Page 1 of Pining for the Lumberjack

CHAPTER ONE

Majessa

“Thanks again for helping out,sis. We needed all the help we could get.” Ryan, my older brother and only sibling, handed me a clipboard and a pen. “Ask for the name, check it off the list, and send them to the next table for their tags.”

“Sounds easy enough. Hopefully, they all know their names.” I chuckled at my joke.

“Just because our muscles are big doesn’t mean our brains aren’t.” Ryan smirked. “But sometimes, let’s just say, I see your point.”

I jostled him in the side with my elbow. “Not you, though. You’re the smartest guy I know.” I grinned, hoping to earn some brownie points. Like enough that’ll he treat me to lunch later.

“Okay, so here’s your seat. Make sure to stay hydrated, it’s gonna be a hot one today.” Ryan pulled out a chair for me behind the registration table, the gates to the competition about to open.

“Yes, I know, Dad. Thanks for the reminder.” I sat in the chair, dropping my backpack at my feet, and fishing out my insulated water bottle full of ice water. “I’m good to go.”

“Perfect. There are water stations, too, if you need a refill.”

My brother was a lumberjack in our home town an hour outside of Appleridge, and every year, he competed in the Lumberjack Games, a competition that brought lumberjacks here from all over.

So far, Ryan has taken home the gold trophy since he began competing four years ago, but rumor has it, there’s a new lumberjack in town, goes by the name of Clay, whose competed in similar games around the country. Apparently, according to unknown sources, my brother didn’t stand a chance.

“And don’t forget, no flirting, especially with Clay Patrick.”

“Relax, I wouldn’t flirt with your biggest rival.”

Ryan rolled his eyes. “He’s not my biggest rival, sis. Don’t believe the rumor mill. You know how small towns get. Besides, I’m the only real competition around here.”

“Okay, whatever you say.”

With a wave, he was off, headed to the gates. I quickly dug my phone out of my pocket and tapped on the screen, opening theGoogleapp and searchingClay Patrick.

An article popped up right away, detailing his wins. But that’s not what I cared about. I clicked on his picture and zoomed in, my mouth dropping open.

He was hot as fuck. Tall, tanned, muscles for days, and my God…his tight jeans hugged all the right places.

“Phew,” I muttered under my breath and fanned myself off with the clipboard. Maybe I needed to get laid or maybe it was the damn heat outside, but I squirmed in my seat, unable to ignore how turned on I was.

But there wasn’t much time to read more about him because suddenly, there was a line of hot lumberjacks in front of my tableand the man himself, the very one staring back at me from my phone, was first.

“Checking me out before I even check in, is that right?” Clay stepped up to the registration table and pointed at my name tag. “Majessa?Pretty name for a pretty lady.” He winked.

My face burned hot. I quickly hit the side button, causing the screen to go dark. “Checking out the competition, is all. You’re not so bad yourself.” I grinned, mustering up some bit of confidence from somewhere.

“Competition, hmm? Your husband competing?”

“Not quite.”

“I know a gorgeous woman like you isn’t single.”

“Single as a pringle. My brother is competing.”

Clay ran a hand along his sexy jawline and I squeezed my legs together. “Interesting. See you around, Majessa.” With another wink, he moved to the next table, the line only growing longer behind him.

He continued to sneak glances at me as he moved from table to table and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t affect me.

Clay Patrick might have been my brother’s biggest rival, but it didn’t change the fact that he was hot as sin. Besides, a little harmless flirting never hurt anyone, right?

After registration,

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