Page 22 of The Miner's Miracle
“Making things grow. Plants, people, dogs.” I nod toward Shep, who’s curled up at her feet, already devoted to her. “You bring things to life, Tessa.”
She looks at me, startled, and I see the flicker of vulnerability in her eyes before she hides it behind a wry smile. “And what about you, Finn? What do you bring to life?”
I shrug, leaning back in the chair. “Not much. I’m more of a fixer than a grower. Mining, building, keeping things running. That’s what I know.”
Tessa studies me, her gaze uncomfortably penetrating. “You’re selling yourself short.”
I snort. “You don’t know me well enough to say that.”
“Maybe not,” she admits, her voice softening. “But I know what I see. And I see someone who cares more than he lets on.”
The air between us shifts, growing heavier. She’s right. I love her. I love every inch of her and if I’m being honest, I knew it long before tonight.
“You’ve got me all figured out, huh?” I ask, my voice low, almost daring.
Tessa smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Not yet. But I’m getting there.”
The firelight flickers, casting shadows that dance across her face. I stand, unable to sit still anymore, and cross the room to kneel in front of her.
“You’re staying here,” I say again, my tone leaving no room for argument. “And I’m taking the day off. Maybe the whole weekend.”
Her eyebrows shoot up. “The Finn Taylor, taking a day off? Should I alert the media?”
I grin, but there’s a seriousness beneath my words. “Haven’t taken a day off in years. Thought I was working for my future, but I’ve realized I was just running from my past.”
Tessa tilts her head, her curiosity sparking to life. “And now?”
“Now...” I reach out, brushing a strand of hair from her face, my fingers lingering against her cheek. “Now I’m done running.”
Her breath hitches, and I see the war in her eyes—the part of her that wants to trust me, to let me in, and the part that’s still afraid.
“Finn...” she starts, but I don’t let her finish.
I kiss her, slow and deliberate, pouring every unspoken word into the connection. She tastes like honey and something uniquely her, and I know that I’ll never get enough.
When we finally pull apart, her lips are swollen, her cheeks flushed. She looks at me like I’m both her salvation and her undoing, and I feel the same way about her.
“You’ve changed everything,” I whisper, the words slipping out before I can stop them.
Tessa’s eyes glisten, and she cups my face in her hands. “So have you.”
I carry her to my bed, the one I’ve slept in alone for far too long, and lay her down like she’s the most precious thing in the world.
Because she is.
And as we curl up together, her head resting against my chest, I realize something I’ve been too blind to see until now.
This woman—this stubborn, fiery, beautiful woman—is my reason to stop, to pause, to breathe.
She’s my home.
Chapter Fifteen
Tessa
Shep’s wet tongue drags across my cheek, and I jolt awake with a startled laugh, my hand swiping at the drool he’s left behind.
“Shep,” I groan, half-heartedly trying to push him away. But the giant furball has already flopped onto his back, tail wagging as if to say,Welcome to the pack, lady.
