Page 41 of Big Daddy Mountain Man

They had forever.

“We’re going to watch scary movies, eat junk, and play at the park,” Mindy said.

“Not in that order,” Alyssa interjected. “I don’t think I’ll want to go outsideafterthe scary movies.”

The girls laughed.

“We’re going to have a ton of fun,” Mindy said. “I just have to finish working at the store. It’s restocking day and I’ve still got a lot of shelves to resupply. Alyssa is helping me.”

“You should see some of the new outfits!” Alyssa added. “They’d look super cute on you.”

The thought crossed Amber’s mind that now that she had money coming in that wasn’t all going to rent, she could actually buy things like that. The future looked bright! Of course, money was only a small part of that.

New friends, a good community, and, of course, Daddy were the biggest reasons for her current optimism.

A bit of that goodwill faded, however, when the bell over the door jingled to signal a new customer.

Amber watched the man step in and for a moment, her blood ran cold. He looked like someone she’d seen back at her apartment complex in Oklahoma City. But the clothes didn’t match. This guy was wearing jeans, a flannel shirt, and boots. His hair was combed nicely, too.

Obviously, someone could change their clothes and hair, but this guy seemed to fit in around here.

Though he was a stranger, as was confirmed when Marsha said, “Hello. Haven’t seen you in here before, so I’ll give you the rundown. There’s a menu right here, but the day’s specials and a few other items are listed on the chalkboard up there.” She jerked her head to indicate the one hanging behind her. “Everything is house-made daily. Never frozen.”

“Sounds lovely, miss. But I’m actually just needing a to-go coffee, if you have it,” the man said.

“Sure. Coming right up.”

Amber rose but Marsha waved her off. “You eat, hon,” she called over her shoulder while she prepared his coffee.

The newcomer looked across the room at Amber and offered a friendly smile. She returned it but sat down quickly and was thankful when her friends on the other side of the booth shielded her from the guy’s view.

“Everything okay?” Mindy asked.

“Yeah. Sorry. Thought I recognized that guy for a minute,” she said quietly.

Her mind was reeling, trying to remember who exactly he looked like. A few seconds later, it came together. There had been a guy named Trevor who hung around the complex. If she was remembering him correctly, everyone called him T-Rex because of his name starting with a T and the dinosaur tattoo he had on his arm.

Amber didn’t see any tattoos on this guy, reptilian or otherwise.

Of course, the long-sleeve flannel shirt he wore would hide them, but still… if her memory was correct, T-Rex had ink all the way up his neck. The guy in the restaurant now had a much more clean-cut look.

It’s just your imagination. You’re still not over how creepy Donnie was to you. He doesn’t even know where you are. Just let it go. Besides, Daddy will protect you.

She smiled as the fear inside her began to dissipate. Just thinking of Sawyer put her at ease. Mmm.

“You sure you’re okay?” Alyssa probed.

“Yeah. I’m all good.” Her words intermingled with the sound of the jingling bell and she realized the guy had gotten his coffee and was moving on.

“Sorry. Just had a bad memory,” she told her friends. “But I want to forget about that. I’m excited about this slumber party! Let’s plan it!”

The women giggled and began chatting about what the night would hold.

Yes, Amber thought to herself, there is no reason to be afraid.

Life in Big Cedar was safe and amazing.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

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