Page 12 of Her Mountain Man Recluse

“I’m okay, thanks to you.”

My heart is still hammering. I’m a city girl, and being stalked by a mountain lion isn’t exactly part of my usual routine. I can feel my knees knocking together as Ridge guides me to the fire to warm up.

“You don’t look okay,” he says, his brow furrowed. “You’re shaking.”

He’s right. My whole body is coursing with adrenaline, like it hasn’t realized we’re safe now.

“Honestly, I’m okay.” I smile at him weakly. “Sorry for being such a wimp.”

Ridge shakes his head. “Don’t be sorry. That was pretty damn scary.”

“Really?” I stare at him in disbelief. “You seemed so calm. How did you know what to do?”

“Just part of living in the mountains. I’m always out in the woods, so it’s not the first time I’ve run into a cougar.” He’s still watching me, his handsome features pinched with worry.

“How come you told me not to run?”

“Because their instinct is to chase. Running makes them think you’re prey.”

“Jesus.”

He reaches out and steers me toward the couch. “Come on. You should sit down.”

I do as he says, sitting beside him on the too-small couch, our bodies squashed together. All I want to do is curl up in his arms. I don’t think anything could hurt me with Ridge holding me tight. He was amazing out in the forest, immediately shielding me with his body, knowing exactly how to keep us safe. Who knows what could have happened if he hadn’t come with me this morning?

“Thank you, Ridge,” I say, hating how shaky my voice sounds. “You saved me.”

He makes an angry noise deep in his throat. “Don’t thank me, Lila. This is my fault. I put you in danger.”

I frown at him. “No, you didn’t. I’m the one who wanted to walk in the woods?—”

“Yeah, but you don’t know these woods. I do. It was my job to keep you safe.” His jaw clenches tight. “I should have found a safer route.”

Instinctively, I grab his hand, his skin calloused against my soft palms. “Ridge, you just saved my life. If you hadn’t been there and I’d met that cougar by myself, I’d have run a mile immediately. I’d probably be cat food right now if it weren’t for you.”

I try to keep my voice light, but Ridge shivers at my words. “Fuck.”

We lapse into silence, both of us lost in thought until Middy joins us from the bedroom, blinking her yellow eyes at us.

“You’re more my style when it comes to cats,” I tell her, reaching my hand down for her to nuzzle. “Small and fluffy.”

My other hand is still holding Ridge’s, and heat creeps over my cheeks when I feel his thumb stroke mine, the contact making me suck in a breath. I busy myself looking at Middy, but I can feel Ridge’s eyes drilling into the side of my face, setting my skin on fire.

“You sure you’re okay?” he asks eventually.

“I’m sure.” I force myself to look at him, even though my face must look like a giant tomato right now. “Sorry for being so dramatic. Honestly, I’m such a wuss. I watched A Nightmare on Elm Street at a sleepover when I was ten, and I literally still get nightmares about Freddy Kreuger.”

Ridge smiles faintly beneath his beard. “Stop apologizing, Lila. You stayed calm, you followed my instructions, and we got out of there.”

“I know.” With a rush of courage, I squeeze his hand. “I meant what I said before, Ridge. Thank you for protecting me.”

He squeezes my hand back, his gaze locked on me. “You’re welcome, Lila.” He swallows hard, Adam’s apple bobbing as he says, “I’d do anything to protect you.”

His words hang in the air between us, and it feels like the world is melting away until there’s nothing left but his eyes, blue as mountain lakes, swimming with intensity. My heart is beating so hard I swear he must be able to hear it. His gaze trails down to my lips. Time stands still as he leans in so close our noses are almost touching. I can smell his earthy scent—like a wild forest—and I want to lose myself in him, to let go of everything and kiss him like I’ve wanted to do since the minute I saw him.

But I can’t.

As much as I want to switch my brain off and let this happen, I can’t do it.

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