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"Everything within is the grounds, I take it," Jennifer said. She twisted around, keeping her hand in Mark's as she took a closer look at the surroundings. "When I think of mansions, I usually picture enormous swimming pools, manicured lawns, windows that reflect the sun like eyes."

He chuckled. "None of those ever would have satisfied me."

"Good, because this is better. I like how you don't rake up the leaves, you just let them whirl about and pile up, like they're meant to. You let the trees grow wild and true to their nature, just like us people need to learn to again. Is there anything on the grounds that is man-made?"

"One thing, besides the house. You wouldn't notice it unless you knew it was there, though. Let me show you." He squeezed her hand, and as they continued along the rough path of rocks and leaves and grass, Jennifer found her leaning into him, attracted to his warmth, the surety of his presence.

She could picture going on a walk like this every day for the rest of her life and never getting bored of the same trees and sky.

"I hope this isn't too big a change for you," Mark said.

Jennifer laughed—she couldn't help it. "It's a massive change. Portland isn't exactly a small city. You couldn't look outside without seeing another person. Out here ..." She scanned the trees, the rustling leaves, the trees that swayed in the wind as if they were about to break free and dance. "I think you're much more likely to see a bird than another human. Does anyone even live out here?"

"Not within five miles in any direction; that's the land owned by me," Mark said. "But I don't think the nearest neighbor is until the outskirts of Marhan, maybe fifteen miles away."

Jennifer understood people wanted to own land ... she herself had dreamt of having some land for herself and her family one day. Farmland maybe, so they could live off the land without having to rely too much on city resources. Far enough from people that she could pretend she was in the forest, living out a life where she was at peace with nature.

But realistically, that was never going to happen, not even when she had her park guide job.

Mark actuallyowninga big chunk of forest, though? It really was that dream come true. As far as she could tell on her way in, nothing nearby was agricultural land at all ... he just owned a part of the forest because he wanted to.

She loved that.

"Careful," Jennifer teased, "or you'll have trouble getting rid of me. I've always wanted to live somewhere like this."

"Did you live in Portland for your whole life?" he said.

"Most of it, yeah, I grew up there. But I never really felt like I belonged, I guess. The first opportunity I had, I moved out to Colorado in search of something new that didn't involve cars whining in my ears all day long. Ended up in the south, a nice secluded area not far out of Mesa Verde. Working at any national park, where I could experience nature every day, was always my dream, but Mesa Verde was a dream come true."

"There's something appealing about knowing that people like the ancient Puebloans lived out in the middle of nowhere long before we felt the need to," Mark said.

"You know exactly what I mean," Jennifer said.

He gave her a meaningful look, and then they stopped walking. "We're here."

Mark gestured to the space in front of them, but at first, Jennifer didn't see what he was pointing at. It looked like more trees and grass, but she was already learning how to spot Mark's hidden creations.

Built encircled by trees was a small gazebo, the roof covered with a dense layer of leaves.

She pointed. "There."

"Very good." He chuckled. "Maybe you were made for the wilds after all."

He guided her across the remaining path and up the stone steps, into the little shaded gazebo. An earthy scent came from the wood circling the structure, enveloping her in the scents of the outdoors.

On both sides, there were benches covered with brown cushions, patterned to match their surroundings. Again and again, the attention to detail stunned Jennifer.

"This place is incredible," she said.

Mark was close, his whole side pressed up against hers. He shifted to look into her eyes, and he pulled a stray lock of hair away from her face. The warmth and desire in his bright green eyes pulled her in, amplified by the warmth moving between them. She wanted to kiss him ... just like he looked like he wanted to kiss her.

"Why go through so much effort to keep everything hidden?" Jennifer said.

Mark pressed his palm to her cheek. "You're incredible. In just the few hours since you've come here ..."

The way he touched her face finished what he left unsaid. Jennifer hadn't been able to stop thinking about him since she laid eyes on him. Hadn't been able to stop picturing what it would be like to give in to the desire pumping through her veins.

Mark's other hand touched her hip, curling around her back. When he pulled her closer, her hands came onto his chest. The strength of his muscles pressed against her palms, but as soon as his mouth was on hers, that feeling was secondary.