Page 9 of Christmas With The Broken Mountain Man
Something shifts in my chest at her words, an uncomfortable tightening that feels dangerously like emotion. I clear my throat, focusing on the practical task of cutting down the tree rather than examining whatever just happened in my heart.
Back at the cabin, we spend the evening setting up the tree and unpacking the box of ornaments I've kept stored in the attic. Destiny handles each one like a precious artifact, asking about their origins and meanings.
"My mother made this one," I explain, holding up a ceramic star painted with childish enthusiasm. "And this..." I unwrap asmall wooden train. "My dad carved one for each of us kids the year before he died."
"It's beautiful," she says softly. "Thank you for sharing these with me."
The simple sincerity in her voice catches me off guard. I'm not used to someone appreciating these small pieces of my history.
We string lights around the tree, Destiny insisting they be arranged "just so" while I hold the ladder steady. Her tongue pokes out slightly as she concentrates, an unconscious habit I find unreasonably endearing.
"Perfect!" she finally declares, stepping back to admire our work. The tree glows warmly in the corner, reflecting in the windows against the darkness outside.
I pour us each a glass of wine, and we settle on the couch to admire our handiwork. The fire crackles in the hearth, snow falls gently outside, and Christmas music plays softly from the speakers. It's like a scene from one of those holiday movies my sister loves, painfully cozy and domestic.
"Thank you," she says suddenly, turning to face me. "For everything. The tree, the town visits, the fake engagement... just all of it."
"Don't thank me yet. Your ex is still out there."
"I know." She sets her wine glass down. "But for the first time since everything happened, I feel safe. Like I can breathe again."
Her eyes shine with unshed tears, and without thinking, I reach out to brush a curl from her cheek. She leans into my touch, her skin warm and soft beneath my fingertips.
The moment stretches, charged with something neither of us expected. Her gaze drops to my lips, and I lean closer, drawn by some invisible force.
She meets me halfway, her breath mingling with mine as our lips hover mere inches apart. My heart pounds in my chest,desire I've denied for years surging through me with unexpected intensity.
Just as our lips are about to touch, headlights sweep across the windows, a car pulling into my driveway. We jerk apart like guilty teenagers.
"Are you expecting someone?" Destiny whispers, fear edging into her voice.
I reach for my phone, checking the security camera feed. "It's just Jax," I tell her, relief and disappointment warring in my chest. "My friend from the wilderness program."
"Oh." She smooths her hair, cheeks flushed. "I should... I should go freshen up."
She disappears upstairs as the doorbell rings. I take a moment to compose myself before answering, trying to ignore the lingering warmth of her almost-kiss.
Jax stands on the porch, eyebrows raised as he takes in my flustered appearance. "Bad time?"
"No, it's fine." I step aside to let him in. "Just setting up the Christmas tree."
He stops in the entryway, clearly shocked by the decorated living room. "You put up a tree? Voluntarily?"
"It wasn't entirely my idea."
Understanding dawns on his face. "Ah. So the mail-order bride situation... took an unexpected turn?"
"It's complicated." I run a hand through my hair. "Her name's Destiny. She's... she's in trouble, Jax. Abusive ex hunting her down. We're pretending to be engaged to throw him off the scent."
Jax's expression grows serious. "Is she safe here?"
"For now. Tom's keeping an eye out for suspicious vehicles." I lower my voice. "But this guy has resources. Connections with law enforcement in California."
"What can I do to help?"
Before I can answer, Destiny descends the stairs. She's composed herself, the flush gone from her cheeks, but her eyes still hold a wariness that cuts through me.
"Destiny, this is Jax Reeves, an old friend." I make the introduction. "Jax, this is Destiny Brooks, my... fiancée."
