Page 16 of Christmas With The Broken Mountain Man
I lower my mouth to hers, and the world narrows to this single point of contact. Her lips are soft and warm, hesitant at first, then eager. She tastes like cinnamon and chocolate, her small hands fisting in my jacket to pull me closer.
There’s nothing performative about the way my heart hammers against my ribs or how her soft sigh vibrates against my lips.
When we finally break apart, her eyes remain closed for a heartbeat longer, her face tilted up like a flower seeking sunlight. The vulnerability in her expression makes my chest ache.
"Was that part of the act too?" she whispers.
"No." Honesty feels dangerous but necessary. "That was real."
Her eyes search mine, looking for deception or regret. Finding neither, she rises on tiptoes to press another brief kiss to my lips. "Good."
The single word contains multitudes. I wrap my arm around her shoulders, holding her close as we turn to watch the community choir perform. My mind replays the kiss on endless loop, analyzing every nuance of her response.
"Mason! Destiny!" Jax's voice cuts through the crowd. He approaches with his better half by his side. "Glad we caught you. This is Riley, my fiancée. Riley, meet Mason's fiancée, Destiny."
The women exchange greetings while I clap Jax on the shoulder. "Nice tree this year."
"Better company," he replies with a significant glance at Destiny. "She's good for you."
"It's not what you think."
"Isn't it?" Jax raises an eyebrow. "That kiss looked pretty convincing from where I was standing."
I don't have a response for that. The kiss was convincing because it wasn't an act. But explaining the complicated reality of our arrangement feels impossible.
"We still on for dinner?" I change the subject.
"Absolutely. Riley's been cooking all day."
We agree to meet at their place in an hour. As Jax and Riley walk away, Destiny slips her hand back into mine.
"They seem nice," she says.
"They are. Jax saved my life after Sarah left."
"Literally?"
"Figuratively. Got me out of the house, forced me to rejoin the living." I lead her back toward the truck. "Riley's good for him. Keeps him grounded."
"Like I keep you grounded?" There's a teasing lilt to her voice.
"You do exactly the opposite," I admit. "You make me feel like I'm free-falling."
Her smile falters. "Is that a bad thing?"
I consider the question as I help her into the truck. Is it bad? Three days ago, I would have said yes without hesitation. Now I'm not so sure.
"It's terrifying," I finally answer, starting the engine. "But maybe that's the point."
Dinner at Jax and Riley's cabin is surprisingly relaxed. Riley welcomes Destiny like an old friend, pulling her into the kitchen to help with final preparations while Jax and I open wine.
"Your engagement still fake?" Jax asks quietly, nodding toward the kitchen where the women laugh over some shared joke.
I've never been able to lie to Jax. "Started as cover." I take a sip of wine. "Now I'm not sure what it is."
Jax studies me for a moment. "You've got feelings for her."
"It's been three days, Jax."
