Page 5 of Paired with the Mountain Man

“It’s when someone lies on their online profile. A fake picture or name, false information in their bio. You could be talking to a fifty-year-old man for all you know.” Jack snickered.

Shit! I knew this was a horrible idea. I fucking knew it.

“People do that? Shits fucked up. I’ll be careful though. I’d rather date in person than talk online so I can really get to know her.”

“Wow what’s with you? You got the love itch or something?”

“We’re not getting any younger. I’m tired of doing the alone thing. I want a family of my own one day.”

My heart launched into hyperactive mode, and I leaned against the wall for support, needing every bit I could get.

The thought of watching Forrest with a family from a distance caused my stomach to ache and I suddenly felt like I couldn’t breathe yet my feet wouldn’t move.

“Aw, my little buddy is growing up. Better you than me, sucka.” Jack snickered and I could just imagine the look on his face.

“Okay, guy, bury your head in the sand and ignore the fast-approaching future. Whatever floats your boat.”

“You sound like my parents.”

“Yeah, yeah. Where’s Adalynn? Is she cooking? I’m starving.” Forrest asked and I bolted into action, sprinting to the kitchen. I pretended to dig through the fridge while trying to catch my breath like an idiot. I needed to work out more.

“Hey there, Ads, what’s cookin’?”

His sexy voice sent a pulse directly between my legs and I tried hard to ignore it. I cleared my throat and forced out some resemblance of what I hoped was a sentence. “Not much besides, the usual great debate of what to cook for dinner.”

“Need any help?” His warm presence behind me was hard to miss and I stepped to the side quickly, needing to get away from all ofhim.His scent, his sexy beard, the very intoxicating, dizzying effect he seemed to have on me. All of it pulled me under and had me gasping for air.

“No, I’m fine.”

“What’s wrong? Why are you so jumpy?” He closed the fridge and stepped close to me, invading every inch of my personal space.

I backed away again, wanting distance between us, afraid of what my stupid mouth might blurt out. I wasn’t a very good liar,never claimed to be, and my drunk ass did some dumb shit. Case in point. I could barely look at Forrest never mind be around him.

“I’m actually not feeling too hot. I think I’ll tell Jack to order a pizza.” I said as I backed out of the kitchen, ignoring the very confused look on Forrest’s face and my still full glass of wine.

“Oh no, are you okay? What’s wrong?” Forrest walked towards me, concern etched across his handsome face, and I held my hand out to stop him.

“I’m okay, Forrest, really. Women troubles, you know how that goes. The cramps, the bloating, the cravings, the bleeding—” I rambled on and when I realized what I said, I clamped my mouth shut as my cheeks flushed.Just act cool, Ads, can’t you do that?

“Let Jack know for me, okay? Night, Forrest.” I offered a little wave before I scrambled upstairs to the safety of my bedroom.

Why did I have to act like such a fool? He’d eventually figure out something was up. If not him, then my brother for sure.

I grabbed my phone and called Suzie. This was her fault too and she needed to help me fix it.

Later that night,a notification popped up on my phone.

New notification from Mountain Mates- AppleMtnMan43 has sent you a message.

I sunk deeper into my pillows and pulled my blanket up higher, the conversation with Suzie from earlier ringing in my head. She told me this was my opportunity to finally confess my feelings to Forrest, but I didn’t agree. This entire situation put me on edge, and it was better if I ended it before it went any further.

Yet I couldn’tnotread his message. I had to know what he said. Reading it didn’t mean anything. Without another thought, I swiped on the notification and waited for the website to come up before navigating to my messages.

AppleMtnMan43: We can talk more if you’d like before meeting in person. I’m sorry if I was too forward. Chat tonight?

Ever the gentleman, Forrest’s message made me smile and I found myself replying.

How could I not?

---