Page 6 of Only His Girl

But it is.

An enormous mountain lion, sleek and muscular, prowls around from the other side of my car. Its flinty eyes lock with mine as it positions itself between me and the driver’s door, cutting off my escape.

Terror claws up my spine. Then a twig snaps in the woods to my left, and I whirl around to see a second mountain lion emerge from the trees, fangs bared.

Pulse galloping, I weigh my options, but there’s really only one choice. I have to get back inside the ranger office.

Now.

I spin on my heel and sprint for the office door, praying the mountain lions don’t decide to give chase. Once inside, I slam the door shut behind me and pull out my phone.

My fingers tremble as I scroll through my contacts. I hesitate for a second over my boss’s number. But I know he and Buck are probably busy dealing with the other mountain lion. Besides, the last thing I want is for George to think I can’t handle myself out here.

Then I see Heath’s name.

I remember Eliza mentioning he lives in a cabin not far from the park. I chew my lip, hating that I’m even considering this. I’ve never been the type to play damsel in distress, always priding myself on my independence. But right now, with two deadly predators stalking outside, I’m out of options. Swallowing my pride, I tap the green phone icon beside Heath’s name.

He answers on the first ring.

“Well hey there, Butterfly.” His deep voice is warm and playful. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“Heath, I need help,” I blurt out, my voice shaking. “I’m trapped in the ranger office. There are two mountain lions right outside my car. They’re blocking me in. Please, I don’t know what to do.”

I hate how desperate and scared I sound, but I can’t help it.

His tone immediately shifts, going hard and serious. “I’m on my way. Stay inside and stay by your phone.”

“Okay,” I whisper. “Please hurry.”

I end the call and slump against the wall, my legs weak and shaky. Peering out the window, I see the mountain lions prowling around my Jeep, like they’re standing guard. A hysterical laugh bubbles up in my throat.

Of course this would happen to me.

A few minutes later, a pair of bright headlights sweep across the parking lot, and I look up to see a big black pickup truck come roaring in. The mountain lions scatter at the sound and light, disappearing into the forest as the truck screeches to a halt beside my car.

The driver’s door flies open, and a tall, burly figure jumps out. Even from this distance, I’d recognize that chiseled profile and those broad shoulders anywhere.

Heath. He’s here.

A wave of relief crashes over me, so intense it makes my knees wobble. I watch as he scans the area, his posture tense and coiled like he’s ready for a fight.

Man, he looks good.

Even in a crisis, I can’t help but admire the way his black T-shirt clings to his muscular form. After confirming the mountain lions are gone, Heath strides toward the office with determined purpose, and something flutters in my belly.

What is wrong with me? I should be focused on the fact that I just survived a near-death experience, not ogling Heath Donovan.

I take a deep breath to compose myself. But as Heath flings open the office door, his eyes blazing with concern as they land on mine, my throat goes dry.

In two long strides, he’s in front of me, his big hands gripping my shoulders. “Baby, are you hurt?”

“I-I’m fine,” I stammer, overwhelmed by his nearness and the tenderness in his gaze as he looks me over.

Why is he being so kind? We barely know each other.

“You sure?” His brow furrows. “You’re shaking.”

“Just a little overwhelmed, I guess.” I try to laugh it off, but it comes out a sob. Mortified, I realize tears are sliding down my cheeks. I swipe at them furiously. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m crying.”

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