When the kiss was done, it took her a second, then she glowered at him. “You bit my finger. A kiss won’t let you escape—”

By the time he finished the second kiss, she’d forgotten she had fingers at all.

Slipping out of her, he propped himself up next to her side. A chill lake breeze wafted over her overheated body, making her nipples contract.

Of course he noticed.

“So pretty.” Smiling, he drew a finger around one breast, and she shivered under his touch.

“I see why parents enjoy the months their children are in school,” he murmured.

She laughed. Yesterday had been the first day of school, and Aric had brought home a drawing for the refrigerator and so many tales. Chocolate milk for snack, and how his newest friend made a big burp. His teacher wore a shirt with penguins on it. On the swing, he went really high—higher than Rachel. “He’s probably having as much fun in school as we are here.”

“Doubt it.” Hawk kissed her again, so tenderly, her eyes dampened.

“I love you, you know.” His blue-gray eyes were serious. “Both of you.”

“I know. We love you too.”

His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb stroking her lips. His gaze went distant, focusing on the trees, the mountains. A crease appeared between his eyebrows, and his jaw went tight.

“Hawk? What’s the matter?”

“I’d like you to move in.” His voice deepened to a rough growl. “With me.”

Taken by surprise, she blinked.

As if he needed to clarify, he added, “To share my house instead of living in Mako’s cabin.”

This…she wasn’t expecting this. Well, okay, yes, maybe she was. Eventually. But to ask her and Aric into his very masculine, very private space was a huge leap for him.

For a long moment, all she could do was stare at him as her heart simply brimmed over.

“Hell, too fast.” Releasing her, he rubbed the scar that ran down his cheek. “Do you want to be together?”

She kicked her vocal cords into gear. “Yes. Yes, I do.”

The tension in his jaw relaxed. “Do you want to stay in Rescue?”

When she didn’t answer immediately, the muscles in his face tightened again. “I’d like to stay close for my brothers.” His lips twisted as he admitted, “And for me. It’s healthier for Aric to be around family too. But if you’d rather move to Anchorage to work, we can do that. Or I can support you.”

Oh heavens, he really did love her. Enough to offer to move to Anchorage—somewhere she knew he wouldn’t like.

Yet he’d set boundaries. He wouldn’t do something truly unhealthy for him or Aric—and she loved his honesty.

His beard was soft beneath her fingers as she caressed his cheek. “I think that’s more than I’ve ever heard you say at once.”

He shrugged.