Page 6 of Wolfish Desire (Billionaires of Wolfe Mountain #2)

SIERRA

Idrive slowly along the back roads to Kingston’s house with the windows rolled down so I can fully appreciate the fresh mountain air. There are so many little things about this area that I adore. The friendly people. The trees. The mountain scenery. The feeling of fresh oxygen enveloping me.

I take a slow corner and realize that not only is my car fixed with strong, trustworthy brakes, it no longer feels like it’s pulling more to the left than the right. Heck, they even vacuumed the interior.

Everything around here exceeds expectations.

I just hope I can figure out what Kingston expects with me. A summer fling? A girlfriend? A girlfriend with the potential to become a wife?

I turn into his driveway, hoping that I can keep my head from spinning during dinner.

It’s just a meal with an amazing man. I don’t have to decide our entire future yet, and this isn’t the most important date in the world…

even though I may have changed my outfit seven times and spent more time on my hair and make-up than I usually do for my dad’s annual Christmas card photo shoot.

I’m excited. And I haven’t been genuinely excited about anything in a very long time. But every time Kingston touches me, I’m transported to another world…somewhere happy and sexy and bright.

My car rolls around another corner, and I gasp when the house comes into view.

It’s the most beautiful home I’ve ever seen in person. Huge glass windows overlooking the valley. A perfect blend of brick and huge wooden beams that together create a lavish cottage feel.

It’s like a top-level designer was tasked with creating an intimate forest cabin and didn’t know how to tone it down. It’s cozy and gigantic at the same time, if that makes sense.

I park in front, then get out and literally stop in my tracks as a shiver runs through me. Last year when I was attempting to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, I always came back to the idea of a house similar to this – though not as large.

I’m barely out of the car when Kingston comes charging out the front door to wrap me in his arms.

“Yes, it’s insane, but I missed you,” he says, his hands traveling slowly up and down my back. “I can’t help it. You just feel so good right here.”

Snuggling against him feels so perfect I could almost purr like a kitten.

He takes me on a quick tour of the main floor of the house, which is just as gorgeous as the exterior.

Everything is both lavish and subtle. Not trendy: built to last forever.

The appliances and furniture are all top of the line.

The artwork is a mix of modern paintings and stark black-and-white photos of the mountain.

A large, framed land survey showing the surrounding area hangs in the hall. Kingston stops as it catches my eye. “I’ve always preferred looking at surveys on paper rather than on a screen.”

I stare in disbelief at the massive property outline with the handwritten note, “Kingston.”

Nearby are similar-sized parcels of land labelled Kaden, Kane, Kai, and Kellan. Between the five brothers, they own a ridiculous portion of this mountain. There are other names too, probably extended family.

“Yeah, we own a lot of land,” he says, shrugging.

“But we always share if anyone needs it.” He points to the south corner of his property.

“Like here. The farmer on the other side of the road does a maple syrup run on his own property every spring. He uses that access point to help himself to as many of my trees as he likes, and increase his sap haul each season.”

Kingston’s eyes light up as he takes my hand and leads me into the kitchen, where he opens a high cupboard to show me some glass bottles. “He rents the trees for the very fair price of three bottles of syrup per year.”

“Sounds like a great system.” I turn towards a pot simmering on the stove. “And that smells amazing.”

Our dinner is casual and chatty, uncovering more little things we have in common.

Growing basil and oregano on the windowsill because we go through so much of it.

Enjoying outrageous movie trailers for bizarre films that we’ll never actually go see.

Attempting to set aside one night per week just to sit and read.

It’s sweet how animated he gets when he talks about his circle of friends and his family.

His one cousin, who is a medic. Three other cousins who live slightly over the crest of the mountain and keep to themselves, “but it’s nice to see them at Christmas”.

His mechanic buddies, plus some local woodsmen.

He also tells me about some of his work trips that have sent him around the world. The brothers take turns presenting to new clients, because they find it a bit awkward.

Coming from such a small town, this man has a huge life.

After dinner, we sit out on the back patio and stare into the flames of the fire pit. “It’s lovely out here,” I sigh, resting my head on his shoulder. His thick arm tightens around me.

“I’m glad you like it,” he murmurs near my ear. “I love to travel, but it always feels good to come home.”

“I like that you’re so grounded here. I’ve always felt like my home wasn’t really…well, mine.” I glance over. He’s frowning. “What is it?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “I don’t like that you don’t feel grounded. You talk about your family as if they’re…I don’t know, coworkers you have to try to get along with.”

I burst out laughing. “That’s it! That’s exactly what it feels like.”

He doesn’t laugh back. “Sierra, do you think you could be happy in a place like this, long term?”

“Yeah.” It’s startling how serious he is. “That is, assuming I could find a job here that I liked.”

“You’re already an artist, making your natural arrangements. There’s tons of tourists that come through here that would be all over taking home a piece of nature from the area.”

My mouth falls open. “Oh – I hadn’t thought of that.”

His fingertips gently trace up and down my forearm. “Maybe I’m crazy for thinking ahead already, but I can’t stand the thought of you leaving.”

A tremor runs through me. I’ve never felt wanted like this. The lust, I understand. It feels like we’re both trying to control it, but it’s a force of nature bigger than we are.

But…a future with me? He’s actually thinking like that already? Another shiver zips up my spine. Kingston smiles. “I’m sorry, baby. You’re chilly. Let’s get you inside.”

Back in the kitchen, his strong hands circle my waist. “I’ve been trying not to kiss you all night because I know I’ll never want to stop,” he murmurs, his lips drifting across my forehead.

“Umm… Who says you have to stop?”

Thank goodness he’s holding me, since my knees immediately buckle from the force of his kiss as a wave of longing surges through us both.

Our mouths sear together and his palm drops to my hip, fingers pressing into the fabric of my dress. “I’ve never even imagined wanting anyone as much as I want you, baby,” he murmurs against my lips. “Tell me to be a gentleman and take you home.”

My breath is gasping and fluttery as I reach up to grip his shoulders, the entire fronts of our bodies pressed together tightly. The feeling of my breasts brushing his firm chest sends waves of heat dancing between my thighs.

“I drove myself here, remember?”

He nods, cutting me off with another soul-stirring kiss. “True. But it’s too late for you to be driving home alone…” His dark eyes blaze as he arches a thick eyebrow. “Will you spend the night with me? We could have an innocent sleepover. Keep things PG.”

Snuggling into his arms feels so right. I’ve been overthinking things for so long. It’s time to switch off my brain and allow my body to take over. Do everything that feels amazing.

I stretch up on my toes to whisper into his ear. “I’m not exactly having PG thoughts right now.”

“Good.” His voice turns rougher. “Neither am I.”