Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28663 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 143(@200wpm)___ 115(@250wpm)___ 96(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28663 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 143(@200wpm)___ 115(@250wpm)___ 96(@300wpm)
“So why Copper Mountain?” he asks, his voice softer now, as if he’s trying to break through the wall between us. “Why leave wherever you were?”
I pause, unsure how much to reveal. Knox doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to pry, but his question feels personal, more than just small talk. “It was time for a change,” I say, keeping it vague. “My flower shop in the city wasn’t doing great, and I... needed a fresh start.”
He watches me closely, eyes narrowing like he can tell I’m holding something back, but he doesn’t push. Not yet.
“Sounds like there’s more to the story. Got an ex you’re hiding from out here?” he asks, his voice low. “That’s usually why the pretty ones stay out here on the mountain.”
I stiffen slightly. How much does he know? “He’s... out of the picture,” I say, forcing a smile. “Or at least, I hope he is.”
Knox doesn’t respond, but his expression darkens, his jaw tight. He knows there’s more to the story, but thankfully, he doesn’t push. Instead, he focuses on the metal in front of him, his hands working with practiced precision. I can tell by the way his fingers grip the hammer and tongs that there’s a protectiveness in him, something fierce and unyielding. It’s like he’s not just shaping metal, but guarding something—or someone.
“Doesn’t sound like you’re convinced he’s out of the picture,” he mutters, eyes narrowing on the iron as he pounds it into submission.
I shrug, not wanting to give too much away. “I’m starting over. That’s what matters, right?”
He grunts, clearly unsatisfied with my answer, but he lets it go. For now.
The forge falls quiet again, except for the crackle of fire and the rhythmic clang of iron. Despite the tension in the air, there’s something oddly comforting about being here with him. Maybe it’s the steadiness of his presence, the way he moves with purpose. Or maybe it’s the fact that, for all his gruffness, Knox seems like the kind of man who knows how to protect what’s his.
I shake the thought from my head. He’s not mine. I’m just here to get the truck fixed.
“Here,” Knox suddenly says, stepping closer. He hands me a piece of metal, still warm from the forge. His fingers brush mine, and I swear, the heat that sparks between us is hotter than the fire. “Hold this steady.”
I do as he says, gripping the metal with both hands, trying to ignore the way my pulse races at his proximity. He’s so close now that I can feel the heat radiating off him, smell the sweat and smoke clinging to his skin. His rough fingers guide mine over the metal, and the simple touch sends a shiver down my spine.
“Like this,” he murmurs, his voice rough and low. The sound of it makes my skin tingle.
For a moment, it feels like time slows. The forge, the truck, everything fades away, and all I can focus on is the feeling of his hand on mine, the way his breath brushes the side of my neck as he leans in. I glance up, meeting his gaze, and the intensity there makes my heart stutter. It’s like he’s daring me to look away, but I can’t.
Before I can say anything, the door to the forge swings open, and a group of men wearing flannels and smirks stride in, breaking the moment.
“Knox!” One of the men booms, full of playful energy. “Didn’t know you had company.”
Knox pulls away quickly, his expression hardening again. “We’re working.” His eyes dart to me. “Petal, meet three of my brothers, Creed, Judge, and Archer.”
“Sure doesn’t look like work from here,” Judge teases, grinning as he takes in the scene. His gaze flicks to me, and then back to Knox, his grin widening. “Must be real tough, huh?”
I can’t help but smile at their banter. There’s a lightness to it, a sense of camaraderie that makes the forge feel a little less stifling. Archer, the quietest of the three, stands back, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on his face. It’s clear they’ve come to stir the pot, and they’re enjoying every second of it.
“Maybe you should let her teach you a thing or two, Knox,” Creed adds, his voice full of mischief. “Looks like she’s got a good grip on things.”
Knox grumbles something under his breath, shooting his brothers a glare, but they just laugh, clearly unbothered by his irritation.
I glance at Knox, biting back a grin. “They’re fun,” I whisper, just loud enough for him to hear.
He rolls his eyes, but there’s a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “They’re pests.”
His brothers continue to tease, their banter light and playful, and I find myself laughing along with them. It’s easy to see the bond between them, the way they needle each other with affection. And even though Knox grumbles and scowls, there’s no denying the warmth in his eyes when he looks at them.