Page 2 of Mountain Protector

The house is great! Finally feeling like I’m settled in. I haven’t seen any bears or moose yet, but definitely deer. But I’m hoping!

Three dots blink for a second before her response appears.

Eeesh. I was joking! Are there actually moose and bears there?

With a small chuckle, I answer her question.

Yes. But there aren’t many. I’m in the woods, so it’s possible I might see one.

After a few seconds, her next message comes through.

I think I’ll stick with squirrels. That’s enough nature for me!

But you’re happy there? Not lonely?

This time, I hesitate before answering.

Am I lonely? Most of the time, no. I have lots to keep myself busy. Work, taking care of the cabin, making small repairs I can do myself after watching tutorials on YouTube, texting or calling with friends, and there’s always another book to read.

But there are times when I wish I had someone with me. Someone to sit on the couch with in the evenings as we cuddle by the fire. Someone to make dinner for, instead of always eating on my own. Someone to celebrate the holidays with, buying special ornaments and making traditions we’ll continue for years to come.

Sometimes I wish for what my parents had, once upon a time.

As the pang of loss hits me, I try to turn my mind back to happier things. I force my lips into a smile—I read somewhere that just the act of smiling makes you feel happier—and type out a reply.

Not really. I have work, plus with the promotion, I’ve been extra busy. I see my dad and friends in Montpelier. Once I’m home, it’s nice to have some time to myself.

Mostly.

The three dots blink longer this time.

What about that guy? Your neighbor? Have you seen him much?

At the mention of him, my heart does a little flutter.

Knox.

It figures that the only person within a mile of me happens to be the most attractive man I’ve seen in years.

Who am I kidding? I’ve never seen anyone more attractive than him—not in person, or on TV, or in movies.

Knox is just… phew.

Tall, a head higher than my five-foot-five, with muscles all over. And not muscles from hours spent at the gym, but from his decades spent in the Army and his job as a general contractor. I’ve seen Knox lift hugeplanks of wood and split tree trunks without breaking a sweat, his very sexy biceps bulging as he does it.

And he’s not just sexy, but handsome, too. Bright blue eyes framed with dark lashes, and dark brown hair that looks so thick and soft my fingers itch to touch it. He has a beard, which I’ve never liked on men before, but on him it works. It makes him look outdoorsy. Tough. Like he could be dropped in the middle of the woods without any supplies and be able to handle anything.

But as polite as Knox has been when I’ve spoken to him, he’s given no indication of wanting more than friendship.

Which is fine. After a series of bad relationships, each one worse than the last, being friends with Knox is definitely the best idea.

Realizing Kate is still waiting for my answer, I send back what I hope is a neutral response.

I see him once or twice a week. But he’s just being nice, offering to help around the house since I haven’t been here long. That’s all.

A few seconds go by before Kate replies.

Not everyone is like jerkface, you know. If this guy is nice… could it hurt to see if he’s interested?

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