Page 10 of The Blacksmith's Heart
She shakes her head, biting back a smile. “Focus, Liam.”
“I am focused,” I say, leaning against the wall. “Just not on the cleaning.”
She turns fully to face me now, her hands on her hips. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re distracting,” I counter, letting my gaze linger just long enough to make her squirm.
Her eyes narrow, but there’s a smile tugging at her lips. “We’re never going to finish at this rate.”
I push off the wall and close the space between us in two long strides. “We’ll finish,” I say, my voice dropping an octave. “But I’m not in any rush.”
She tilts her head, her eyes challenging me. “What happened to grumpy, no-nonsense Liam?”
“He’s standing right here,” I murmur, my hand brushing a strand of hair from her face. “But you bring out a different side of me, Callie.”
Her breath hitches, and for a moment, the world outside the barn doesn’t exist. It’s just us, the tension between us so thick it’s almost suffocating.
“Liam,” she whispers, her voice barely audible.
“Yeah?” My voice is rough, my pulse pounding in my ears.
“What about the cabin?” she asks, her tone shifting to something softer, more vulnerable.
My brows knit together, her question catching me off guard. “What about it?”
“If someone could get in here…” Her voice trails off, and I see the fear she’s trying so hard to hide.
“They won’t get near the cabin,” I say firmly. “Not with Rocky there.”
Her lips twitch, a small smile breaking through. “Your dog is not a security system.”
“No,” I agree, stepping even closer. “He’s better. If anyone tries to get in, he’ll wake up everyone on this mountain.”
Her smile widens, and for a moment, the tension lifts. But then her eyes meet mine, and it’s back—hotter, heavier than before. I don’t know who moves first, but suddenly, the space between us is gone. My hand cups her cheek, my thumb brushing over the paint streak there.
“Callie,” I murmur, her name a rough prayer on my lips.
“Liam,” she breathes, leaning into my touch.
The moment stretches, electric and charged, until the sound of breaking glass shatters it. We both freeze, our heads snapping toward the noise. It’s coming from the front of the barn.
I grab the nearest tool—a heavy wrench—and gesture for Callie to stay behind me. My body moves on instinct, everymuscle coiled and ready. Whoever did this isn’t getting a second chance.
“Stay here,” I whisper, my tone leaving no room for argument.
Callie doesn’t listen. Of course, she doesn’t. She’s right behind me as I approach the barn doors, her hand gripping the back of my shirt. I don’t have the heart—or the time—to send her away.
I push the doors open with a sharp shove, my grip tightening on the wrench. The night is quiet, save for the distant sound of crickets. Whoever was here is long gone.
“It’s okay,” I say, turning back to Callie. “They’re gone.”
Her shoulders sag with relief, but the fear in her eyes doesn’t fade.
“I feel like I have a stalker,” she says, her voice trembling.
“Don’t let them scare you, that’s exactly what they want. You have to stay strong and be brave, don’t let them take that from you.” Her eyes well with tears, but she blinks them away, nodding. I pull her into my arms, holding her close. “You’re safe here, Callie,” I murmur into her hair. “You’re safe with me.”
She doesn’t say anything, but the way she clings to me speaks volumes. And as I hold her, I make a silent vow: whoever is behind this won’t just face me—they’ll face the full force of a man who has everything to lose.
