Page 11 of The Mountain Man's Girl

I pull the comforter over her lush body and then turn to get the light. As soon as we’re cast in darkness, I run my hands down my face, wondering why the hell I didn’t take the bait. The prettiest girl just asked me to have sex with her and I went and said no.Because she’s going to go back to her life in a few days and I’m going to stay right up here on my mountaintop. There’s no point in muddying up the waters when nothing is going to come of it. Besides, after the day she’s had, I don’t think she’s in her right mind. The adrenaline, the drugs, the confusion are all clouding her good judgement and I refuse to take advantage.

But damn is it a feat to keep my hands to myself. Especially when her warm little body is so close. And smells so good.

9

Tarryn

My stomach sinks with the rejection. If I had any question as to whether this man was a murderer or a rapist, he just proved that he’s neither. He’s hard as a rock, yet he refused my offer. Kelsey would be shaking her head at me if she knew I just offered my kidnapper sex, but I’ve never craved a man or sex so much in my life. Traeger has been kind and helpful, and beyond respectful. Any male would’ve taken advantage, snuck a peek in the bathroom when I was trying to do my business, but he didn’t. He was a true gentleman, which only makes me want him more. But for some reason, he doesn’t want me.

He said he’d give his left nut to sink inside my tight body, but he doesn’t think it’s best for me. How does he know what’s best for me?

“I’m a grown woman. I should be able to decide what’s best.” The comment goes flying out into the darkness, and I instantly regret the desperation that’s clear in my voice.

“I’m nineteen years older than you, doll. You don’t need to be getting mixed up with someone my age.” But the guys my age aren’t half as sexy or half as mature. And no one has ever made me feel safe.

“Age is just a number. I know a girl who’s dating one of our professors and he’s forty-six.”

“Yeah, well, he should be ashamed of himself for taking advantage of such a young girl.”

But she’s the one who pursued him. He tried to refuse her, but she wouldn’t let up. And now, they’re engaged to be married.

“But they love each other,” I defend, wondering why I’m still talking. I sound pathetic. I’m practically trying to convince him to sleep with me.

“I can promise you, I’m not lovable. I’m a grumpy bastard set in my ways. I like my routine and my quiet. And I can tell after talking to you, you have a bright future ahead of you. You don’t need to be caught up with a mountain man who spends his days checking bear traps and making jerky.”

“But what if all I want is sex? No strings. No commitment, just sex.”

“It’s never just sex, doll. Sex leads to feelings. And feelings lead to wanting something that can’t happen. In a few days, I’ll take you back, and you’ll forget I ever existed. It’s for the best.”

He’s wrong. I don’t think I’ll ever forget him. He looked out for me when the people who I thought cared about me left me stranded in the woods, wounded and alone.

10

Traeger

Things have been tense between us this morning. Tarryn woke up in a mood, and I’m guessing it’s because she didn’t get her way last night. I didn’t get mine either, but I still stand by my decision. Though my dick thinks I’m a fucking moron. And he’s probably right.

“Do you want to watch a movie?” I ask, trying to come up with something to occupy the awkward silence that has fallen between us. Yesterday, she was an open book, talking to me for hours, telling me all about her life. How she lost her mom when she was young and what it was like growing up with her dad. She impressed me with everything she’s accomplished and everything she’s striving for. But now, she’s barely said two words.

“No, thank you. Do you mind if I take a bath?”

“Sure, I’ll go run one for you.”

I fill the tub with hot water and bubbles then turn to go get her, but I don’t have to go far. She’s managed to crawl her way to me. One look at her on her hands and knees and I’m flooded with dirty thoughts.

“It’s all set for you. How about you get undressed and wrap this towel around you, then I’ll put you into the tub?”

She stares at the towel in my hand but doesn’t take it. The next thing I know, she’s stripping out of her clothes. I quickly turn away, trying to be a gentleman, but I got a glimpse of her pink bra, and damn was it sexy.

“I’m ready,” she states, sounding almost pissed. I should’ve fucked her soshewouldn’t be so grumpy.

I hold out the towel, covering her front before I scoop her off the ground and place her into the tub. “Keep your foot on the edge,” I grunt. “It needs to stay dry.” I walk to the shower and grab the soap and shampoo. “Here.” I place them on the side of the tub.

“Can you help me wash my back before you leave?”

I should tell her no. My restraint is already at a negative knowing she’s a foot away from me and naked as can be, but in the position she’s in, she’s not going to be able to reach it on her own.

“Lean forward,” I bark, pumping a few squirts of the body wash into my palms. If I were a good man, I’d grab a washcloth, but my decency is fading fast. And as soon as I touch her slick skin, it fades faster. I run my hands over her smooth back, rubbing the soap all around. Top all the way to the bottom, stopping right above her round, tempting backside. My fingertips itching to go lower.

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