“I’m not sure how I feel about you referring to me as a mountain goat.”
“The most beautiful mountain goat?”
“Oh, thank you. That is much better.”
I knew that would make her smile.
We finally reach the gap where the stones were stolen by the flood. I steady myself, take a deep breath, and then leap down to land safely on a boulder. When I turn around, Nia’s face has gone pale once more. “Look at me.”
Her eyes lock with mine.
“On the count of three, I want you to jump.”
“I can’t?—”
“You can and you will. I will be right here to catch you.” I plant my feet and stretch my arms toward her. “One. Two. Th?—”
Her scream echoes through the canyon as she flies toward me. She lands, but her feet skid on some loose stones. Thankfully, I have already wrapped her safely in my embrace and she does not fall.
Nia’s honey-colored eyes find mine, her pupils wide, dark moons. “I did it. I can’t believe I actually did it!”
“Well done, my little mountain goat.”
Huffing a laugh, she rolls those beautiful eyes. “Don’t call me that.”
“My little trout?”
“That might be worse.”
“What should I call you, then?”
“Call me Nia.”
This, I can do. “Well done, Nia.”
She beams up at me, her smile as bright as the Seelie sun.
I would love nothing more than to remain in this moment, but our stomachs are empty and our bladders are full, so we have no choice but to continue.
The rest of the climb is not as difficult. The stones in the river are very loose, so we must move slowly to keep from turning our ankles. When the canyon widens and we are once more on muddy ground, we take a few minutes to handle our private business. There are thorny nettles here, but now that I know they are evil, I avoid them.
When we reconvene, I find Nia with her face tilted toward the sun, her skin glistening.
She is the most stunning of all fae, making my heart quicken and cock come alive. “Nia Qui—” Her eyes narrow. “Nia.” Just Nia.MyNia? Maybe someday.
“Yes, Maddox?”
“I think I need to kiss you.”
“You think or you know?”
“I know.” I have known since my eyes first met her fair form.
Her smile fills my chest with so much joy, I feel as if I am about to burst. “You can kiss me whenever you want.”
If that is the case . . .
I catch her waist, pull her close, and find her lips with mine. She sighs against my mouth, as if she is as pleased by this kiss as I am. “Even in Rosehill?”
