Page 7 of S'more of Silas
She tilts her head back to look at me, and her smile is soft and warm. "Okay."
For the first time in years—maybe ever—the fire inside me doesn't just burn.
It glows.
Was that a metaphor? Dammit… that must be a hazard of falling for a writer.
“So,” I say, nuzzling my face into the crook of her neck. “What kind ofresearchdid you have in mind?”
Chapter 5
Cassie
Thefallfestivalishopping today, and I’ve sold a ton of books. Thanks in no small part to my brother, Orion. It’s not every day that we have a real-life celebrity in Maple Ridge, so everyone is eager to catch a glimpse of the famous quarterback whose career ended too soon. Orion’s been scowling all morning, but he’s handling chores like a champ, never complaining when I ask him to lug a case of books from one corner of the booth to the other. And he’s bringing potential new readers to the booth too. So, I have no complaints.
Except I’d rather be in bed with Silas right now…
For the first time ever, I can’t wait to leave the festival. Book signings are my favorite part of being an author. There’s nothing I love more than interacting with my readers. But it was physically painful to pry myself away from Silas this morning. And the delicious ache in my inner muscles after a night of lovemaking won’t let me push my handsome mountain man out of my mind.
When I left this morning, Silas made me promise to return tonight. "There's somewhere I want to take you," is all he said, and I didn’t ask questions. I'm learning that Silas doesn't waste words—when he says something, he means it.
I wait as long as I can before turning to my brother. “You know, Orion, I think I’m going to duck out early today.”
He gives me a look, suspicion etched into his features. “Why?”
I shrug, trying to look as casual as possible. “I’m just not feeling it today.”
Orion crosses his arms. “I know you better than that, Cass.”
“Fine,” I say with a sigh. “I have a date, and I’m anxious to get to it.”
Orion pops up from his chair, rising to an impressive height of nearly six-and-a-half feet. “Who’s thisdate?”
I roll my eyes, setting my jaw. “As I’ve told you my entire life, you arenotthe boss of me, Orion Sinclair. So, knock it off.”
“I’m not being bossy,” he protests. “I’m being a protective big brother, and I have the right to know who’s got his eyes on my sister.”
“You do not have theright,” I seethe. “But for your information, he’s a veteran, a landowner, and an all-around great guy. So, back off.”
Orion opens his mouth to retort, but I hold up a hand. “I mean it, Orion. I love you with all my heart, but I’m a grown woman. I’m perfectly capable of making my own decisions, and I can take care of myself.”
Orion’s face softens and he nods. “Okay, but if this guy steps out of line, let me know. I’ll kick his ass.”
A wide grin stretches across my face. “Deal.”
Later that night, I slide into Silas’s truck, a well-maintained Ford that’s almost as old as I am. “Where are you taking me?”
Silas shakes his head, smiling. “I don’t want to spoil the surprise.”
We wind higher into the mountains, the road narrowing as trees arch overhead, creating a tunnel of flame-colored leaves that glow in the late afternoon sun. The truck handles the terrain easily, climbing steadily as we leave the valley behind.
When we pull into a gravel clearing, my breath stops.
Lookout Rock. I've heard of it but never been here. It's the kind of place locals mention in passing but rarely visit—too far up, too much effort, too easy to find a pretty view closer to town.
But this is worth every minute of the drive.
The valley spreads below us like something out of a painting—a patchwork quilt of orange and gold, rooftops catching the last rays of sunset, Osprey Lake glimmering like hammered metal in the distance. The mountains rise on all sides, layer after layer fading to blue in the distance.
