Page 17 of Mountain Man’s Curvy Girl (Summer In The Pines #4)

Chloe

Moving day wasn’t supposed to look like this. In my head, I’d imagined something neat and organized—labelled boxes, a checklist, maybe a little celebration at the end of the day.

Instead, I’m sitting on Ethan’s oversized leather couch, surrounded by half-unpacked boxes, my hair in complete disarray, wearing one of his old t-shirts that hangs down to my thighs. It’s been chaos, but it’s the kind of chaos that feels good. The kind that feels like the start of something new.

Ethan strides in from the kitchen, a steaming mug of tea in the other. He’s shirtless again—of course—and I can’t help but stare at the way the firelight highlights every hard line and muscle as he moves toward me.

“Here,” he says gruffly, handing me the tea before sinking down beside me.

“Thanks,” I murmur, curling my legs under me as I take the mug.

His arm stretches across the back of the couch, his fingers brushing against my shoulder as he takes a long sip of his water, his eyes scanning the room, lingering on the boxes piled around us. His free hand reaches for one of the stray labels sticking out of a half-open box.

“You’re a terrible packer,” he grumbles, though there’s no real heat in his voice.

I laugh, nudging him with my elbow. “Excuse me, Mr. ‘Throw Everything in a Truck Without a Plan.’”

“It got here, didn’t it?” he says, his lips twitching into a smirk as he leans back, the couch creaking under his weight. “That’s all that matters.”

“Barely,” I shoot back, taking a sip of my tea. “I think half my stuff is broken.”

Ethan snorts, his hand sliding down to rest on my thigh, his fingers curling against my skin. “Good. Less clutter.”

I roll my eyes, but the warmth of his touch distracts me, sending a soft shiver up my spine. He notices, of course. He always notices.

“You cold?” he asks, his voice dipping into that rough, growly tone that never fails to make my pulse quicken.

“No,” I whisper, shaking my head as I meet his gaze. “I’m fine.”

His eyes darken, and he sets his glass down on the table, turning toward me fully. “You sure about that?” he murmurs, his hand sliding up, brushing the hem of the oversized shirt I’m wearing. “Because I can think of a few ways to warm you up.”

My breath catches, and I feel my cheeks heat as his fingers tease the bare skin of my thigh. “Ethan,” I start, but he cuts me off with a soft kiss, his lips pressing against mine like he can’t help himself.

“You’re here,” he says against my mouth, his hand tightening on my thigh. “In my house. In my bed. Exactly where you’re supposed to be.”

His words make my chest ache, and I pull back just enough to look at him, my fingers tangling in the soft, dark hair at the nape of his neck. “I am, aren’t I?”

“Damn right you are,” he growls, leaning in to kiss me again, deeper this time, his other hand cupping the back of my neck. “And you’re not going anywhere, Chloe. Not now. Not ever.”

I smile against his lips, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions I can barely contain. “I wasn’t planning on it.”

“Good,” he murmurs, his voice low and possessive. “Because I’ll just come get you if you try.”

I laugh, but the sound turns into a soft gasp as his hand slides higher, his fingers teasing the edge of my underwear. “Ethan…”

“Tell me you’re happy,” he says, his voice rough but full of something deeper, something softer.

“I’m happy,” I whisper, my hands sliding over his broad shoulders. “So happy.”

“Good,” he says again, his lips trailing down to my neck. “Because so am I.”

* * *

The cabin is quiet now, the boxes forgotten as we lie tangled together on the couch, a blanket draped over us. Ethan’s arm is heavy around my waist, his chest a solid wall of warmth against my back. The fire crackles softly in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the room.

“This is home,” I whisper, more to myself than to him.

“Damn right it is,” he murmurs, his voice thick with sleep as he pulls me closer. “Our home.”

And as I close my eyes, surrounded by his warmth, his scent, and the steady rhythm of his breathing, I know he’s right. This is home. This is us.

Forever.

* * *

I’m breathless, trembling under Ethan’s touch as he peppers kisses down my neck, his rough hands exploring every inch of my body. But when he pulls back, his blue-gray eyes locking onto mine, there’s something in his gaze that makes my heart skip.

“I have something to show you,” he murmurs, his voice low and gravelly.

“Now?” I ask, my cheeks heating as I glance at the state of my dress—half off, barely clinging to my waist.

He smirks, leaning down to kiss me, slow and teasing. “Trust me. You’re going to like it.”

He pulls me to my feet, the cool mountain air brushing against my bare skin as he wraps his flannel shirt around my shoulders. I follow him, curiosity sparking despite the heat still simmering between us. He leads me to the back of the cabin, stopping in front of a door I hadn’t noticed before.

“What is this?” I ask, glancing up at him.

“Open it,” he says simply, his hand resting on the small of my back.

I push the door open, my breath catching as I step inside.

The space is enormous—warm, inviting, and unmistakably new.

The walls are paneled in rich wood, the floor covered in soft, plush rugs, and a wide, open window frames the snow-covered mountain outside.

There’s a stone fireplace in the corner, and built-in shelves line the walls, waiting to be filled.

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper, turning to look at him. “When did you—”

“I started it a few months ago,” he interrupts, his lips twitching into a faint smile.

“I wanted you to have more space. For your art, your books, whatever you need. And if we’re going to build a family…

” His voice trails off, his gaze softening as he looks at me.

“I wanted to make sure we had room for them, too.”

My heart clenches, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. “Ethan…”

“I know it’s a lot,” he says quickly, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. “But I needed you to know—I’m in this, Chloe. All of it. I’m not just marrying you. I’m building a life with you.”

I can’t stop myself—I throw my arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight hug. “You’re incredible,” I whisper, my voice breaking. “You know that, right?”

He chuckles softly, his arms wrapping around my waist. “Yeah? Guess I’ll take your word for it.”