Page 61 of Defensive Desire

She shakes her head. “Nope. But I like the idea of you with a fishing pole. Very rugged.”

I snort, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Maybe you should come?”

Her mouth parts slightly, and for a second, she just stares at me, almost like she’s trying to figure out if I’m serious.

“Wait... youactuallywant me to come? With you and your brothers?”

I shrug, but it’s casual on purpose. Inside, my chest’s thumping like I’m about to take the ice in overtime.

“Yeah. Why not?”

She blinks, looking almost nervous. “It’s just... kind of a big deal, right? Introducing me to your family?”

Shit. I hadn’t thought about it that way.

I just feel so comfortable around this woman that I can't bear the idea of not seeing her every day.

The Kane brothers aren’t exactly touchy-feely, and I guess it’s been a long time since I’ve brought anyone around them. Mostly because... well, I haven’t wanted to. Until now.

Shit. When did I get so soft?!

I rub the back of my neck, trying to find the right words.

“I mean... they’re rough around the edges, but they’re good guys. We used to do this trip every year before the season. Fish,drink, talk shit. Sometimes we’d come back to the cabin with enough to cook up a feast. Other times, just a bunch of empty cans and stories that get more ridiculous every year.”

A soft smile touches her lips. “Aw, Logan. That sounds really fun.”

I take a breath, stepping closer, brushing a lock of hair from her face.

“But my brothers haven’t met anyone important to me in... well, ever. Nate’s the oldest. He’s the one who usually takes charge. Then there’s Cole—he’s the youngest, but probably the loudest. They’re good guys. Just... opinionated. So, yeah. You’d fit right in.”

Her nose scrunches up in that way I’m learning means she’s embarrassed but pleased.

“So you’d... want me to meet them?”

I shrug again, this time more relaxed. “Yeah. It feels right.”

Her eyes soften, and I can tell she’s thinking hard. “It’s just... no one’s ever really introduced me to their family before. Like, not in a way that actually meant something.”

I frown, tracing my thumb along her jaw. “No ex-boyfriends?”

She shakes her head and laughs at the gruff expression on my face.

“No. I've never hadthatkind of relationship. And with my family...” Her voice trails off, and she pulls back just enough to lean against the counter. “My mom’s always been stubborn about wanting a different life for me. My sister, too. They’re happy doing their own thing… just like I am, I guess. I’ve always been alone in all this, and that's normal to me now.”

My chest tightens.

I can’t imagine having family that just... doesn’t show up. My brothers and I might not always see eye to eye, but we’re always there when it counts.

“Hey,” I murmur, stepping between her legs, resting my hands on her hips. “You don’t have to do it alone anymore. You’ve got me.”

Her breath hitches, and she looks up at me, her eyes searching mine. “You mean that?”

I brush my lips over hers, just a soft, lingering kiss. “Yeah. I do.”

Her hands slide up to my shoulders, fingers tracing the muscles there. “You know, you’re making this really hard.”

My brow furrows. “What’s that supposed to mean?”