Stars Over Alaska (Wild River #4) - Jennifer Snow Page 0,125

a one-time, one-day thing.

One-night thing, as well?

What happens in the fishing hut, stays in the fishing hut?

But it was already going to be hard to walk away from him the next morning. If they shared a night together, it would be a million times harder.

“I just want to hold you a little longer,” he said.

Unfortunately, that was almost worse. Sex was one thing. An emotional connection was a whole other thing.

But it was too late anyway and if they were on borrowed time, Maddie was desperate to prolong the inevitable.

She climbed into the bigger cot and pulled the sheets back, inviting him in.

Mike quickly removed his clothes, grabbed his pillow from the other cot and climbed in next to her, wearing only his underwear. “This okay?” he asked.

“Sleeping next to an insanely hot guy in only underwear—probably not.” It was certainly going to test her self-control, but she was going to do it anyway.

She pulled the blankets up over them and cuddled into his large, muscular chest. He was so warm and his arms wrapped around her felt secure, safe. Where she was meant to be.

He kissed her forehead as he held her tight. “Today was probably the best day I’ve had in a long time,” he said quietly.

“Me too.”

“I really wish I’d met you first,” Mike said, and she released a deep, heavy sigh.

“Me too,” she whispered again as she closed her eyes and he held her even tighter.

CHAPTER SEVEN

MIKE GLANCED INTO the rearview mirror of the SnowTrek Tours van as he pulled onto Main Street the next day. His gaze met Maddie’s and his heart raced. Those eyes. He was going to miss the hell out of those eyes. And every other part of her.

Things had happened so quickly between them, yet he knew it was the real deal. He’d never connected with anyone the way he had with her. And he had no other choice than ignore it. Hope it faded?

They’d agreed that they couldn’t actually see one another, given the circumstances. But it was bullshit. How was he supposed to forget one of the best weekends of his life? How was he supposed to shut off the feelings he’d developed for her?

Could she really turn them off like that? Walk away from him?

Was her loyalty to her sister just that strong? If so, that made her even more incredible. He’d do anything for his brothers, but he’d be hard-pressed to walk away from her if the situation was reversed.

He sighed as he stopped the van in front of the shop, and ran a hand over his beard. “Okay, everyone, here we are—safe and sound.” Everyone was accounted for, and other than one couple who’d kept each other in the friend zone, everyone in the van had fished, flirted and possibly found their match.

Mission accomplished. Cassie had to approve.

Unfortunately, he’d lost focus on what the weekend was supposed to achieve. He’d been caught up and caught off guard by Maddie.

The guests climbed out and Mike took their things from the back of the van. Then they all headed inside to fill out the SnowTrek Tours event evaluation form, but Maddie lingered after she’d shouldered her bag.

She jammed her hands into her pockets and rocked back on the heels of her hiking boots, looking as reluctant to say goodbye as he was. “Well, thank you for a memorable weekend.”

He nodded. “You’re welcome.” He stared at her, waiting, hoping...

She pointed toward the shop. “Guess I should go in and fill out my evaluation.”

“Yeah...”

She turned to walk away and he reached for her hand. “Maddie?”

Her eager expression when she turned back gave him a glimmer of hope. “You sure? About us...not seeing one another again?”

She hesitated and he held his breath. “I would like to see you again.”

Oh thank God. He smiled. “You would?”

“Yeah, I mean, there’s no reason we can’t be...friends? Hang out sometime.”

Friends. He shook his head. “You really think we could be just friends after this weekend?” That hurt. He’d thought they’d gone way beyond friendship. And while he’d love to have her in his life, that way would never be enough.

“It’s better than nothing, isn’t it?” She looked as pained as he felt.

“I’m not sure I can do that, Maddie. Being around you and not being able to hold your hand or kiss you...” He’d never felt this magnetic pull to anyone before. Spending time with her, knowing it couldn’t lead to a deeper connection, a real relationship would be hell. And what if she started