Page 11 of Hero

“And you’ve taken me to a park to help me relax,” I say, trying not to sound incredulous.

He grunts ayesand gets out of the truck without another word. Jelly bean jitters in my stomach, and I fight a smile.

Is this a pretend date?

He opens my door. I get out of the truck and take in the sights of families, friends and couples milling around.

I’m a few steps away from the truck when his large hand hooks my waist and pulls close. He releases a sigh and the tension leaves his body.

Was he nervous?

It feels crazy to imagine this mountain man who looks like a superhuman could ever be nervous, but there’s so much I don’t know about him. So much I hope to learn before my inevitable departure.

I slide my arm around his waist and cling to him. My body responds to his strength and masculinity, his powerful back, rock-hard waist, the flex of his arm and how amazing it feels as he pulls me into his gorgeous body protectively.

“I want the whole town to know you’re my girl.” His deep voice strokes my skin.

I shiver at his confession.

Why does this feel so right? Why do we feel so right?

“Grady is the oldest.He owns Big Beard Mechanics in town, but he’s left it in the hands of his team since his girlfriend died three years ago. He spends most of his time in his cabin away from people.”

“Oh, that’s terrible,” I say, clutching my hand to my chest.

“So don’t feel offended if he’s not so talkative.”

I nod. “I understand.”

“You’ll probably have to put up with my younger brothers, Miles and Knox, yanking your chain, but they’re harmless. Then there’s my baby sister, Chloe, the youngest of the bunch. My buddy Mason and his girl will be there, too. He’s not actual family but he may as well be.”

As we walk along the footpath it’s hard for me to fully focus on the majesty and beauty of the large waterfall because I’m lost in Silas.

The way he talks about his family, I can tell he’s a man with a big heart who loves and protects the ones he loves. As he reflects on his eyes fill with warmth and amusement.

“They sound great,” I say. “I used to dream of what it would be like to have a brother or sister to share my secrets with,”

He groans. “You might think differently if you had to put up with a battle royale in the hallway whenever you had to take a shower in the morning.”

I giggle and he shoots me a sly smile that makes my stomach flutter.

“I’m sure you all get along now, right?” I say.

“Sure, we don’t get physical with each other anymore. But they still like breaking my balls.”

“About what?”

“Me not dating.”

I stop. “You’ve never dated?”

He shakes his head. “Never.” His tone is solemn.

Intuitively, I know it’s a conscious decision. But I don’t understand what makes this man not want to be in a relationship.

“Well you have now,” I say. “Albeit, pretend. But I think we’re doing a great job.”

There’s a couple a few feet away with their phone pointed at us and an idea pops into my head.

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