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Nothing comes out.
Because the worst part?
He’s right.
Rhett exhales quietly, his gaze dragging over my face slower now, softer than before.
“You became home before I realized I still needed one,” he says.
The words hit me so hard I physically stop breathing for a second.
No teasing.
No arrogance.
No possessive growling mountain man routine.
Just honesty.
Raw and steady and completely unguarded.
His eyes hold mine the entire time.
“I spent years up here alone because it was easier than needing people,” he continues quietly. “Then you showed up in my town acting tough while somebody hunted you, and suddenly every instinct I had locked onto you so hard I couldn’t think straight anymore.” His jaw tightens slightly. “I tried to keep it about protection. Didn’t work.”
Emotion climbs thick into my throat instantly.
“Rhett…”
“You wanna call it obsession?” he asks. “Fine. I’m obsessed with you.” One hand slides up my waist slowly. “I’m obsessed with whether you’ve eaten. Whether you’re sleeping. Whether somebody looked at you too long in town.” His mouth curves slightly. “I’m obsessed with the way you argue when you’re scared and the way you steal my shirts and the way you reach for me in your sleep.”
Heat and tears hit me at the same time.
Completely unfair combination.
“You’re making this very difficult.”
“Good.”
I laugh despite myself, and the sound seems to affect him more than it should because his entire expression shifts.
Warms.
God.
That look alone could ruin me permanently.
“You don’t miss Seattle,” he says quietly.
“I know.”
“You don’t wanna leave.”
I swallow hard. “No.”
His thumb brushes my jaw gently this time. “Then stay.”
Just like that.
