She kicked and giggled. “Where are you taking me?”
“To the kitchen table.” He winked.
Twenty-Nine
Lee
Lee held a branch out of the way for Brooke so she could pass safely on the trail. It was hard to believe he was sharing this with her. Hiking was his solitude. Now it included her.
They walked, avoiding the deeper snow drifts and watching the birds try to find food in the ice.
“I can’t get over how beautiful it is out here,” she said.
Lee nodded. “It is.”
“And you own all of this?” She stopped to take in the view from the mountainside.
He watched her. Her cheeks were rosy and her lips a dark red. She looked like she belonged her. A true snow bunny. Sexy and gorgeous.
“We do,” he replied.
They continued to walk. “It’s cold, but I like it.”
“Me too.” He smiled, wondering how he could touch her all bundled up in layers of sweaters and coats.
“I understand why you keep mentioning why you want to stay here. Do you think you will?” she asked.
He shook his head. “It made sense to take a break from StarCon, but it doesn’t make sense to stay away.”
“Do you ever think about leaving the company?”
He stopped in the middle of the trail. They were close to one his favorite hunting cabins. He could see it over the hill.
“No. I couldn’t do that to Ty. We’ve built it from the ground up.”
“But if you aren’t happy, Lee. Why stay?”
He scowled. “Who said I’m not happy?”
“It’s just, you seem frustrated, or something.” She frowned. “Did I say something.”
“No.” He shook his head. He headed in the direction of the hunting cabin. Brooke followed him.
“Is something wrong?” Brooke asked as they hiked deeper into the woods. Everything was silent around them. “Are you sure you aren’t mad?”
He turned to face her. “Yes. Something is very wrong.” He crushed his lips into hers. “You’re all I can think about.” He came up for air. His hands tangled through her long hair, pulling the knit beanie from her head. “I want to be inside you again, Brooke. It’s all I can think about.”
“Oh shit. Me too. But I was afraid to say anything.”
He laughed. “Never be afraid to tell me that. Ever.”
He tugged on her hand, drawing her to the cabin. “I have a solution to our problem.”
Her eyes widened as they walked inside. “What is this place?”
“A retreat within my retreat. Give me five minutes and I’ll warm it up for you.”
He threw a stack of logs into the fireplace and crouched to start the kindling. Within seconds it caught and a small flame started. Lee stood and lit several candles next to the couch.