Page 46 of Mountain Grump Protector

She’s become part of my days and my life in a way that would have terrified me a few years ago.

Now, it only leaves me with a feeling of peace and happiness in a way I can’t remember ever feeling before.

Once upon a time, that would have scared the hell out of me, but now...

Luke follows my gaze and shakes his head.

“What?”

Luke's grin widens. “Oh, nothing.”

“Liar.” I shoot him a look. “Just say it.”

He shrugs. “I’m just over here watching you fall in love.”

I spin so quickly, I almost spill my beer on my asshole friend who thinks he knows everything. “What did you say?”

Luke shrugs, not bothering to hide his smile. “Calling it as I see it, man.”

"Why the hell would you think that I'm falling in love?"

Luke sets his beer down and looks at me seriously. "It's been a long time since I've seen you smile like that, man. A really long time."

“I smile.”

“No. You don’t.”

“I do.” Even as I protest, I know he’s right. It’s been a long time since I’ve smiled. And even longer since that smile wasn’t forced.

Instead of protesting, he simply raises his brows. I open my mouth, then close it with a shake of my head.

“That’s what I thought.”

For some reason, that earns a laugh from the women who’ve moved close enough to overhear our conversation.

How much did Willow hear?

“What’s so funny?” Luke steps toward Lilly and wraps an arm around her waist. “You weren’t eavesdropping, were you?”

She stands on her tiptoes and kisses his cheek. “It’s hardly eavesdropping when the two of you talk loud enough for the entire mountain to hear.”

I glance at Willow, who simply shrugs. “Don’t look at me,” she says, laughter dancing in her eyes. “I’m trying very hard to mind my own business here.”

“Liar,” I mutter, my smile spreading over my face.

Beside me, Luke chuckles. “See?”

“Nobody asked you.”

“Huh. You should stop trying to prove my point then.”

Lilly rolls her eyes and leans into his side. “You two are exhausting.”

“You love me.”

“Unfortunately.”

I watch as he tilts her chin up and kisses her deeply. The gesture is so natural and easy, it resonates. Because for a long time, I’d convinced myself that men like us don’t get things like that.