Page 24 of Big Daddy Mountain Man

Sawyer did have some work to do around his place. Quite a bit, actually. But he’d gladly put it on hold if she needed him.

After a moment of reflection, he asked, “You good if I swing by tonight and check on you? I’d feel better that way.”

“Yes, Sir. I’d love that.”

She seemed genuine, a fact he was grateful for.

“And you have my number in case you need me?” he asked.

She nodded, patting the pocket of her jeans where she’d slipped the piece of paper. “I’ll hang it inside right by the phone, Sir.”

“Good girl,” he replied, then held back a wince. He might be overstepping, saying something like that. It had just slipped.

Thankfully, she didn’t seem to mind. In fact, she was beaming with pride. Whether it stemmed from what he’d called her or the fact that she was about to get started on her projects, he didn’t know.

But he sure liked seeing it.

“Alright. I’m going to help you unload this stuff,” he said.

They both got out and he opened up the gate in the back of the Bronco and began unloading all the items while she unlocked the door. A few minutes later, everything was inside.

“Well,” he said as he surveyed the materials. “I guess I’ll leave you to it.”

“Thank you again for everything!” she said.

“And you don’t mind me coming by tonight?”

“I can’t wait!”

“Me, neither.” He stared at her for a moment longer than necessary and then finally offered a little wave before turning around and heading toward the door.

He heard Amber’s footsteps rapping against the old wooden floor and he turned around just as she completed her run. She leapt into his arms, planted a kiss on his cheek, and said, “You’re the best, Mr. Sawyer!”

He laughed and hugged her back.

He’d never felt anything better than holding her against his body. Nothing in the whole damn world.

He let go after a moment, but only reluctantly.

He told her goodbye, got in his Bronco, and fired up the vehicle. It remained in park for a few moments, though, as he thought over his options.

“I’ve really got work to do,” he said to himself, as he stared into his own eyes in the rearview mirror. “Lots of work, actually.”

He sat there for a full minute before finally throwing the truck in drive. When he pulled out, he didn’t aim it toward his house.

That truck was aimed back toward Joe’s store.

Sawyer just couldn’t help himself.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“Uh, snakes? If you’re in here, I’m going to ask you to do me a favor and stay the hell away from me!” Amber called loudly.

She giggled, covering her mouth with one hand. Her other hand held Honey.

“I shouldn’t say cuss words, Honey! I’m sorry!”

She hugged the bear.

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