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She follows, and as we walk, I feel a sudden anticipation for the night ahead.

In the guest room, I flip on the light, revealing a cozy space with antique furniture, thick quilts, and gleaming wood. I pull open the closet door and point at the clothes hanging inside.

Scarlett steps forward, inspecting the selection with an appraising eye. “Nice. You really do plan ahead.”

I chuckle, leaning against the doorframe, and watching her. “I try.”

Reaching into the closet, she pulls out a soft flannel shirt, holding it up to her with a glint of amusement in her eyes. “I might be able to rock the lumberjack look if it means staying warm.”

“You’ll be the most gorgeous lumberjack around,” I respond, unable to hide my true feelings anymore.

Chapter 6

Scarlett

The storm raging outside seems like a distant memory, a world away from the warmth and almost palpable electricity in this cabin. I’m acutely aware of the space between us shrinking.

There’s something stormy in his gaze, too, a flicker of desire in his icy blue eyes that sends a fire roaring through my entire being. I lock onto it, feeling something inside me begin to melt from the creeping heat that makes my pulse race in response.

For a moment, my breath halts in my chest. He steps closer, closing the distance as the tension crackles between us. The flannel shirt slips from my fingers, tumbling soundlessly to the floor as he wraps his arms around me, drawing me in, grounding me even as my thoughts spiral out of control.

His spicy scent wraps around me as the world tilts on its axis. He stops abruptly and pauses, holding me firm but tender, his eyes searching mine for something.

“I want to make you mine,” he confesses, voice gritty with sincerity, a rawness that lays everything bare between us. “But it’s your choice. I promise, whatever you decide, your job’s not on the line.”

His words hang heavy, an open offer that slices through all the subterfuge of boss and employee, sending my heart thundering wildly. It’s a challenge wrapped in assurance, offering a gateway into something that could change everything.

The decision isn’t difficult. Every instinct screams to dive in and let this storm inside collide with the one outside. I reach up, curling my fingers into his hair, pulling him down to meet me with an undeniable fierceness. Our lips crash together, and it’s not just a meeting but a catalyst as sparks ignite amid the winter chill.

His grip tightens, firm and possessive, yet there's that underpinning gentleness I’ve come to realize defines him. The kiss deepens, exploring and claiming in the silence of the space around us.

Breathless, we pull back slightly, and there’s only us. The intimate connection forged with unspoken words shared across charged air.

“I’ve been fighting my feelings for you since the day you walked into my office and told me it looked like a kindergartener had organized my files,” Noah murmurs, his rough voice close to my ear, sending shivers coursing through my already electrified system. “But I won’t pretend that this isn’t exactly where I want to be.”

I grin, a fierce kind of happiness blooming that’s made stronger by its unpredictability. “Your files really did need a ton of help.”

“I have something else needing a ton of help.” He rubs his hard body against mine, and my insides turn to mush at the insinuation. “And you’re the only woman for the job.”

“Yes, I am.” We stumble back to the bed behind us.

He kisses me and my knees go weak. I can’t believe I’m standing here in my grouchy boss’ bedroom while he kisses me to within an inch of my life. Hello, Twilight Zone.

His tongue slips into my mouth and tangles with mine, causing my thoughts to scatter as my mind shuts down. The only thing I know right now is him.

When the backs of my knees hit the bed, he gives me a gentle push and I fall onto the silky comforter. Leaning up on my elbows, I watch him rip his shirt over his head. I feel like I’m dreaming and reach down to pinch myself as my eyes roam his muscular chest down to the leather belt holding up his pants.

While I watch, he unhooks and pulls his belt off before shoving his pants down his muscular legs. Oh, man. I’m in so much trouble. His massive erection bounces free, and I swallow, wondering how this is going to work.

“I’ve never done this before,” I blurt out before my brain catches up with my mouth.

“Fucking hell, I’m glad.” His words send my pulse into overdrive. “I can’t stomach the thought of another man touching your gorgeous body.”

“Caveman,” I mutter, watching as he grips his erection. My unused girly parts clench as he slides his hand up and down his hardness. The darker head slips through his fingers with each stroke, causing me to forget all about my apprehension.

“Yes, I am,” he growls as I drop back against the bed and slowly unbutton the dress shirt I’m wearing. His icy blue eyes watch as I slip the shirt off and toss it aside. “Fucking hell, you’re gorgeous.”

“Thank you,” I manage to mutter past my dry throat as I unhook and pull off my bra.