Page 68 of Defensive Desire

“That's good. Because I feel super powerful right now,” I tease, grinning against his jaw. “Like I could conquer the whole damn mountain.”

“You already have,” he rasps, kissing me again, softer now. “You’re fearless, you know that?”

“Only with you,” I whisper.

"You can do anything you want, Emma. To me, to this whole world. You're incredible."

"Logan—"

"I mean it. You deserve that café at the arena. You deserve Chapter and Grind and all it's success. You're incredible, you truly are."

And for once—maybe the first time ever—I don't immediately try to dismiss the compliment.

My whole life, I've been the one who dreams too big. The impractical Carter daughter with her head in the clouds. Mom's gentle disappointment. Melanie's patronizing smiles. The whispers around town when I sank my savings into a rundown storefront that everyone said would fail within six months.

But Logan says I'm incredible like it's just a fact.

Like the sky is blue and water is wet and Emma Carter is someone worth believing in.

"You really think so?" I whisper, my fingers tracing the strong line of his jaw.

"I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it." His eyes hold mine, unwavering. "I've watched you, Emma. How you treat every customer like they matter. How you remember every ridiculous coffee order. How you slip extra cookies to those college kids who camp out studying all day."

His thumb brushes my cheek, and I lean into his touch.

For once, I don't argue. Don't deflect with a joke or change the subject. I just let his words sink in, let myself absorb them like water after a drought.

He rests his forehead against mine, both of us still catching our breath.

“We’re never making it to the cabin at this rate,” he mutters.

“Then pull over again,” I smirk. “I’m sure we can find more… scenic views.”

Logan chuckles, deep and low. “Keep that up, and Iwillfind a campsite right here.”

My heart stutters, heat blooming everywhere.

“Okay,” I whisper, pressing one last kiss to the corner of his mouth. “Drive, Hockey God. But don’t go too fast.”

He grins, straightening behind the wheel, hand gripping my thigh again as I settle back into the passenger seat.

“Not a chance. I plan on savoring every minute this weekend.”

Chapter Sixteen

Logan

The tires crunch over gravel as the forest clears and the cabin comes into view.

I ease my foot off the gas, letting the truck roll to a stop in the wide, open patch of dirt and pine needles we’ve always used as a makeshift driveway.

The air changes out here. It’s sharper. Wilder.

Pine and cold earth, with a hint of woodsmoke carried on the breeze. Trees stretch tall and proud on all sides. Douglas firs towering like green cathedrals, sugar pines creaking in the wind, needles glinting with frost from the morning melt.

Sunlight filters through the canopy in soft golden ribbons, casting dappled light over the truck hood, the porch, and Emma’s hair when she leans forward in her seat to get a better look.

And there it is.