Page 9 of Loyal to the Mountain Man

A woman’s voice came from my left. I turned to see an attractive redhead standing next to me.

“I’m looking for Kelsey,” I said.

This was the second time today I’d told someone I was looking for Kelsey. I could very easily be labeled a stalker.

“I just saw her in the ladies’ room.” The woman pointed farther down the hall. “That way.”

“Thanks.”

I tossed the word out as I started in that direction, moving at a brisk pace. Now that I knew this was the woman for me, I didn’t want to waste a second.

I spotted her from a distance, staring down at her phone screen as she walked alone in the hallway. Should I call out to her or wait until she saw me?

I didn’t have to come up with an answer to that question. Her head snapped up, and she looked at me as though something told her I was nearby. Or maybe she just felt me watching.

I monitored her expression closely, worried that maybe I’d ruined things with her. When a slow smile spread across her face, I knew that wasn’t the case at all.

My stride quickened, and I reached her in seconds, standing close enough to pull her into my arms when the time was right. “You changed,” I said, eyeing her black pencil skirt and dress blouse.

She looked down at her outfit. “Not exactly cocktail attire. I don’t really own a cocktail dress, so I figured this would do.”

“You’re beautiful,” I said. “No matter what you wear.”

Her smile widened even farther at that compliment. “Is everything okay with work?”

“It all worked out,” I replied. “My buddy covered for me. Not that my boss was all that concerned. He just wanted everyone to get together so he could make an announcement.”

Her eyebrows arched. “Nothing bad, I hope.”

I shook my head. “It’ll all be fine.”

At least I hoped it would. Even if the Lockwood project came to an end, there was plenty of work around Rosewood Ridge for the construction crews who worked up here. And if not, we could venture toward Knoxville.

But that didn’t matter right now, aside from me being able to provide for this woman I’d just met. A woman who’d changed my life completely.

The fact that she was only in town temporarily was all that mattered. Unless I could convince her otherwise.

“I don’t have to stay for this,” she said, looking over my shoulder. “I already made an appearance. I could go off for dinner on my own if I wanted.”

On her own? I frowned, trying to read between the lines.

“With you, of course,” she added, probably noticing my change in expression. “Our first date.”

“First of many?” I asked.

I didn’t dare breathe as I waited for her answer. This was everything.

“First of many,” she confirmed. “It might take me some time to find a job and a place to live.”

She didn’t need a job or a place to live. I’d take care of her and move her into my home.

But it was probably too soon to mention all that. I didn’t want to scare her off.

“We’ll work out the logistics later,” I said. “But you’re not alone. You’ll never be alone again.” I laughed. “Well, unless you need some alone time.”

She tilted her head and eyed me flirtatiously. “Does that mean you’ll take the kids when I need a few minutes to myself?” Her expression immediately changed to a frown. “Is it too soon to talk about having kids?”

I shook my head. “Not at all. In fact, we can get started tonight if you want.”

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