Page 15 of Saved By the Mountain Man

I nodded, and he let go of my wrists.

I dropped my hands by my side, breathing hard. Adrenaline surged through my body, and I started to shake.

“What are you doing here, Rae?” His voice was cold, suspicious.

I swallowed hard, trying to calm the panic rising in my chest. “I’m just… exploring,” I said, my voice trembling slightly.

He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. “Exploring my property?”

I froze. I hadn’t realized I had wandered onto his land. I’d thought he was further down the mountain, where it was safer. The weather this high up could be harsh.

“I didn’t know this was your property.” I took a step back. I swallowed hard, trying to pull myself together. “I’m sorry.”

He didn’t look convinced. “What were you really doing out here?”

“I told you, I was just exploring,” I repeated, my voice steadier now. “I needed to get out, clear my head.” I gestured in the direction of the town. “It can get stifling down there.”

Tanner’s gaze was intense, searching my face for any sign of deceit. “You always were a terrible liar, Rae.”

I bristled at his words, anger flaring up inside me. “And you always were an expert at it, weren’t you?”

His eyes darkened for a moment. But then he took a deep breath, his expression softening. “I don’t want trouble, Rae. Not here, not now.”

“Neither do I,” I said, my anger deflating. “I’m just trying to survive, Tanner. Same as you.”

We were going in circles, the same conversation every time. He didn’t want me here; I wasn’t going to leave. He thought it was all about him; I had bigger problems than he used to be.

And round and round the mulberry bush.

He nodded slowly, but the suspicion in his eyes didn’t fade.

“Why Silver Ridge?”

“Where else should I have gone?” I clapped back.

“Florida,” he said. “You have family there. Safety, support.”

“And they would know that. It’s an obvious choice.”

Tanner narrowed his eyes. “So, someone close to you?”

I frowned. “A stranger can find facts, too.”

“Not if you haven’t talked to your family in years,” Tanner said.

“And how would you know what I’ve done the past few years?” I snapped. “It’s not like you were around to see any of it.”

Tanner’s face softened, but his expression was pained.

“I know you, Rae.”

“You don’t,” I said hotly. “You don’t know me at all.”

Tanner shook his head.

“Fuck,” he breathed.

“What?”

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