Page 27 of Trusting the Grumpy Mountain Man
Relief and something warmer flood through me. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me for doing the right thing." She reaches for my hand. "I'm not risking my career for you, Jax."
"No?"
"I'm doing it for Darius, who stopped using his fists to solve problems. For Mia, who found confidence in building something with her own hands. For all of them." Her fingers tighten around mine. "And yes, maybe a little for you too."
I pull her into my lap, needing her closer. She comes willingly, arms sliding around my neck as she settles against me.
"You're nothing like I expected," I tell her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Neither are you." She traces the scar on my cheekbone. "The grumpy mountain man has hidden depths."
"Only you get to see them." The admission slips out before I can filter it.
Something shifts in her expression, softening into wonder. "Why me?"
The question deserves honesty. "Because you see past the surface. You question. You adapt when evidence contradicts your assumptions. You care about the kids more than the rules."
"That might be the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me." Her voice holds a touch of wonder.
"I'm just getting started." I brush my lips against hers. "Give me time."
Time. Such a simple request that carries such complex implications. She lives in Sacramento. I'm rooted here in Whisper Vale. Her career is just beginning. Mine took a hard turn years ago.
Yet when she kisses me back, those complications fade into background noise. What matters is this moment. This woman in my arms who sees me clearly and chooses to stay anyway.
"I need to finish this report," she murmurs against my lips. "And you have a program to run."
"Responsibilities." I sigh dramatically. "The bane of adult existence."
Her laugh vibrates against my chest. "Tonight," she promises. "We'll have tonight."
I reluctantly let her slide from my lap, already missing her warmth. "I'll hold you to that."
"I'm counting on it." The heat in her eyes makes promises her professional demeanor can't quite disguise.
I force myself to leave, knowing, if I stay, neither of us will accomplish anything productive today. The teens are gathered at the equipment shed, ready for their team challenges. I focus on their needs, their progress, keeping my mind on the program that's been my purpose for the past four years.
But throughout the day, my thoughts return to Riley. To the way she fits against me. The intelligence behind her questions. The courage it takes to stand up for what she believes rather than what's expected.
It's during the afternoon's high ropes exercise, watching Darius help Kevin overcome his fear of heights, that the truth hits me with unavoidable clarity.
I'm falling for her. Maybe already fallen.
The realization settles like a certainty I've always known but just now acknowledged. Riley Chaffeur, with her regulations and tablet and stubborn determination, has worked her way past every defense I've built since leaving the fire service.
"Mr. Reeves?" Mia's voice pulls me from my thoughts. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure." I check her harness, making sure it's properly secured before her climb.
"Is Ms. Chaffeur going to shut us down?" The directness of the question surprises me.
"No," I answer truthfully. "She sees what we're doing here."
Mia nods, satisfied. "Good. Cause I think she's good for you."
I raise an eyebrow. "That right?"
