Page 3 of My Surly Valentine

Shit.

I loosen my grip as gradually as possible, listening for the sound of her breathing. It’s soft and rhythmic, but I can’t quite tell if she’s asleep.

She’s clearly on the run from something. She doesn’t need to wake up and deal with my raging erection too, not to mention the cartoon hearts that I’m sure shoot out of my eyes every time I look at her.

I was instantly starstruck by how beautiful she was. Long, dirty blonde hair. Rosebud lips. Wide, pale blue eyes. A natural beauty, the kind that has always driven me wild.

Her breathing hitches. Is she awake? I stretch with a sleepy yawn and roll away onto my back. Then I force my breathing to become smooth and even, until I fall into an almost meditative state. After a few minutes, she slips out of bed and into the bathroom.

Last night I couldn’t make out much of her figure, except for her high, round breasts. But once I was snuggled against her, and that wide curvy ass… It might take a while before I can get up without scaring her, put it that way.

I’ve never felt this downright horny for a woman. But I certainly shouldn’t be feeling this way for a young lady who clearly needs help. Not me, a grouchy mountain loner who probably has no idea how to treat a woman anyway.

I hear the shower running, so I jump up and dress, then start coffee. It takes a while, since if I run the water at anything more than a trickle it’ll knock out her water pressure.

I’m just setting two mugs on the table as she comes out, her hair pulled up in a high, messy ponytail, her face freshly scrubbed, wearing a blue gray sweater several sizes too big. She’s a vision.

“Morning, Hazel. How do you take your coffee?”

She flashes a tentative smile. “Just a little milk, if you have it.”

“Almond milk okay?”

“Oh. Um. Sure.”

She gives me a funny look as I grab a small box of milk from the cupboard. “The non-dairy stuff has a much longer shelf life,” I explain. “I’m not great at paying attention to expiration dates.” I’m not ready to explain that I never quite know how long I’m staying in this cabin.

“Honestly, this is great, thanks.”

She sits down, blowing on her mug before taking a tentative sip. Her lovely blue eyes light up. “Oh! This is really good.”

After a few sips, I figure my beautiful little trespasser is awake enough to be questioned. “So… Why were you headed for the Dockerty cabin?”

“Oh.” Her eyes drop to the table. “I got a new job. Well, it’s kind of a trial run for the first three months. I just need somewhere quiet where I can focus for a couple of weeks and get started.”

“You don’t have any peace and quiet at home?” It’s surprising how angry that makes me.

“No. My father…” She shakes her head. “Let’s just say that he’s always up in my business and leave it at that, okay?”

Nodding, I look toward the window and notice it’s snowing harder. “You parked on the East side, under the tree?”

“Under a tree, yeah.”

My fingers drum on the table. “That’s why I didn’t notice your car on my way in. It’s probably going to be stuck in a snowdrift for a few days.”

Hazel’s eyes fly wide, and I instinctively reach out to lay my hand over hers. “Relax, Goldilocks. I’m not going to kick you out in the storm. Just… Don’t try to drive anywhere, okay? You’re safe here with me.”

A shy smile lights up her eyes.

Shit.If we’re going to be shacked up here, I need to come clean. I’m known as a bit of a bastard sometimes, but never to a girl like this.

Lifting my hand from hers hastily, I set it back beside my mug. “Listen, I need to clear the air.” I swallow awkwardly… Is that a sparkle in her eye? “I honestly didn’t mean to touch you last night. I must have reached for you in my sleep.” I half chuckle. “It’s not my fault that you smell so incredible, is it?”

Hazel bursts out laughing, thank God. “I thought it was my fault! That I wanted to back up against you, because you’re so warm.”

“That’s what happened, then.” Straightening up, I attempt to look stern while barely holding back another chuckle. “It wasdefinitelyall your fault. But I forgive you, since you were sound asleep.”

She giggles sweetly. “Thank you.”

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