“Yes,” I say, blushing.

“And is this what you want?” Braden asks, his gaze direct but with no judgment in those blue eyes. “Do you enjoy it?”

I take a deep breath because the fact is that I feel safe with the lumberjack. I don’t know why because I just met this man yesterday, and yet I’m confessing things that I’ve never told anyone else.

“Being a cannabis farmer isn’t exactly what I had planned,” I admit in a small voice, looking down at the scratched surface of the small table. “I had dreams in high school. Maybe I’d go to college and get a teaching degree. I know everyone wants to work in tech, or get into crypto or AI, but my dreams were more modest. I figured I’d go to a local university and get my certificate before embarking on a career as a high school English teacher. But my family needed me, so I’ve put that on hold.”

“I see,” Braden nods again, his voice thoughtful. “And do you think you’ll get a chance to chase those dreams in the future?”

I swallow hard, suddenly guarded.

“I mean, I don’t know,” is my reply. “My dad says that maybe it’ll happen. We don’t have much money, but the community college isn’t too expensive. But it’s not even the tuition that’s the problem. It’s the fact that we don’t have someone else to oversee the farm. Even if wedidhave the money to hire someone, I’m not sure that anyone would take the job. You saw how I live,” I say helplessly. “I’m all alone in a cabin for most of the time. I can go days, and even weeks sometimes, without seeing another soul. Reception is iffy, so I listen to the radio for fun, in addition to baking, cooking, and tending my vegetable garden. It’s about as disconnected and non-modern as you can get. Who would want that kind of lifestyle? No one, these days. Everyone wants cybertrucks, Netflix, and TikTok. I mean, RedNote,” I correct with a rueful smile. “TikTok’s on the verge of being banned.”

“You’re right,” Braden growls, his blue eyes direct. “Modern life is all about the attention economy, and lots of people are disconnected from the land. Myself included,” he says. “It’s sad but true.”

My brows descend in a confused look.

“But I thought you’re a lumberjack. Aren’t you always working on the land?”

Braden looks startled for a moment, but then he nods.

“Yeah definitely,” he replies in a smooth tone. “I guess I forgot because I’m away from my job at the moment. Human nature,” he says with a grin. “If it’s not right in front of my face, then I don’t remember it. But how’s that sweet tea?” he asks. “Sweet enough?”

I smile brightly at him, the eye contact electric.

“Very sweet,” I say. “Just perfect.”

Braden stares at me for a moment, harsh streaks on those high cheekbones. Then, the man literally lets out a low growl before pulling me into his lap.

“Hey, what—?” I squeal.

But there’s no more time for words because the handsome lumberjack’s mouth comes down on mine, ruthless and possessive. His lips are firm and mobile, yet utterly unyielding. His tongue flicks against the seam of mine and with a sigh, my lips part in acquiescence as my hands circle his neck, clinging tight.

“You taste so sweet,” Braden murmurs against my mouth. “I’ve wanted to do this ever since we met.”

“You mean since yesterday?” I ask with a smile. “We’ve only known each other, oh, maybe about twelve hours.”

“But it’s been a frustrating twelve hours,” he growls before claiming my mouth again. “I’ve been thinking about you non-stop, sweetheart. But let me make sure. Youareeighteen, right?”

I giggle, pulling away to look into those blazing blue eyes.

“Yes! I graduated from high school already, remember? I’m twenty.”

“Good, just making sure,” lumberjack rasps in a throaty tone. “I want you, sweetheart, but I don’t want to go to jail. It’s worth double-checking.”

Then, all pretense evaporates from his touch. This is an alpha male starved for my curves, and those big hands slide up my waist before cupping my full breasts. The touch is incredibly intimate and I gasp involuntarily as my pupils dilate. Thick fingers stroke my nipples through my thin bra, hot tingles shooting straight from my breasts to my cunt.

“You like that?” he rasps, a hard dick pressing into my bottom. “Does that feel good?”

I can’t reply because it feelstoogood. Sure, I’ve been with boys before but no one wanted to chance Jim and Robbie’s wrath. So we never got past the awkward kissing phase, and I’ve certainly never sat in a dominating male’s lap as he stroked and caressed my curves. The most I can manage is a delighted “mmmm” as my lashes fall shut, savoring Braden’s intimate touch.

“That’s it,” the mountain man hums, his hands helping me out of my top and bra. “Just enjoy, sweetheart. I want to make you feel good.”

Then, before I realize it, he’s lifted me into his strong arms and carried me to the bedroom. I look at the huge male as he undoes his shirt, uncovering acre upon acre of deliciously bronzed skin. His pecs are heavy slabs, those abs on full display as Braden stares at me with hunger in those azure eyes.

I swallow hard, my pupils dilating, causing him to chuckle.

“Like what you see?” he growls. “How about this?”