Page 2 of A Very Grumpy Mountain Man

It guts me.

That look doesn’t belong on her face, and I need to erase it—replace it with a smile. One I put there. One that’s just for me.

And just like that, I get it.

I finally understand how Camden became so wrapped up in Lymric the moment he saw her—how he knew, even with barely any time between them. Because now? So do I.

Because though I don’t know this girl’s name, I know she’s the one for me. I feel it in my bones, in every fiber of my being. We’re meant to be.

She looks up as the car horns blare, and our eyes meet. She looks surprised and maybe a little intimidated as I stride toward her, quickly closing the gap between us. I smile at her, but I’m not sure it does much to put her at ease.

I step onto the sidewalk next to her and glance down at the papers in her hand. A resume. Does she need a job? Well, that might be my way in with her.

“Hey,” I grunt.

She bites back a smile.

“I’m Kye,” I say, holding out my hand to her.

“Sienna.”

Her tiny hand fits in mine perfectly. I squeeze, shaking it for a moment and holding onto her hand. I don’t want to let it or her go.

“Are you looking for a job?” I grit out, nodding at the papers in her hand.

Jesus, my voice is rough. Maybe I should try talking to people more often…

“Yeah. No luck so far, but I’m sure I’ll find something,” she replies.

“I’m looking for someone. For an assistant.”

Her eyes light up. “Really? I’d love to interview for it! I don’t have much experience, but I’m a fast learner.”

I take the resume from her and scan it. It’s true; she’s only worked at a grocery store, library, and plant store. That’s not going to stop me, though.

“You’re hired.”

“Really?” she asks excitedly.

“Yeah. Can you start tomorrow morning?”

“Sure!” Sienna digs around in her purse and pulls out a pen. “What’s the address?”

I take the pen from her and scribble my full name, address, and phone number on the back of her resume, then pass it back to her.

She beams at me. “I’ll see you tomorrow. What time?”

“Nine.”

I want to ask her to come today, right now, but I need to get things ready. Mainly, I need to figure out a job for her to do for me.

“See you at nine,” she says before leaning in to hug me.

The embrace catches me off guard and is over far too fast for my liking. I watch as she practically skips over to her car and drives off before I cross the road to my car and climb behind the wheel.

I take a deep breath, twist the key in the ignition, and drive home.

Now…what job can I have her do for me?

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