Page 6 of Married in Misty Mountain

Before I think twice about it, I blurt out, “So I don’t have to talk to people.”

Shenna crosses her arms, and the effect is to push out her medium-sized breasts that seem to be bound up in somekind of extra-tight sports bra. Not that I’m thinking of her undergarments.

“Are you him?” Shenna asks, her head tilting in the direction of the bulletin board.

“Yeah,” I grit out, wincing at the nickname Jack insisted on. He said advertising myself as “Mountain Man Hurley” would attract more clients looking for an authentic and unique experience. He says the name gives me an air of mystery. I hate to say it, but Jack is right. People pay exorbitant sums for a wilderness guide, and I’m happy to separate wealthy tourists from their money.

“Why don’t you use a Google form for sign-ups, like a normal human?”

“It’s all part of the mountain man charm,” I say, more grouchy than intended. Using web-based anything to collect information scares me, what can I say?.

Shenna raises an eyebrow. “You don’t look like a mountain man.”

“How does a mountain man look?”

“Long beard. Gray hair. Bad breath. Dirty. Scars from a bear attack, or three. Maybe missing a few teeth. The hair checks out, though,” she says, noting the shaggy mop and the five o’clock shadow.

In response, I step back, turn, and hitch up my flannel along with the undershirt, exposing my lower back.

“What are you…oh…” Shenna trails off, her eyes wide as she scans the marks on my torso. “Did it…hurt?”

“No, the grizzly and I just tickled each other and then we braided each other’s hair and ate pizza.”

“You don’t have to be so sarcastic,” she says.

I drop my shirt and turn back to face her. “Do I pass inspection or not? I gotta get my delivery, sweet cheeks.”

She sniffs as I step around her and she follows me into the stock room, brandishing a pen and a notepad. “Just documenting everything you take so I can double-check with Jack to make sure nothing goes missing.”

I ignore her as I grab the box containing my tubs of pea protein powder and vegan jerky.

“Um, what’s in those boxes?”

“Trust me,” I say. “Nothing that Jack keeps in stock here.”

“Fine. But I still have to make sure this is all above board with Jack.”

“Fine,” I echo back to her.

I should leave and forget I saw her. Every moment that passes, I’m reminded of my past. It’s a painful period that I’d rather forget.

And yet, I can’t bring my feet to leave.

Instead, I hang around the store, help Shenna stock the shelves, and generally lurk until she’s finished. Why? Hell if I know. I guess I feel like keeping her company. A person like her shouldn’t be alone after hours in a store with this much expensive equipment. What if it gets robbed?

Yeah right. There hasn’t been a reportable crime in this town since I’ve been living here.

I guess I stick around because it’s evident that Shenna could injure herself with the way she handles that dolly and all these heavy boxes.

Fortunately for me, Shenna doesn’t object too much to my presence.

Once or twice, she gestured too close to me while restocking the ready-to-eat meals and the instant mashed potatoes. I know I’m working on an empty stomach because my mouth salivates at the fruity scent of Shenna’s bare shoulder as she works alongside me. I must be craving grapefruit and berries. Weird.

Once we’re finished, she mumbles a thank you. “You didn’t have to stay to help me.”

I shrug and give her a halfhearted grunt. The way she stares makes me clam up.

I know I’m standing way too close to her while she’s trying to lock up the store. I can’t help myself. She smells…so damn good. Under the fruity perfume, she smells like baking bread. I don’t know if I’m turned on or hungry or both.

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