Chapter 4 Leo
four
Leo
The Murphy building is perfect for her.
I watch Emma move through the empty space, her eyes bright with possibility as she traces the built-in shelves with reverent fingers.
Dust motes dance in the afternoon sunlight streaming through large windows, and I can already picture her here—surrounded by books, helping customers, building the life she's always dreamed of.
With me.
"It's too perfect," she murmurs, running her hands along the smooth wood. "Like it was waiting for me."
"Maybe it was." I lean against the doorframe, arms crossed, drinking in the sight of her in what could be our future. "Sometimes things work out the way they're supposed to."
She turns to face me, something vulnerable in her expression. "What if I'm not brave enough? What if I get here and panic, run back to what's safe?"
"You won't." The certainty in my voice surprises us both.
"How can you be so sure?"
I push off from the doorframe, closing the distance between us until I can cup her face in my hands.
"Because you're already the bravest woman I know.
You got scammed, stranded in the mountains with a stranger, and instead of running, you stayed.
You're here, considering upending your entire life for a dream and a man you've known two days. "
"When you put it like that, I sound certifiably insane."
"You sound perfect." I brush my thumb across her lower lip, watching her eyes darken. "And you're mine."
The possessive words slip out before I can stop them, but I don't take them back. She is mine, just like I'm hers. Some things you know instantly, deep in your bones.
"Yours," she agrees breathlessly.
That simple word destroys my control. I back her against the built-in shelves, my mouth claiming hers with desperate hunger. She responds immediately, her hands fisting in my shirt, pulling me closer.
"Someone could see," she gasps when I move to her throat.
"Don't care." I nip at her pulse point, making her shiver. "Let them see. Let the whole town know you belong to me."
My hands find the hem of her shirt, sliding beneath to find warm skin. When I cup her breast through her bra, she arches into my touch with a moan that goes straight to my cock.
"Leo," she pants. "We can't. Not here."
"Can't I?" I challenge, my thumb finding her nipple through the lace. "You're so responsive, so perfect. I bet I could make you come right here, just like this."
Her eyes widen, pupils blown with desire. "You wouldn't."
"Try me." My hand slides down her body, fingers tracing the waistband of her jeans. "Say yes."
She looks around the empty building, then back at me, something wild flashing in her eyes. "Yes."
I have her jeans open and my hand inside her panties before she can change her mind. She's already wet for me, slick and hot against my fingers.
"Fuck," I growl against her ear. "You're soaked. All for me?"
"Always for you," she gasps, hips rocking against my hand.
I work her with skilled fingers, thumb circling her clit while two fingers slide inside her tight heat. She bites her lip to muffle her moans, but I want to hear them all.
"Let me hear you," I command. "No one's around. Just us."
She lets go then, head falling back against the shelves as she rides my hand. The sight of her coming apart because of my touch, in what will soon be her bookstore, fills me with primitive satisfaction.
"That's it," I encourage as her breathing becomes ragged. "Come for me, Emma. Come on my fingers."
She shatters with a cry that echoes through the empty space, her body clenching around my fingers as waves of pleasure wash over her. I work her through it, gentling my touch as she comes down from the high.
"You're incredible," I murmur, pressing soft kisses to her throat.
"That was..." She shakes her head, still breathless. "I've never done anything like that before."
"Good. I want to be your first for everything that matters."
The intensity in my voice makes her look up sharply. "Leo..."
"I love you." The words come out rough, honest. "I know it's fast, I know it's crazy, but I'm falling hard for you, Emma. Stay. Build your bookstore here. Build a life with me."
Tears glisten in her eyes. "I love you too. It terrifies me how much I love you."
"Then it's settled." I pull her closer, holding her tight. "You're staying."
"It's not that simple. I have an apartment lease, a life in Vancouver—"
"Which you were already planning to leave behind." I tip her chin up, making her look at me. "This is just changing your destination."
Before she can respond, the building's door opens with a loud creak. We spring apart, Emma hurriedly fixing her clothes while I step protectively in front of her.
"Hello?" A man's voice calls out. "Anyone in here?"
"Back here," I call, recognizing the voice. "That's Tom Murphy, the building owner," I murmur to Emma.
A balding man in his sixties appears, smiling when he sees me. "Leo! Heard you might be bringing someone by to look at the place."
Small towns and their gossip networks. We've been here thirty minutes and somehow Tom already knows.
"Tom, meet Emma Hartley," I say, my hand finding the small of her back. "Emma, Tom Murphy. He owns the building."
"Pleasure," Tom says, shaking her hand with enthusiasm. "Juniper mentioned you might be interested in opening a bookstore. Lord knows we need one. Haven't had a proper bookshop since old Mrs. Patterson's place closed five years ago."
"It's a beautiful space," Emma says, her professional mask sliding into place despite her still-flushed cheeks.
"Take your time looking around. I'll be outside making some calls." Tom heads for the door, then pauses. "Fair warning—if Leo MacKenzie brought you here, the whole town's already planning your housewarming party."
After he leaves, Emma turns to me with wide eyes. "Does everyone know about us already?"
"Probably." I'm not even slightly sorry about it. "Silver Ridge has an efficient communication system."
"And you're okay with that?"
"Emma." I frame her face with my hands, making sure she understands how serious I am. "I want everyone to know you're mine. I want them planning our housewarming party and our wedding and everything else that comes with building a life together."
"Wedding?" Her voice comes out squeaky.
"Eventually." I press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "When you're ready. But Emma, I need you to know—this isn't temporary for me. You're not a weekend fling. You're everything."
The tears spill over then, but she's smiling through them. "Take me home."
"Home?"
"Your cabin. Our cabin." She rises on her toes to kiss me softly. "Take me home and show me again why leaving Vancouver is the best decision I'll ever make."