Page 10 of Mountain Man’s Curvy Girl (Summer In The Pines #4)

Ethan

She’s standing there, trembling, her dark eyes locked on mine like I’m the only thing in the world she can see.

And maybe I am—because right now, she’s the only thing I can see.

The firelight dances across her skin, making her glow, and all I can think is how much I want to touch her. To make her mine.

“Come here,” I say softly, holding out a hand.

She hesitates for just a second, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip, but then she steps forward, placing her small hand in mine. I guide her closer, my free hand resting on her hip as I look down at her, taking in every detail—her soft, full lips, the way her sweater clings to her curves.

“You’re beautiful,” I murmur, my voice rough but steady. “You know that, right?”

Her cheeks darken, and she glances away, but I tilt her chin up, forcing her to look at me. “I mean it, Chloe. You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

Her breath catches, her eyes wide and searching, and I can see the doubt flickering there—the fear, the uncertainty. I hate it. I want to erase it. I want her to see herself the way I see her.

“You don’t have to be nervous,” I say, my thumb brushing over her cheek. “I’m not going to hurt you. I’ll take care of you, sweetheart. I promise.”

She swallows hard, her lips parting as if to say something, but no words come out. Instead, she leans into me, her hands clutching my shirt, and I take that as my cue.

Slowly, gently, I lower my head, brushing my lips against hers.

It’s soft at first, careful, but when she sighs into my mouth, I deepen the kiss, my hand sliding to the small of her back to pull her closer.

She melts against me, her body fitting perfectly against mine, and I groan softly, the sound vibrating between us.

“Ethan,” she whispers, her voice shaky but full of need. “I—”

“I’ve got you,” I murmur, my lips moving to her neck, trailing soft, open-mouthed kisses along her skin. “Let me take care of you, Chloe. Let me show you how good it can be.”

She nods, her fingers tangling in my hair, and I lift her effortlessly, cradling her against my chest as I carry her toward the bedroom.

She gasps softly, her arms wrapping around my neck, but she doesn’t protest. She just holds on, her head resting against my shoulder as I kick the door open and set her down on the edge of the bed.

* * *

Chloe

Everything feels surreal, like a dream I don’t want to wake up from. The room is warm and dimly lit, the firelight casting shadows that flicker across Ethan’s broad shoulders as he kneels in front of me, his hands resting on my thighs.

“You okay?” he asks, his voice low and steady, his eyes searching mine.

I nod, my breath hitching as his fingers brush against the hem of my sweater. “Yes.”

“Good,” he murmurs, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Because I want to make you feel things you’ve never felt before, Chloe. I want to make you mine.”

The words send a shiver down my spine, and I watch, mesmerized, as he slides his hands under my sweater, lifting it slowly. His touch is warm, firm but gentle, and when he pulls the fabric over my head, his breath catches again.

“You’re perfect,” he says, his voice rough and reverent, his gaze raking over me like he’s trying to memorize every inch of my skin. “So fucking perfect.”

My cheeks burn, and I glance away, but he tilts my chin back up, his thumb brushing over my lips. “Don’t hide from me, sweetheart. Let me see you.”

His hands move to my jeans, unbuttoning them with a practiced ease that makes my pulse quicken. He’s so careful, so patient, and when he slides them down my legs, he presses a kiss to my knee, his lips warm and soft against my skin.

“You’re trembling,” he murmurs, his hands sliding up my thighs. “Tell me what you’re feeling, Chloe.”

“I…” I bite my lip, my heart racing as his hands move higher. “I’m scared. But I want this. I want you.”

His eyes soften, and he leans forward, pressing his forehead against mine. “You don’t have to be scared. I’m going to take care of you, okay? I’ll go slow. I’ll stop if you want me to. Just say the word.”

I nod, my breath catching as his lips find mine again, softer this time, more tender. His hands are everywhere, sliding over my skin, exploring every curve, every dip, until I feel like I’m coming apart under his touch.