Page 21 of Saved By the Mountain Man

“Oh, I’ll keep it alright.” He scooches to the side of the bed and pull his jeans on. “In fact, I’ve got some things to do in Misty Peaks today. I want you to stay here and get yourself settled into your new home.”

I can’t help but smile. “That still sounds so perfect.”

Jack smiles. “Sure does.”

I crawl to the end of the bed, my head in my hands as I admire the hard ridges of Jack’s ripped body. I watch as he pulls a fresh shirt out of the dresser and slides it up his arms, his back muscles tightening with every small move he makes.

“When will you be back?” I ask, biting my finger. “What happens if I need you for… you know…”

Jack steps over and lifts my chin with his hand. “Then you wait.”

My body gives a shiver at his demand. There was no question in that possessive tone.

“I’ll do my best.”

Jack smacks my bare ass on his way out. We share breakfast before he takes off in the truck, leaving me curled up by the fire with a steaming mug of coffee and only his dog for company. Sunshine bakes the cabin and I take a look around.

It’s small. Quaint and clearly built for just one person.

Georgie sneaks up next to me and nudges my hand. She rubs against me and melts into my side, lapping up the attention I give her.

“Well, I may as well make myself useful, eh girl?”

***

I step out on the porch of the cabin, looking up at the violet color of the darkening sky. A crisp coolness dampens the air and I pull my coat tighter around my body. I’m sure I heard a vehicle coming, but staring down the driveway, I don’t see anything.

Where is Jack?

He’s been gone for hours. All day and I’m starting to worry.

His words ring in my head. Get yourself settled into your new home. I repeat it. Over and over. I tell the nerves threatening to spiral out of control that everything will be ok.

I’ve spent all day cleaning, tidying and sorting. Anything to distract me from Jack’s absence.

Staring down the valley, I grab the broom and sweep down the old porch. The timber is weathered and worn, and some of the boards are split. I think I’m only noticing it now because I’ve spent all day cleaning Jack’s cabin.

Or maybe it’s because I’m getting ready to live here.

The cabin looks amazing inside, not that it didn’t before. All I’ve done is rearranged the furniture to maximize the limited floorspace. I sorted the bookshelf to make more room, digging out a few old photo frames and placing some of the best pictures out on display beside the dusty books. The bathroom has had a good clean and I’m about to get dinner started.

I bite my nails as I stare down the mountain. There’s an uneasy feeling threatening to take over, but I turn back inside and busy myself to ignore it.

I start cutting the vegetables and pop them into the pot, switching the gas on. The flame ignites and I bring the soup to the boil. The savory scent of garden vegetables fills the cabin and I get lost in cooking. I’ve never cooked properly before, but I’m excited to start learning now it seems I might have the time.

I get lost in my thoughts, but I glance out of the kitchen window, my stomach sinks.

I swear under my breath.

He’s not coming back.

The words thunder inside my head. I’ve refused to let that voice speak all day, but my will is fading. I squeeze my eyes and fight the urge to get in my vehicle and look for him.

Jack wouldn’t leave. He wouldn’t just up and go, not after the last two days we’ve had together.

Or perhaps that’s exactly what he’s done.

When I look down, I’ve made an awful mess on the stovetop. I’ve been stirring without watching, causing the liquid to slosh all over my clothes. I’m a mess. The carrots are overcooked and the potato is falling apart in the pot, turning the soup to mush.

---