Page 9 of The Minx and the Mountain Man

“I have to say, we were shocked when we heard Reid had married,” Dottie continues, leaning in conspiratorially. “Man’s been holed up in that cabin for years. Thought for sure he’d turn into one of those mountain hermits.”

A younger woman named Annie sighs dramatically. “Such a waste. I mean, he’s grumpy, but he’s also hot.”

“You’re not wrong,” I agree with Annie. She looks about my age, maybe we can be friends.

The others nod in agreement.

I arch a brow. “So you all like Reid?”

Dottie scoffs. “Of course we like him. The man might be as cuddly as a cactus, but he’s a Calloway. And his grandmother, Margaret, was one of the best people to ever live in this town.”

I perk up. “His grandmother?”

“Oh, she was wonderful,” Dottie gushes. “Kind, smart, always helping folks. She practically raised Reid after his mama ran off.” Her expression softens. “Broke that boy’s heart. He hasn’t been the same since.”

A pang of sympathy tightens my chest. No wonder he doesn’t let people in. No wonder he avoids town. And no wonder the folks of Pine Hollow still hold onto their affection for him, even if he keeps his distance.

“He might be gruff, but he’s my husband,” I say, standing a little straighter.

Dottie winks. “That’s the spirit, honey.”

And by the time I leave the store, my arms full of groceries and my heart full of newfound appreciation for this town, I’ve somehow agreed to one tiny thing that I’m sure Reid won’t like.

The Pine Hollow Valentine’s Day Dance.

Chapter Six

Reid

I should’ve known bringing Sadie into town would stir things up. The second we stepped into the general store, I could feel the eyes on us and hear the murmurs of curiosity. Pine Hollow isn’t big and people here don’t just forget a man who’s spent the last decade keeping to himself.

And now, all of a sudden, I’ve got a wife.

I didn’t stick around for the gossip. I let Sadie do the talking while I kept my head down, paid for the damn groceries, and got us the hell out of there before anyone could start asking too many questions.

Now, back at the cabin, I haul the last bag inside, shaking snow off my coat. The fire’s still going strong in the hearth, casting flickering gold light across the wooden floors. I set the bag on the counter, glancing toward the living room, expecting to find Sadie unpacking, maybe rearranging things again. But she’s not there.

Instead, I hear her soft humming. I round the corner into the kitchen and stop short.

Sadie’s there, swaying to some song playing from her phone, hips moving in a slow, easy rhythm. Her back is to me, her long hair shifting over her shoulders as she dances. She’s got one of my flannel shirts on, the sleeves rolled up, hanging loose over those ridiculously tight leggings she wears. She moves like shedoesn’t have a care in the world, light on her feet, graceful in a way that makes my throat go dry.

She doesn’t notice me.

I should leave, make some noise, and let her know I’m here. But I don’t. I just stand there, watching. A feeling shifts in my chest, something slow and hot and unwanted. She’s beautiful.

I’ve known that from the start, from the second she stepped off that damn bus with an oversized suitcase and an even bigger smile. But now, it hits me differently. Maybe because, for the first time, I’m not just seeing her as a woman I agreed to marry out of convenience.

I’m seeing her, and I want her.

I want to close the distance between us, slide my hands over those swaying hips, and press my mouth to the curve of her neck just to see if she tastes as sweet as she looks. I clench my fists, forcing myself to stay still. But then she turns, catching sight of me standing there like some creep.

She startles, a little gasp leaving her lips before she laughs. “Reid! How long have you been standing there?”

I clear my throat, yanking my gaze away. “Just got in.”

She eyes me, a smile playing on her lips. “You like what you see?”

Cocky little thing.

---