Page 13 of Kept By The Mountain Man

Her smile softens, and something warm stirs in my chest when she takes the flowers, burying her nose in them for a moment. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”

She looks up at me, and for a split second, everything feels right. All the second-guessing, the overthinking, it all fades away when she smiles at me like that.

“You ready to go?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

She nods, locking the door behind her. As we head toward my truck, I can’t help but feel that familiar rush. She’s here with me, and today, I’m going to make sure she knows exactly how much I want her. No more pretending. No more holding back.

The drive to the park is quiet, but comfortable. I hold her hand the whole way, and she doesn’t stop me.

“What’s the plan?” she asks as we park, and I turn to her.

“It’s nice out today. I thought that we could go for a walk around here. There’s supposed to be a farmer’s market setting up over there,” I say, pointing to where people are parking and setting up tents.

“Sounds good!” Evie says as she unbuckles, and I hurry to climb out and head around to open her door for her.

We walk along the trail that circles the town park, the cool breeze rustling the trees as we go. I listen as she talks, telling me about the weather and how it compares to Wolf Valley, her old friends. The conversation shifts as we head around towards thefarmers market, and I smile as she tells me about a book that she was finally able to grab. I make note of the title and add it to my list.

“I would have ordered it for you if you had mentioned it,” I tell her, and she smiles.

“No need. I grabbed it from the bookstore in town. “

I’ve never been one for long conversations, but with her? I could listen all day.

We head over to the farmers market, and I hold her hand, staying close to her side as she browses at each and every stand. She makes easy conversation with the vendors, and I watch her, amazed that she can do that. I’ve never had that skill, never really wanted it. Evie makes it look so easy, and I smile, squeezing her hand as we head to the next tent.

“Jam! Should we get some?” she asks, and my heart kicks hard in my chest as she says we.

“Sure.”

I let her pick out some, paying before she can try. She glares playfully at me as I take the bag and grab her hand again.

By the time that we head back to the truck, I’m loaded down with bags, and the sun is starting to dip low in the sky, casting a golden glow over everything. I don’t want the day to end, but I know I have to take her home. I’ve been holding myself back all day, trying to play it cool, but the tension between us has only grown stronger with each sidelong glance, each squeeze of her hand in mine.

“I should probably be getting home,” she sighs as I help her into the passenger seat.

“Let me feed you first.”

“What did you have in mind?” she asks with a grin, and I smile.

“How about that Mexican place a few streets over?”

“Ohh! Yes, that sounds perfect.”

We head over to the restaurant, and I park right out front. I’ll never tell her, but I don’t really care for Mexican food. I’m more of a steak and potatoes guy, but Evie loves it. That’s why for the past nine months, I’ve been eating tacos every Tuesday for lunch.

“This place has the best queso!” she says as we head inside.

I watch as she skips up to the counter and scans the menu.

“I get to pay,” she tells me, and I snort.

“Not a chance.”

She rolls her eyes and I know that she’s being sneaky by subtly pulling out her wallet. I notice everything about Evie, though, so I spot the movement and reach over, shoving her wallet back into her purse.

She glares up at me, but I can see the playful spark there. I just smile down at her.

“What can I get you?” The teenager behind the counter asks, and I nudge Evie aside, ordering for both of us.

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