Page 8 of Saved By the Mountain Man

The walk from Whispering Pines Inn to Main Street was short, and it felt good to be outside. The cold air was a shock to my lungs at first, but I warmed up as I walked, the sun soothing on my skin.

Despite being calmer now, I still kept an eye out to make sure everything was safe. I knew where everyone was. I noticed every movement. My nerves wouldn’t allow me not to search for Jethro in every corner, or find one of his henchmen in every stranger I met.

Silver Ridge was a sanctuary, but paranoia had a way of following me no matter where I ran.

The store came into view, its wide porch lined with wooden rocking chairs and a colorful display of flowers. A hand-painted sign above the door readGarrison’s General Store: Est. 1901. It was quaint, charming, and exactly the kind of place where someone like me could blend in.

Storybook vibes.

“Hopefully this story has a happy ending,” I mumbled, and pressed my hand against the door.

I took a deep breath and stepped inside. The bell above the door chimed softly. The smell of fresh coffee and old wood greeted me, mingling with the faint scent of leather from the goods displayed along the walls. The store was a treasure trove of everything you could possibly need—groceries, hardware, handmade crafts.

Behind the counter stood a man with a stocky build, a bushy mustache, and a friendly smile. “Morning,” he greeted, his voice warm. He leaned his hands on the counter. “Can I help you find something?”

“I’m actually looking for a job.” I forced myself to meet his gaze. I smiled hopefully. “I just arrived in town, and I need some work.”

The man raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. “Well, you’re in luck. I didn’t even put up the sign yet, so you’re the first applicant.”

“Sign?”

He reached under the counter and held up a sign that readHelp Wanted.

“I was going to put that up in a sec. Looks like the wind blew you in just in time, eh?” He chuckled.

I smiled along. He was warm and welcoming, and it was hard not to like him.

“I would love to help out,” I said. “I don’t have any references with me, but I have experience.”

“With what?”

I hesitated.

Numbers. Fucked-up boyfriends. Being betrayed again and again.

“People.”

“Now, that’s the kind of experience we could use around here,” he said with a chuckle. “Name’s Hank Garrison, by the way.”

“Rae,” I replied, offering a small smile. “Rae Stevens.”

“Nice to meet you, Rae.” He extended his hand, and I shook it, feeling a little more at ease. His hand was large and gentle. “You ever worked in a store before?”

“A few times,” I lied. “I’m a fast learner.”

“Good enough for me,” Hank said with a satisfied nod. “Let me show you around.”

As we walked through the store, Hank explained the basics of the job—restocking shelves, ringing up customers, and keeping the place tidy. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was exactly what I needed. Something to keep my mind occupied and my pockets from running empty.

We were halfway through the tour when a woman walked in, her shoulder-length auburn hair bouncing with each step. She was dressed in jeans and a colorful blouse.

“Hey, Hank,” she called out, her voice cheerful. “Got those new deliveries yet?”

“Morning, Laken,” Hank replied. “Yeah, they’re in the back. Mind helping Rae here get settled? She’s our new hire.”

Laken’s eyes lit up as she turned to me, extending her hand. “Hi, Rae. I’m Laken Mitchell. Welcome to the team!”

“Thanks,” I said, shaking her hand. Her grip was firm but warm, and there was something about her that put me at ease instantly.

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