Page 11 of Big Daddy Mountain Man

She was gorgeous.

She was at least ten years younger than his 41 years, and maybe even twelve or thirteen years separated them. She had light brown hair and an adorable oval-shaped face. Her large, chestnut eyes held a healthy dose of innocence and Sawyer found himself instantly wanting to protect the woman.

From what or whom, he didn’t know.

He only knew that he had the overwhelming desire to wrap his arms around her and shield her from anything life threw at her.

Was it her small body? She seemed so tiny compared to his muscular frame that towered at about five inches over six feet.

Or was it just her air and the way she carried herself?

He couldn’t shake it. He was drawn to her.

“Well, aren’t you a doll!” Marsha said with a welcoming smile.

The young lady’s face lit up in a smile and the giggle that escaped her lips was the cutest thing Sawyer had ever heard. Damn. It was all he could do not to scoop that sweetie into his arms and hold her tightly.

Stop being ridiculous. You don’t know this girl. Haven’t even heard her name yet. Back up and get your wits about you.

“Thank you, ma’am. My name is Amber Hanes. Pleased to meet you.”

She seemed satisfied, as if delivering a line she’d rehearsed.

Sawyer couldn’t suppress a grin as he kept his eyes on her, unable to look away.

“Well, Miss Amber Hanes, it’s good to meet you. I’m Marsha. I run the café here.”

A few seconds of awkward silence ticked off the clock before Sawyer realized he was supposed to fill it. He cleared his throat. “I’m Sawyer.” He nodded.

That’s all you got? Wow, dude.

“What brings you in today, Amber?” Marsha asked, after shooting Sawyer a knowing side grin.

“Ma’am, do you know if there are any ridesharing services that run in these parts? I’m trying to get to my cabin. I came in on the bus and well, I’ve been told it’s about three miles away.”

“Oh, honey, we don’t have cabs or Ubers and all that around here,” Marsha said. “Where are you going?”

Sawyer looked to see the disappointment in Amber’s eyes. There was also something else there. Was it… fear?

It broke his heart.

“I’m going to the Collier place,” she said. “I answered an ad online. They’re looking for someone to care for the cabin in exchange for living there rent-free.”

“Oh, honey, you were told correctly. The Collier place is a ways outside of town,” Marsha confirmed.

“It’s okay. Thank you, ma’am.” She gave a little wave and said, “It was nice meeting you.” She looked at Sawyer. “It was nice meeting you, too, Sir.”

She turned and headed back toward the door but Sawyer called out, surprising himself even, saying, “Where are you going?”

The girl spun on her heels. “I’m going to walk, Sir.”

She was very matter of fact about it, and Sawyer suspected she was used to doing whatever needed to be done rather than sitting around and feeling sorry for herself. He respected that.

But she wouldn’t be doing that tonight.

“No you’re not. Those roads are dangerous at night. The Collier land backs up to mine. I’m going that way anyway. I’ll give you a ride.”

She opened her mouth, probably to protest, he figured, but he kept talking, not giving her the chance.

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