Page 19 of Running to the Mountain Man

I watch as he rubs his eyes, stands up, and shuffles to the bathroom naked. He moves as quietly as a cat and as smoothly as liquid.

God, why does he have to be naked, like, every second?

Clucking my tongue to show disgust, I roll away and stare at the wall.

I should just get out of this bed. I certainly never would have gotten into bed with him if I knew he was going to sleep naked. It’s completely inappropriate.

Barrett stays in the bathroom for a long time, and I’m curious what he’s doing in there.

When he comes out again, I can’t help but peek over my shoulder. He looks a lot more relaxed as he climbs back into bed.

“Thought you were getting out of bed,” he mumbles, not bothering to stay on his side this time. He’s so close that his hairy legs brush against the backs of my thighs. His scent is all around me. Soapy, with distinct notes that are simply…him.

I should get out of bed. I don’twantto get out of bed. But I’m not telling him what’s going on in my head.

“Are you still naked?” I ask disapprovingly.

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“It’s my house. You’re the one who’s breaking and entering.”

“You’re touching a married woman.”

“And yet you’re still here. Funny that you should take the moral high ground when you’re a criminal.”

I sit up and look down at him, clutching the blanket to cover my erect nipples that feel so tight they could slice right through the giant flannel that I stole.

“I wasn’t breaking anything. You should lock your doors.”

This gets me a hearty laugh that shakes the bed.

“Since we’re splitting hairs, I regret to inform you that you are not a married woman.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Did you sign anything?”

I nod weakly.

“And does that person who married you have the legal right to conduct civil marriages?”

Shrugging, I reply that it was a spiritual marriage.

Barrett reaches over the blanket and touches my hair. It feels so good; his touch sends electricity arcing over my scalp.

He looks me straight in the eye so I understand. “Goldie. If it’s not a marriage certificate recognized and sealed by the state of Montana, you are not legally married.

I blink. “I’m not married,” I breathe.

“She’s coming around, folks.”

“You are so strange. Who are you talking to?”

He laughs, and now he’s twisting strands of my hair around his fingers.

“Nobody. I’m just waiting for you to realize everything you’ve been taught is all smoke and mirrors.”

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