Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
His words are a challenge, and my pulse quickens. I know he’s not done with me. Not even close.
“How does that sound, beautiful?” His voice is a seductive growl, and I can barely form the words as my entire body trembles with desire.
“Yes, Holt,” I stutter, my voice breathless, eager for whatever he has planned. “Anything.”
A wicked grin spreads across his face. “Good girl.” He finally presses his lips to mine, and the kiss is electric, pulling me under his spell as his fingers push me over the edge, sending me spiraling into a quick, intense orgasm.
He doesn’t stop. His thumb teases my back entrance, and I’m completely his, trembling in his hands. He knows exactly how to play my body, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Fifteen minutes later, Holt has me wrapped in his arms, the weight of our encounter still thrumming through me. I can’t stop staring at him, his body all hard edges and raw power. He glances at me, catching the look in my eyes, and a knowing smile tugs at his lips.
“I’ve got plans for us tomorrow,” he says, his voice full of that teasing promise that sends my heart racing. His eyes roam over me, dark with desire. “But none of it involves you wearing clothes.”
My mouth falls open in shock. “What?”
He grins, stepping closer until he’s towering over me, his hand trailing down my back. “You heard me, Lila. I’ve got an adventure planned, and I want you naked the entire time.”
I swallow hard, my body already humming with anticipation. “I’ll never sleep tonight if you keep teasing me like this.”
Holt takes my hand, his intentions clear in every look. My heart pounds with excitement, knowing that whatever he has in store, I’ll follow him anywhere.
“I can’t believe we tied the knot today,” I laugh, still in disbelief.
“Mm, you’re officially tied to me for all eternity now.”
I grin up at him. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way. My very own mountain man, I feel like the luckiest girl in all of Colorado.”
“Then that makes me the luckiest man, precious.” He presses a kiss to my temple, his fingertips grazing my arm lovingly.
I reach for my camera, capturing a shot of Holt holding me close, the stars bright above us. I glance at the image, a smile tugging at my lips as I look at the photo—him, me, and the sky.
This is it. This is the beginning of forever.
Our journey, from fear and uncertainty to love and trust, captured in a single moment under the stars.
Second Epilogue
Holt–two years later
As I step through the door of our cabin, the first thing I notice is the warmth—both the physical warmth from the fire flickering in the stone hearth and the comforting warmth that comes from knowing that I’ve built a life here, with her. The rich scent of garlic and simmering tomato sauce fills the air, making my stomach growl. I’ve spent the whole day on the mountain, teaching a group of teenagers to free-climb, and my muscles ache in that satisfying way that reminds me I’ve earned the rest.
But what really grabs my attention is Lila. She’s standing by the stove, stirring a pot with one hand, and when she hears the door close behind me, she glances over her shoulder. There’s something about the way her eyes catch mine—a flicker of mischief, a sparkle that lights up the whole damn room. She’s glowing. Literally glowing. The amber light of the fire plays across her skin, casting soft shadows, and her cheeks are flushed, probably from the heat of the kitchen. But it’s more than that. It’s the way her lips curve into a slow smile, like she knows something I don’t.
“You’re home,” she teases, wiping her hands on a towel as she turns to face me.
I toss my gear bag on the floor, the ache in my body fading under the heat of her gaze.
“Hell of a day,” I mutter, but I’m not thinking about the climb anymore. I’m thinking about her, standing there, looking like she’s got a secret she’s dying to share. There’s something different tonight, something electric humming in the air, and I can feel it in the way my heart pounds a little harder.
I stride toward her, crossing the kitchen in a few easy steps, and without saying a word, I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her against me. Her body fits perfectly against mine, and I breathe her in—the scent of her shampoo mixed with the rich aroma of the sauce. My lips find hers in a slow, deep kiss that says everything I don’t have the words for. I taste the salt of her lips, the warmth of her skin, and I feel her melt into me, her fingers sliding up the back of my neck and tangling in my hair.