Page 3 of Broken Mountain Man

"That's exactly why I want to ask you something," she counters without missing a beat. "So, I know you're trustworthy and not some creep."

I huff out a gruff laugh at that. She's got spunk; I'll give her that. And I can't really argue with her logic about wanting to suss out my intentions after I basically insisted that she come with me.

"Fine, ask your question. But you'd better answer me after."

She worries that plump lower lip between her teeth, as if contemplating what sort of query will suffice.

"Why are you really living all alone out here in the middle of nowhere?"

Straight for the jugular, this one. I lance her with a sidelong look but then let out a defeated sigh. I did say she could ask one question.

"I've got my reasons for living out here," I say evasively.

She frowns. "That's not really an answer."

"Well, it's the only one you're going to get from me." I shoot her a look that quells any further argument on the matter—at least for now.

With a huff, she seems to accept my vague response.

"Fine, I guess it's my turn then. I'm out here because I left my whole life back in Pine Valley to move to Sweetheart Falls for a new job. But then, two months later, I got fired out of nowhere!"

She shakes her head, curls bouncing wildly. "I was so stupid and impulsive to uproot everything like that. I never should've come here in the first place. What was I thinking?"

I've never seen someone so confident in their feistiness one second, then so pissed at themselves the next. Part of me wants to laugh at the contrast, but I simply nod along as she vents.

"Ugh, I'm so sorry," she says abruptly, cheeks pinking. "I didn't mean to just word-vomit all over you like that. I've just...been needing to get all that out."

A faint smirk tugs at the corner of my mouth before I can stop it.

"It's all good. Don't worry about it." I gesture up ahead, where the trees are starting to thin out. "We're just getting to the cabin anyway."

Her eyes widen as the quaint little structure, nestled cozily among the pines, comes into view. For a moment, she almostlooks disappointed. But the look is gone in a flash as we approach the door.

I push open the cabin door and usher her inside ahead of me.

"Well, here it is. Home sweet home."

She looks around slowly, taking in the rustic interior.

"It's...cozy."

Cozy is one word for it. Cramped and bare-bones are a couple of others that come to mind. But it's got the basic necessities - a wood stove, a couple of saggy armchairs, and a tiny kitchenette area.

"Yeah, well, it's not a five-star resort," I shrug. “But it'll do for just one night."

Her eyes flick over to me.

"Are you sure you don't mind me imposing like this? I can always just try sleeping outside if it's too much trouble."

I snort at that, "Don't be ridiculous. You think I'd really make a lady camp in the woods after offering you shelter?"

She arches one of those delicate brows at me.

"Is that what I am? A lady?"

The hint of teasing in her tone makes me huff out a laugh.

"Well, you're certainly more polite company than a lotta folks I've run into over the years, I'll give you that."

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