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He looks at me steadily. "Sometimes life forces you to see things... and people... in a new light."
I understand his meaning. With hope rising in my heart, I say, "Maybe this tragedy can lead to a fresh start between us."
His lips curl in a hint of a smile. “Maybe it can.”
I nod, thrilled by his openness to reconciliation. There's an electricity between us that I've never felt before. The fire may have destroyed my dream, but it's sparked a new one, one that involves Ash.
"Well, this glamping entrepreneur still has much to learn about surviving in the wilderness," I say playfully. "Perhaps you could teach me some of your... mountain man skills."
He chuckles, a low rumble in his chest. "I reckon I could show you a thing or two."
As he gazes at me, his steel blue eyes soften. The air between us seems to shimmer with possibility. Slowly, he reaches out and brushes a smudge of ash from my cheek. His work-roughened fingers leave a trail of warmth on my skin.
My breath catches at his gentle touch. I lean into his broad chest, inhaling the earthy scent of pine and smoke. His strong arms encircle me as I rest my head over his heartbeat.
"Gemma..." he murmurs into my hair. "I should've told you before... you're one hell of a woman."
I cling to him, overcome with emotion. All the tension and mistrust between us seems to melt away.
When I meet his eyes again, they smolder with desire. He cradles my face in his hands and lowers his mouth to mine in a searing kiss. The intensity of it leaves me breathless.
11
ASH
Iwatch Gemma in quiet admiration as she orchestrates the restoration efforts with commanding expertise. Her chestnut hair billows in the mountain breeze as she points and directs my brothers where to erect the new timber-framed structures and tents. Though I initially doubted her ambitions to build a glitzy tent city in our untamed forests, seeing her determination in action stirs an unfamiliar flutter in my flannel-wrapped chest.
I make my way over, boots crunching on gravel, and gently touch her shoulder. "Let me shift more of our crew your way. My brothers can reinforce that new welcome lodge, and we've got extra hands to help clear those hiking trails you've mapped."
Gemma turns, green eyes glinting with surprise. "Really, Ash? That would help tremendously."
I nod, fighting back a grin at her enthusiasm. "Consider it done. Just point me where you need us."
She smiles, squeezing my calloused hand. "Thank you. I know we've locked antlers over my plans in the past, but I'm glad we can work together now."
I meet her gaze, pulse quickening. "Me too, Gemma."
"Here, let me take a look at that."
I'm startled as Gemma takes my hand, turning it gently to examine the gash across my palm. I must have cut it hauling lumber and not even noticed, too focused on the task at hand.
"This needs a good cleaning and bandage so it doesn't get infected," she says, eyes narrowed in concern.
My skin tingles as she leads me to her makeshift first aid station, her soft hand enveloping my rough one, making my heart thunder.
With delicate precision, Gemma cleans and dresses the wound, every brush of her fingers sending sparks skittering through my veins. I study her face as she works, admiring the crease in her brow, the curve of her cheekbone, the fullness of her lips.
"There," she proclaims. "All set."
Our eyes meet, and neither of us pulls away, my bandaged hand still cradled in hers. The forest seems to hold its breath around us.
"Thank you, Gemma," I rasp, pulse roaring like a raging river.
She smiles, giving my hand a final, electrifying squeeze before letting go. "Anytime, Ash."
I nod, throat tight, as Gemma releases my hand. I flex my fingers, missing her touch already.
As the sun sinks below the treetops, the brisk mountain air turns biting. I notice Gemma hugging herself, rubbing her arms for warmth as she surveys the rebuilding progress.
