Page 3 of Her Silver Fox Mountain Men

“The sheriff will just call the Wildlife Service. The earliest they’ll be able get here is in a few hours, maybe morning, if they’re dealing with other similar issues,” he says. “That’s not going to work. There’s plenty of room for you here.”

“I wouldn’t want to impose,” I reply. “You’ve got friends here already and I noticed you were carrying a walkie—"

“I’ve also got twin daughters fast asleep upstairs,” James says, cutting me off. “They’re five. I only take the walkie in cases of emergency such as this when I have to run out of the house. I wasn’t sure what I would face when I got to your place, so I grabbed it on my way out the door.”

“Rescuing a pretty lady in distress is what you ended up facing,” Oliver chuckles.

Roman shakes his head slowly. “The mountain lion issue has gotten worse.”

He gets up from the end of the sofa and walks over to the window. “Come here, Elise. We have a clear view of your cabin. You can watch.”

“I can watch what?” I ask as I head toward him, James’ and Oliver’s eyes on me.

My heart’s in a different kind of race now as I reach Roman’s side and look out the window. Sure enough, there’s a decent view of my place from where I stand. Under the revealing moonlight, I can see movement. Big brown cats prowl the porch. It looks likeone of them actually made it through that kitchen window.

“Oh, holy hell,” I mutter, mentally cursing Mr. Ronald again.

“I hope you didn’t leave any food out,” James says, setting the walkie-talkie on a side table close to the door. He walks to the mini bar in the opposite corner and pours himself a drink, his gaze frequently bouncing back to me.

Why do I feel so hot all of a sudden?

It must be the fireplace, I lie to myself because otherwise I’d have to admit that I’m in the presence of three ridiculously gorgeous mountain men who turn me on to the next level.

“They’re in the house,” Roman concludes, giving me a sideways glance. His lips part slowly, and I’m tempted to lick mine.

I look away and take a few steps back instead. “I brought some steak pie home from the diner. There were leftovers in a dish on the dining table. I forgot to put it away before I sat down to watch a TV show.”

“Don’t blame yourself,” Oliver says. “A mountain lion can pick up a scent from several miles away. They’ve gotten too close, too brazen, over the past couple of years mostly on account of tourists. They’re getting even bolder now, hence the reoccurring incidents.”

“Great,” I mumble.

“Here, have a drink. It’ll help calm your nerves.” James offers me a tumbler of whiskey, which I gratefully accept. The burn feels grounding as it slides down my throat.

“We should help her,” Oliver suggests.

Roman motions to the armchair closest to the fireplace. “Have a seat, Elise. You should rest for a bit. This whole thing must’ve been harrowing.”

“You’re lucky James got to you in time,” Oliver adds with a slight smile.

“I see that now,” I reply and give James a nod. “Thank you for that. I’m sorry to intrude, really. I just didn’t know who else to call. You had the car up for sale and I saved your number, thinking I’d ask about it. My ride’s a pile of junk. It’s a miracle the engine starts at this point.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad I was able to get to you before anything happened. And Oliver’s right—we’re going to help you.” Those green lasers pierce through my very soul as he speaks.

“How?” I ask. The whiskey is working, relaxing me until I feel as though I’m melting right into the armchair.

James takes a deep breath then sits down on the sofa. “Well, first of all, you’ll be staying here for the duration of the repairs.”

“I couldn’t possibly—”

“You kind of have to,” he interrupts. “And we don’t mind. There’s plenty of room upstairs. It’s a big house.”

“I noticed.”

Oliver smiles broadly. “Plus, it’s safer than your place. And the twins are a double bundle of joy to be around.”

“Your daughters?” I question, looking at James.

He nods once. “Their mother passed away just after they were born.”

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