chapter 29

Nita’s sandals crunched against the path, but she was prepared for mountain life, with trainers and hiking boots packed in her bag.

“What about you? How do you like living in the city?” Ky asked, his voice warm in the cool night air.

She shrugged. “I mostly grew up there. It’s what I’m used to.”

“You’ve never lived outside of the city?” he asked.

She nodded in the darkness, then realized he might not see it. “Yes. I lived not far from here when I was a teenager. It only lasted about two years. Then we moved back home.”

“I guess you didn’t enjoy it?” he said, a hint of sadness in his tone that made her pause.

She frowned, puzzled by his emotion. “I liked it. I think nature is beautiful and with a cabin as gorgeous as the one you have—with no weird annoying neighbors close by and a view to die for, plus the basic necessities—you’d be stupid to move to the city. I certainly wouldn’t.”

“I do love living here. I can have peace and quiet. At the same time, my clan is not too far so if they need me, I’m nearby,” he said.

They approached a smaller cabin, its warm lights glowing invitingly.

“Jess,” Ky sighed, digging his hands into his back pockets.

“I’m sorry?” Nita said, turning to him.

“My sister came over and turned on the lights for you,” he rushed to explain.

At the door, she faced him with a smile. “I had fun at dinner. Are you still up for a day of walking the woods tomorrow?”

He pushed open the door to the tiny cabin, revealing a charming interior. Nita had seen tiny houses on TV, but staying in one was a first. Earthy tones blended seamlessly with the surroundings, the furniture arranged with cozy country charm.

“This has to be the prettiest little cabin ever!” she squealed, feeling like a kid in a dollhouse.

When she glanced at Ky, he leaned against the doorframe, his smile sparking a rush of naughty thoughts. She forced herself to breathe, keeping her wild fantasies locked in her mind.

“I’m glad you like it,” he chuckled, his chest rising and falling with the sound. “My mother was fond of this cabin.”

“You have to love it!” She plopped onto a delicate sofa. “It’s like Alice in Wonderland.”

Ky raised a brow. “And who would I be, the Mad Hatter or the crazy cat?”

She stood, strolling toward him with a grin. “I think you and Liam would make a great pair of Tweedledee and Tweedledum.”

His indignant look sent her into giggles. How could she tease him so easily? Something about Ky made her feel free to be herself, no pretense needed.

“Are you kidding me?” he said.

“Yes! Of course I’m kidding,” she laughed. “I don’t think Alice is the right fairy tale for you, Mr. Bear.”

She stopped a foot away, her body tensing as she fought the urge to close the distance.

A spark flared in his eyes. “What fairy tale would you see me in?”

She nearly said a steamy version of *Goldilocks*, but with his golden spiky hair, he’d outshine any fairy-tale blonde. “I’ll have to think about it.”

He glanced away, as if to leave, then turned back, closing the gap between them. Her back hit the wall, his body pressing against hers, warm and solid. Her breath caught. If he didn’t kiss her soon, she’d be begging on her knees—her legs were already shaky.

She expected a rough, hungry kiss, but instead, his hand trailed slowly up her arm, leaving goosebumps in its wake. Their eyes locked, the heat between them electric. His fingers brushed her cheek so lightly she barely felt it, yet shivers raced down her spine. Her pulse thundered, tiny whimpers trapped in her throat.

“Did you know…” he whispered, his head lowering with each of her ragged breaths, “that your eyes are the color of smooth milk chocolate and as bright as a thousand stars?”

No one had ever described her brown eyes like that—decadent, luminous. His voice was so soft, it felt like he was speaking to himself.

“And your smile,” he continued, “is more beautiful than any blooming flower come spring.”

Words failed her. Then his lips claimed hers, and a slow burn in her veins erupted into a wildfire. He teased her lips with a gentle swipe of his tongue, tasting, testing, almost asking permission. She didn’t hesitate, meeting him with a bold stroke of her own. A deep rumble vibrated from his chest, and he pressed her harder against the wall, deepening the kiss.

It was intoxicating. Desire surged, a ticking bomb of need. Her nipples tightened, her core aching, her panties damp from the rush of arousal. She slid her hands around his waist, raking her nails over his back, the fabric of his shirt a frustrating barrier to his warm skin. His heat enveloped her, her mind spinning with thoughts of getting him naked. Naked sounded *damn* good. If he kept curling his tongue around hers like some primal dance, she might climax from the kiss alone.