside me confirms it was real.
I sit up slowly, my tank top clinging to my overheated skin. The RV is quiet except for the distant sound of machinery from the farm. Through the window, I see Francisco and Ezra walking along the edge of a field, deep in conversation.
The sight of Ezra in the morning light makes my breath catch. Even from this distance, his presence is commanding. Those broad shoulders, the confident way he moves, the intensity that radiates from him even when he's relaxed.
My dream floods back with vivid clarity and heat pools low in my belly. The way his hands felt on my skin, his mouth on my breast, the promise in his voice when he called me beautiful.
I know I should get up, shower, prepare for the drive back to Eden Ridge. We need to maintain our professional relationship. Last night was a moment of vulnerability between two grieving people, nothing more.
