Page 1 of Peaked Desires

CHAPTER ONE

Huxton

My boots twist and crunch on the pebbles as I stomp my way towards the staff accommodation cabin at Mountain Retreat Lodge. Despite my clear instructions to only disturb me for urgent matters, I can already feel my anger rising. And the thick morning fog has barely disappeared over the clearing.

“What part of ‘don’t disturb me unless it’s urgent’ don’t these fuckers understand?” I grunt to myself, hoisting my tool bag over my shoulder.

Seriously, I don’t have time for this.

In the last six years, this place has become more than my home. My dream of showcasing the rugged beauty of my mountain is finally becoming a reality, but I’ve never been busier. Living on Falls Creek Mountain my entire life meant my stress levels have always been low. But with two weeks until opening day, with so much riding on a successful opening for the new five-star mountain retreat, my temper has never been more on edge.

After years of planning, my vision, my father’s vision. It’s right here, set out before my eyes.

Overlooking the breathtaking landscape, my heart should swell with pride. Rustic log cabins, built with my own bare hands are dotted around, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. They’re beautiful – even if I say so myself. The vacant land I spent my childhood running around on is now filled with a fine-dining restaurant, a thermal day spa and a small organic farm, allowing my chefs to hand pick fresh produce directly from the land, ready to feed our guests.

This lodge will be my legacy. This is what I leave behind, just like my father drummed into me as a child. The land will remain once we are gone. Treat it with care and love, son.

I take a deep breath, inhaling the crisp forest mountain air. It’s calming and I push on down the pebbled pathway.

Dad would be proud, but I haven’t got it over the line yet. It’s two weeks until opening night, and there is still work to do.

That’s why fixing the broken lock on one of the cabins in the staffing lodge has me grunting as I trudge down the trail, mountain birds chirping merrily in my ear the entire fucking way. There are a million and one other things I should be doing right now, and fixing a stupid lock certainly isn’t one of them.

Dark clouds disappear as I escape the dark canopy of the forest above me, stomping up the steps of the staff cabin. I drop my tool bag on the porch and bang my fist on the front door.

“Hello?” I shout as the ‘STAFF ONLY’ sign falls off the door, landing on the ground. “Fucking great. Now I have to fix that too.”

I bang my fist on the door again. I can’t exactly storm into the cabin. I have a roster of staff that live onsite. A cabin for the female staff, the one I’m standing in front of, and another for the men. I’ve promised privacy for all my team, and I’ve spared no expense either. That includes giving them everything they need to perform on the job, which is exactly why I’ve prioritized fixing the bathroom lock for the girls this morning.

I glance to my watch and it’s just past starting time. Perhaps they’re all down in the office already? I’ve hired only the best girls for the job, I won’t accept anything less. Their commitment so far has been incredible, and I’ve got a few more newbies starting in the coming days. The phones have been ringing off the hook for two weeks straight, booking after booking rolling in as word spreads about my new luxury retreat.

I try one more time, banging as hard as I can with my clenched fist. The force of my knocking rattles the latch and the door swings open with a creak.

“Hey! Excuse me, just wait!”

A voice squeals from inside the cabin.

To my surprise I’m staring at the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. And she’s standing in just a towel. Her hair falls in soft waves around her face, but she looks terrified. I catch a hint of floral aroma as I take a step back, holding both my hands up as a sign of surrender.

“Shit,” I grunt, trying my damned hardest to evert my eyes. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a gorgeous woman like this, so I should get a fucking medal when I manage to look away. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

“Close the door, pervert! I’m calling security!”

I pull the handle on the door to close it, but as I do, it comes off in my hand and falls to the floor, leaving the door wide open and the woman screaming at me.

“Please, lady. Just calm down.” I hold my hands up, trying my best to lower the deep tone of my voice. I’m a big, burly mountain man and I know my size intimidates a lot of people. I don’t want to scare this rare beauty. “I’m Huxton. I’m the owner and I’ve just come to fix the lock on the door.”

Her chest is heaving, her gripping blue eyes wide with fear. I try so fucking hard not to stare, but it’s impossible. Goddamn. She’s stunning. Her towel is barely covering her body, and I can see her pale smooth skin glowing from here.

I’m frozen to the spot, but I see a sudden realization take over her features.

“You’re Huxton?” she breathes, scrunching the towel in an attempt to cover herself up further but it only makes it ride up her legs more.

I nod. “Huxton Barrel, owner and manager of the retreat.”

“Huxton… Oh…” she stammers, and I see her pretty pink lips tremble with nervousness. “Yes… We spoke on the phone. I-I’m Elise, your new Guest Services officer,” she says softly.

“Elise,” I say, the name leaving my lips so perfectly. It’s like she’s meant for me, the thing that’s been missing from my life.

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