Page 91 of Mountain Defender

Hope ignites, kindling into a cautious flame. “What is it, baby?”

Her gaze holds mine, a depth of emotion within. “I’m worried it might be too soon. And I don’t want to mess things up between us.”

Oh.

A giant fist slams into my chest.

Has she been scared, just like me?

As the thought spins in my head, realization sinks in. Of course Rory’s scared. She’s spent years on her own, too afraidto leave herself vulnerable to rejection. To outright derision, like that asshole from college. Saying how she feels is no small thing.

The caveman-protector side of me comes storming in, shoving aside my insecurities.

It’s my job to take care of her. My job to make sure she never feels scared again.

Framing her cheek with my hand, I stroke my thumb across her skin. I take a breath. Say a silent prayer.

“I love you,” I blurt out. “I’ve wanted to tell you for a while. But I was too damn scared. Too worried I’d screw things up. But I do. I love you, Rory. With all my heart.”

She blinks. “You do?”

“I do. I think… I started falling in love with you months ago. Maybe even the first day we met. But I didn’t know what love felt like. I wasn’t sure… I’ve never told a woman I love her before. Not like this. I mean, my mother?—”

My mouth clamps shut with an audible snap. Heat fills my cheeks. “That sounded weird. I didn’t mean it that way. But romantically?—”

“Gage.” Rory smiles. Presses her lips to mine. “I know what you mean.”

“But I’m sure,” I tell her. “So sure. When I’m with you, I feel… whole. Not some wounded warrior who’ll always be lacking?—”

“Don’t say that.” It’s stern. Fierce. Her brows pull into a little V. “You are not lacking. In any way. You’re a warrior, yes. But lacking? Never.” A beat, and then, “I love you, Gage. I have. And I was afraid, too. But now that I’m saying it… it’s not scary. It feels right.”

The flicker of hope explodes into a brilliant flame. “You love me?”

Rory nods. Moisture shines in her gaze. “I do. So much I can’t explain it. Words aren’t enough. But I really do, Gage. I love you so much.”

“Baby.” My throat goes thick. “I love you so much, too.”

I can’t rememberthe last time I hummed in the shower.

It’s always been in and out, everything done with the same efficiency and speed I trained myself to use in the Army. Quick shampoo, speedy soap, lather, and rinse, and then out of the shower so I could hurry on to the rest of the day.

But this time?

I keep getting distracted.

Rory’s face keeps popping into my head; her soft expression as she told me she loved me.

I keep hearing her words on repeat.

I love you so much.

I was afraid. But it feels right.

You’re not lacking. In any way.

I love you.

It’s like waking up from a dream to discover it’s real.