Page 16 of The Haunting of the Mountain

“Are you okay? Are you sick? Do you need a doctor?”

My mind’s racing. My heart’s pounding and it’s not from chopping wood. I’m not sure it’s from seeing Kyla stumble. It’s from being this close to her gorgeous face, feeling her perfect body in my arms. Those perfect, pillowy lips.

“I’m fine,” she says. “I haven’t eaten. Just a little lightheaded.”

My nerves relax. That’s probably it. No need to worry, but I’ll take care of her.

“Come inside,” I say, guiding her back inside. I want to grab her hand, but I’m afraid I might lead her somewhere else if I touch her again. “I’ll fix something up for you.”

“Okay,” she says, following beside me.

“Do you like eggs?”

“Yes.”

“Bacon?”

“Yes.”

“Hash?”

“Yes.”

“Squirrel?”

“Ye-Wait what?”

“Just checking.”

I pull out a chair for her. Her cheeks flush and I smile. I want to reach out, cup her face, and kiss her better. I want to do a lot of things, but I know I shouldn’t. I head for the fridge but I think I might have to change plans. I’m low on everything.

“On second thought,” I say, turning to Kyla. “How about we head into town? Breakfast won’t be in the cards for us unless you’re partial to stale peanut butter sandwiches.”

She smiles and my heart skips a beat or two as I close the fridge and head for her.

“The town has great food, and we could get a headstart on that tour I promised.”

Her smile deepens. “I thought you were joking last night.”

“About what?”

“Giving me a tour. I thought you’d want me out of here.”

You fascinate me. Captivate me. There’s no way I’m letting you out of my sight.

I shake my head. “I don’t say anything I don’t mean. If you’re looking for ghosts, I’m your man. If you’re looking for a lackluster homemade breakfast, I’m your man too.”

I’m your man regardless.

She snorts. “Okay, so what do you have planned?”

“After a quick lunch at Windy Brews. I’ll give you a guided tour of the town. Been here my entire life, so there’s no place I don’t know.”

“What about the lumber mill?”

“What about it?”

“Your nephew mentioned it was haunted. And that this cabin used to house some of the workers. He weaved a compelling story. Is there any truth to it?”

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