Page 23 of Curves for the Mountain Man

Before I can filter myself, I confess, “Because you chose to sit away from me. But I want to hold you.”What the fuck is happening to me?

Despite her question and my confession, she doesn’t move. The beauty needs me to come to her. I crawl to the spot where she sits, roughly pulling her into my lap. She wraps her arms around my neck, snuggling under my chin into my chest and admitting, “Something’s wrong. I don’t feel right.”

“I know, Sweetness. As soon as dawn breaks, I’ll work on getting you back to civilization.”

She bursts into sobs, and I hold her closer, feeling the warm saltwater drench my chest.

“Why are you crying?”

“Because I’m pretty sure you won’t follow me back to civilization,” she sniffles. “And apart from you, this experience in the woods hasn’t been my favorite. I don’t know if I ever want to come back.” She sobs lustily now.

Her words echo what I already know. “It’s okay,” I whisper, stroking her cheek. But my heart breaks at the imminence of our final goodbye. “Everything will be fine. I promise. I’m sorry I couldn’t get you to my cabin. You would’ve liked it there.”

She says, “Tell me about your cabin. Please.”

“It sits on fifty acres with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. I built it myself from logs I chopped and hewed with the help of some of my neighbors. Other mountain men, wounded warriors like me. We mostly keep to ourselves but come together to help one another.”

Should I tell her I bought the five hundred acres of forest we built our community on or that my own funds helped pay for the homes? It feels like irrelevant information.

Clearing my throat, I continue, “The interior could use some work. Mostly decorating. But it’s got strong hardwood floors, amber-stained log walls, and the bare bones for a cozy existence. The bedroom’s large and overlooks the forest with a California King and a big fireplace made with local rock quarried from the river.”Why do I sound like I’m trying to sell her on the place?

Ginger’s breathing relaxes and warms my chest as she nods off again. I touch my hand to her forehead, alarmed by the searing heat. I’ve got to get her out of here. But how? I pray for guidance, another miracle.

I could hike back to my cabin. Get my sat phone, contact my neighbors and local authorities. But how can I leave her alone with an aggressive mountain lion on the prowl? And Asher Scofield still on the loose? I could spring down the mountain to the first signs of civilization. But it poses the same gambles.

After dawn, golden sunlight pours through the waterfall, illuminating our shelter, and I hear my answer above the water’s rush. A vehicle engine, like a deep vibration through the soil. It sticks out above the ambient noises I’ve grown accustomed to in the cave.

The old service road Scofield used to get here curves towards the falls not far from here. I didn’t tell Ginger about this earlier because I didn’t want to scare her. I can’t be sure as I strain my ears, but the sound could very well come from a Jeep. Nobody uses this road except hunters in the fall. My guess is Ginger’s kidnapper has returned, hoping to find evidence of her whereabouts in the freshly fallen snow.

Chapter

Ten

ROSCOE

Pivoting my body, I lay Ginger down on the boughs, covering her gently. She stirs at my movements, asking groggily, “How long have I been out?”

“A while now, Sweetness. I need you to do what I tell you, okay?”

She stretches, opening her big, blue doe eyes and staring up at me.

“I need you to stay here, hunkered down while I’m gone. You promise? Your clothes are dry now, too.”

Her eyes widen questioningly. “Gone? But what about the mountain lion? What about Asher?”

Stroking her perspiring cheek, I reassure her, “The mountain lion won’t come back during the day, especially if you keep the fire stoked. And Scofield? Let me handle him.”

She shakes her head, sticking out her bottom lip as though she’s pouting. It’s the single most adorable move I’ve seen out of her, and I can’t help myself. Leaning down, I kiss her gently.

“I don’t like the way you’re talking, Roscoe.”

“Don’t worry about me, Sweetness. I’ve got this handled.” I feel her forehead for the millionth time. I’ve got to make this plan happen ASAP, or there won’t be a woman to come back to.

“Stay here, and keep the fire stoked,” I command gruffly. “Drink what you can of the water. I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

Jumping to my feet, I dress quickly, preparing for a confrontation with her kidnapper. It’s the only way. We need his Jeep to get her safely back to New Brunswick for medical treatment. And I need to know the motherfucker who hurt my woman is dead.

My woman?Shit, I’ve officially lost my mind.

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