Chapter 12
Jessa looked over at Eli, trying to tamp down the runaway gallop of her pulse. Having him near with her family around only seemed to exacerbate her hyper awareness of him. Restless, she stood and walked over to the deck railing. The mountains behind the lodge and in the distance created staggered shadows against the darkening sky. A crescent moon was rising above the mountains over to one side, heralding the arrival of night. She felt Eli come to her side. He rested an elbow on the railing. Her heart was pounding so hard and fast, she feared he could hear it. Daring a glance to the side, the strong lines of his profile sent a flash of heat through her. He turned, just as she was trying to tear her eyes away from him, and caught her in his green gaze.
Her breath hitched and her
