Page 6 of A Very Grumpy Mountain Man

I smile. “How about pizza?”

“Sure. I can order us some. Or do you want to go into town?”

“Order is fine.”

“Pepperoni and mushrooms?”

I nod. “Yep.”

I love how much he knows about me. He seems to remember everything that I’ve ever said.

I’ve also learned a lot about Kye. I know he’s close to his brother, Camden. He’s relieved to have him safely back in town after he left the Marines. Kye is a loner and prefers to be out in nature. He hates green peppers, loves all kinds of fruit, and is well-liked by everyone in town, though he doesn’t realize it.

Kye grabs his phone and places our order. He seems to love spoiling me, or maybe he’s generous with everyone—not that I’ve ever seen him around anyone else.

I can’t help but wonder how he’s still single. I mean, he’s handsome, wealthy, sweet, and generous. How has no one snapped him up?

“What are you thinking about?”

I blink. “That you’re a catch. I can’t believe you’re single,” I tell him honestly before I can second guess myself.

Kye’s always honest with me, and I want to return the favor—even if it means revealing a little too much… like the fact that I might have a crush on him.

Kye’s cheeks turn a light pink, making me fall for him even more.

“What about you? How come you’re not settled down?”

“I’ve never been interested in anyone. I thought maybe I was defective in some way. All my friends gushed about their crushes and swooned over the latest guy they liked—but I never felt that way. I never felt that spark with anyone.”

Until now.

I turn to clean up my workspace when Kye doesn’t reply. “I’m going to head in and get cleaned up if that’s alright?”

He clears his throat and nods. “Of course. You can use whichever bathroom you want.”

I smile and head toward the house, letting myself in without a second thought. Upstairs, I pause outside Kye’s open bedroom door. I’ve been up here a few times. On my second day, after I spilled stain all over myself, I brought over some old clothes and came up to shower and clean up. That was the first time I saw Kye’s room. I’ve never stepped foot inside, but I can’t help but take a peek every time I pass.

I hear Kye come in the backdoor and hurry into the guest room across the hall from Kye’s room, closing the door.

That was close. I can’t be caught poking around my boss’s bedroom.

He’s not into you. Just keep your crush to yourself.

I know that will be hard as I splash cold water on my face in the adjoining bathroom.

But I have to try. I can’t lose this job… or Kye.

FIVE

Kye

Sienna humssoftly under her breath as she wipes her hands on a dish towel and heads into the kitchen. I follow a few steps behind her, doing my best not to stare at the sway of her hips.

The pizza should be here soon, and I’m borderline vibrating with anticipation—not for the food, but for more time with Sienna. Every second with her feels like breathing fresh mountain air after a lifetime underground.

We’ve only known each other for a few days, but she already feels like a part of my world—like she belongs here with me. I’ve always hated when people say crap like that.Like they just knew.I thought it was a load of nonsense. Until her.

I reach for two plates from the cabinet and glance over to see her leaning against the counter, peering out the window toward the valley. The late afternoon sun catches in the strands of her dark brown hair in its ponytail, making her look like something out of a damn dream.

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