Page 10 of Keep Me, Knox (The Mountain Code #5)

Sage

When I step outside, I’m disappointed to see that Rosie and the cubs haven’t returned yet. It would have been great to see them… and also would have given me an excuse to stay with Knox for another day.

Alas, I got the footage, the notes, and the data I needed. There’s no reason to stay… and he hasn’t asked me to.

As I was falling asleep last night, I thought I heard him whisper the word. But it must have been wishful thinking.

I double-check my pack, trying not to overthink every movement. My heart still hasn't recovered from last night—and I don’t think it ever will. Knox hasn't said much, but his eyes...

God, his eyes.

He watches me like he's memorizing the way I move, like he doesn't want to forget. Or am I just seeing what I want to see? Because I want him to feel the same way I do?

"I should head down before the trail gets worse," I say finally, slinging the strap over my shoulder. "There's more rain in the forecast this afternoon."

He stands in the doorway, arms crossed, jaw tight. "I'll walk you to your truck."

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Okay."

The hike down is quiet. He carries my pack without asking, and I don't argue. There's something heavy hanging between us, and neither of us wants to touch it yet.

Not until we reach the truck.

I turn to face him, heart thudding.

"Knox..."

"You don't have to say anything," he says, voice rough. "I get it. You've got a life. A job. You didn't come here looking for—"

"I wasn't looking for you," I interrupt. "But I found you anyway."

That gets him. His throat works like he's trying to swallow words too big to speak.

"I don't know what this is," I admit. "Or how it would even work. But I know one thing—last night wasn't just sex. It was…” My voice trails off.

His hand reaches up, brushes my cheek. “More?”

I gulp. “Wasn’t it?”

"It was for me.”

“Me too,” I whisper. “And I know you’re the kind of man who only says what he means, so I don’t expect any promises or—”

“Stay,” he says.

Just like that.

No drama. No begging. Just a simple, earnest invitation.

My throat tightens. "I want to.”

He leans down and kisses me. Slow and deep, full of things we're still too scared to say.

And in that kiss, I feel it.

This isn’t over.

Not even close.

It’s just the beginning.