Page 3 of Tempted By the Lumberjack

"Sorry, Selena."

"It's okay. But the sooner we get this settled, the sooner I can get away from this bossy mountain man."

"Wait? What are you talking about? What mountain man?"

"I rented a cute cabin in the mountains, and this bossy mountain man is claiming it's his cabin and I'm trespassing. He threatened to pick me up, throw me over his shoulder, and carry me outside if I didn't leave on my own. Can you believe that? He even said he would have me arrested for squatting on his property." I stifle a laugh. I think my little sister has finally found her match. "At least he's giving me time to put some clothes on before he tries to kick me out."

"Wait a minute, why are you naked? Did he do anything to you?"

My concern for my sister is replaced by relief when I hear her mumble into the phone, "I wish."

"Okay, so tell me why he thinks you're a squatter and why you are naked." I settle into one of the breakroom chairs, feeling lighter than I have since Wyatt left me on my own today.

"It's a long story. Best told in person." She sighs. "Let's just say I was hot and tired after the long drive to the cabin. I took a shower, and when I stepped out of the bathroom and walked into the bedroom, a sexy stranger was holding my underwear."

"You're right. I definitely need to see your face as you explain how you ended up it that mess."

"You and me both. I still think he's the squatter."

"Did he look like a squatter?" I can't help but ask, imagining the shock on both of their faces—him at her nakedness, and her with her panties in his hand.

"I don't know. I didn't see much beyond his handsome face and muscular body."

"What about your underwear in his hand? It seems like you didn't miss that." I laugh into the phone. "Which ones were they?"

"We're done with the conversation." She huffs into the phone. "I'll call you later, when I've straightened out this mess. And by the way, it was my lace white thong. Love you. Bye." she says, ending the call before I can comment on her choice of underwear.

I appreciate her positive attitude, but there is no way our father will let me out of this arranged marriage.

With my mind made up, I put my phone in my purse and returned to helping Blossom with our busy Friday until the clock on the wall struck 7 pm, marking the end of my workday. But instead of having Wyatt standing next to me with my coat and purse, he's standing at the door waiting to take me home.

It's fitting that with the change in our routine, tonight will be our last night together. Tomorrow I'll return to the real world and my place next to Artie.

"Are you ready to go home?"

Home.

All I can do is nod. If only it could be a real home for the two of us.

three

Wyatt

My hand hovers overthe attachment on the email my private investigator sent me. It's the information on Sienna, I asked him to collect it eight weeks ago when she first came into my life. We've settled into such a comfortable routine—I'm not sure I want to know her past. Instead, I want to build a future with her.

The phone on my office desk rings, giving me a reprieve from opening the email. "Hey, Shaw," I answer the phone, knowing the only person who calls the office phone is my brother Shaw.

Shaw and I own most of the logging camps and sawmills in the state. Being one of the owners has allowed me to spend all my time with Sienna during the day.

I hated leaving Sienna alone at the flower store, but I was needed at the office to review the government contract my company had won to supply the state with all its lumber while conserving the land by planting a new tree for every tree we cut down.

Luckily, my friend Chance agreed to hang around the shop today in my absence. Which wasn't a hardship for him, considering his girlfriend, Blossom, owns the flower shop.

I'll be a little late today. I have a squatter claiming she rented my cabin for the next month."

"She? How hard can it be to get rid of a girl?

"She's hardly a girl. She's all woman." Shaw clears his throat. "I mean, she claims to have a confirmation text, which she said she'll show me after she gets dressed."

---