Page 6 of My Mountain Man Valentine

Caroline let out a pleased hum. “Perfect. Swing by around seven? We’ll start the movie at seven-thirty. No judgments if we eat the entire tub of popcorn ourselves.”

I smiled, picturing her small living room filled with fluffy blankets and the cozy glow of a table lamp. “I’ll be there,” I promised.

Once we hung up, I realized how much I craved an evening of normalcy—just a good friend, a predictable Hallmark plot, and a mound of buttery hot popcorn. But as I stepped into the back office to grab a notebook, my stomach fluttered at the memory of Ryder’s earlier proposition. I might have something a little more exciting than a movie happening in real life to tell her about.

The rest of the afternoon in the bookstore passed at a steady clip. A few regulars arrived for book recommendations,and I spent a pleasant half hour chatting with Mr. Andrews, who was in search of a new detective novel. Each time I heard the bell over the door jingle, my pulse jumped, half expecting to see Ryder stroll in with that confident glint in his eyes. But he never appeared. I wasn’t sure if I felt more relieved or disappointed.

By the time I closed up for the day, dusk had settled over Main Street, painting the snow a pale lavender. The wind was picking up, so I tucked my favorite cranberry-colored scarf tighter around my neck as I walked to my car.

I cranked the engine and brushed melting snowflakes off my windshield, letting the heater run for a minute to warm the car’s interior. Despite the chilly dusk, my thoughts were anything but cold. My entire afternoon had been colored by the memory of Ryder Hawke’s proposition. Did I really want to fake-date him—my brother’s best friend and the biggest daredevil in Hope Peak—just to keep Angelique at arm’s length?

Part of me thought it was insane. The other part was a tiny bit thrilled by the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone, even in a contrived way. Levi’s voice lingered in the back of my mind, telling me to be cautious, but a flicker of excitement raced through me whenever I pictured Ryder’s unruly hair, that calm confidence in his gaze, and the unexpected vulnerability I’d sensed.

I headed home first, navigating through the evening hush of Main Street. It didn’t take long before I was kicking off my boots at the door and swapping my bookstore sweater for a cozier, oversized cardigan. Usually, I savored quiet moments here—cooking a simple dinner, maybe reading by lamplight—but tonight, a restlessness coursed through me. If I stayed home, I’d just obsess over Ryder’s request.Yes or no? Safe or a little wild?

Caroline’s place was only a ten-minute drive away, but by the time I got there, a dusting of fresh snow had already begun to accumulate. Her porch lamp glowed warmly, illuminating a path of footprints leading to the door. She swung it open with a grin as soon as I knocked.

“You’re just in time,” she said, beckoning me into the living room. “The popcorn’s still hot, and I found an even cheesier Hallmark movie than I planned. Something about a romance on a rose farm—who knows.”

I laughed, slipping out of my coat. Her living room was as inviting as always: a puffy couch draped with a fleece throw, soft lighting from a single table lamp, and the comforting smell of buttered popcorn. I settled beside her, tucking my feet underneath me.

“Okay,” she said, pointing the remote at the TV, “tell me what’s going on. You sounded intrigued—and maybe a little frazzled—on the phone.”

She pressed pause on the movie’s opening credits, giving me her full attention. I took a breath, staring down at the tub of popcorn in my lap. “Ryder came by the bookstore earlier.”

“Ryder.” Her eyebrows arched meaningfully. “The one who gets Levi all riled up now just by existing?”

A shaky laugh escaped me. “That’s the one. He wants me to…do him a favor.” I paused, choosing my words carefully. “He needs a way to keep Angelique from cornering him into her influencer projects.”

Caroline handed me a small bowl for my portion of popcorn, urging me to continue with a nudge of her elbow. “You? So what does that entail?”

I chewed the inside of my cheek. “Basically, pretend to be his girlfriend for a while. Make Angelique think he’s moved on and isn’t interested in playing her social-media games.”

Caroline’s eyes widened, but she kept quiet, letting me finish.

“I haven’t said yes.” I swallowed, the tension tightening my throat. “But honestly, I’m leaning that way. I mean, yeah, it’s risky…Levi’ll be furious if he finds out I’m part of some charade. But maybe it’s an opportunity. Ryder and I… we’ve known each other forever, but we’ve never really spent time one-on-one like this. If there’s a real spark, which there might be, even though it’s probably all in my head, maybe this fake dating nonsense could help us see it more clearly.”

Caroline rested her head on the back of the couch, regarding me with a contemplative smile. “You’ve surprised me, Tessa. A year ago, you never would have considered something so bold. Think you’re ready for it?”

I exhaled a shaky laugh. “I’m not sure, but something in me wants to try. I’m tired of feeling like the ‘fragile sister’ Levi’s always trying to shield. Tired of ignoring the rest of the world from the safety of my bookstore, too.”

She nodded approvingly. “Then maybe this is your moment. Just promise you’ll look after your heart, okay? Fake or not, a guy like Ryder stirs up more than a little excitement.”

Warmth spread across my cheeks. “Don’t worry, I’m aware of the risk.”

Caroline hit play, and the Hallmark film resumed. Rows of roses swayed on-screen as the overly earnest male lead professed his admiration for a flustered heroine in muddy boots. We both made snarky comments here and there—pointing out the ridiculous coincidences and dramatic declarations. Yet mymind occasionally drifted to a less predictable story: Ryder and me, standing side by side, feigning affection in front of the entire town.

And if something real ignited between us? I wasn’t sure how that would play out. But for once, the unknown felt exhilarating instead of terrifying.

By the time the end credits rolled, Caroline let out a theatrical sigh. “Well, that was exactly as cheesy as promised.”

I stood up, grabbing my coat from the armchair. “Cheesy but comforting.”

“Pretty much like life, if we’re lucky,” she replied with a wry smile. “Keep me posted on the whole Ryder situation, okay? Especially if it turns into a scorching romance.”

“Don’t jinx me,” I teased. “I’ll let you know how it goes.”

Outside, the cold bit at my cheeks, but a tingling sense of possibility burned in my chest. Starting tomorrow, I’d give Ryder my answer. My heart still hammered at the thought, yet it was a good kind of hammering—like standing at the edge of a high cliff, waiting to leap into the open air. Maybe the fall would be terrifying. Or maybe it would be the best thing that ever happened to me.

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