Page 40 of Beastly Mountain Man

Five feet and six-four produced very different ideas about what counted as adjustable.

The upper road was my last stop.

A plow had opened enough space for staff vehicles, but the snow underneath had packed hard in places, and the shaded bend still held a slick layer I wouldn’t put a guest on.

I keyed the radio.

“Keep Upper Ridge closed to guest traffic.”

“That was already the plan.”

I recognized the dry voice through the static.

“Good plan.”

“Almost like we’ve done winter before.”

I smiled and clipped the radio back to my coat.

That was why I liked my crew.

After one quick stop at my place to collect Bear and the grocery bag, I headed toward Caprice’s rental with Bear on leash, the groceries riding against one hip and the gear duffel against the other. Carrying both through snow wasn’t convenient.

It was safer than taking the truck up before the road was ready.

The front door opened before I reached the porch.

Caprice stood there in soft black knit pants and a cream sweater, her hair loose around her shoulders. Small gold hoops still framed her face, and she looked rested enough to make me want to forget brunch and take her straight back to bed.

Her attention dropped to the bags.

“You brought luggage.”

“Winter gear. And groceries for brunch.”

She looked from the bags to me.

“You’re aware the resort has already fed me repeatedly, and last night you made pasta from scratch.”

“I am.”

“This feels like a campaign.”

I stepped onto the porch. “For what?”

“That remains under investigation.”

She moved aside. Bear trotted into the great room while I followed with the bags.

Before I could set either bag down, Caprice caught the front of my coat and kissed me.

No hesitation. No careful approach.

Just her mouth against mine and one hand curled into the fabric below my collar.

I put both bags safely on the floor before wrapping an arm around her.

When she eased back, her lips were still close to mine.