Page 6 of Crazy for the Mountain Man

“But we haven’t even had dessert yet. And I haven’t changed your bandage.”

“I said just go, Brielle. I’m no good for you. You’re beautiful and kind and sweet and have so much light while I’m…I’m darkness. I’m grumpy, harsh, a loner. I’d only bring you down and dull your shine. It wouldn’t be fair to you, Brielle. My cold walls are no match for the warmest sunshine. Even sunshine as bright as yours.”

CHAPTER FOUR

Brielle

I stoodbefore this broken man, a man who had ghosts he wrestled with from the past, and all I wanted to do was hug him. Hold him close. And show him the love he deserved.

“Everyone deserves love. I highly doubt your grumpiness is who you truly are, Rhodes. We’re made up of many layers and I think you push people away so they can’t get in, can’t see underneath your cold layers, to the ooey gooey one’s underneath.” I placed my hands on his chest and looked up at him, losing myself in his deep ocean blue eyes.

“I don’t have any gooey layers.”

“You might not think so, but I have a feeling you do. There’s something between us. I felt it the moment you rushed through the doors last night. And if you don’t want to take the chance, then I will.” With my heart threatening to pump right out of my chest, I fisted his shirt in both of my hands and yanked him towards me.

I searched his eyes one last time, seeking permission, maybe, but it didn’t matter at this point. I was taking what I wanted.

And what I wanted was him.

I kissed his mouth gently at first, getting a feel for how he’d react and when he didn’t pull away, I dove all in, fusing our mouths together as one.

Rhodes groaned deep in his throat, his one good hand landing on my waist, and digging into my soft, fleshy curves, while the other only rested on my arm. He matched my intensity after a brief pause, and soon his tongue met mine in a duel.

We kissed and kissed, our lips taking their time as we tasted and sipped on each other. And when we finally broke apart, I could barely catch my breath. “Wow.”

“Fuck.” Rhodes scrubbed his hand over his eyes and face, scratching and tugging at his sexy beard. “Fuck, woman. What are you doing to me?”

“You know you like it.” I flirted.

That got me another growl before Rhodes pressed his mouth to mine and greedily stole kisses, each one hotter than the last. “You taste so fucking good.”

“Mmm,” The sound vibrated in my throat and Rhodes lowered his uninjured hand, grasping my ass cheek and squeezing hard before slapping it gently.

“God damn, these curves. You’re so fucking hot, Bri.”

“I like this layer of you I’ve uncovered.”

I chuckled, her wittiness getting the better of me every time. “And I like the taste of you.”

He kissed me again and again until our lips were swollen, the minutes full of passion and heat.

“How about some dessert?” I asked when we’d finally come up for some air, our make out session having moved to the couch.

“I thought you were my dessert.” Rhodes nipped at my neck, and I shivered.

“Now, now, naughty boy. Don’t you think I deserve a date first?”

“I think you bringing me dinner constitutes as a date.” Rhodes smiled and it was the first real, big smile I saw from him. It sent shivers all through me and I clasped both sides of his face with my hands and kissed his sexy mouth.

“You smiled.” I whispered against his mouth.

“Nah, you’re seeing things.”

“Nice try.” I said before jumping up from the couch and heading to the kitchen. “Sit tight. You’ve got lots of dessert coming your way.”

After we finishedoff two pieces of chocolate cream pie each, I changed Rhodes bandage. He kept his eyes focused on me the whole time and managed to not see any blood or faint.

When I finished with his hand, I cleaned up the kitchen and put away the food all while Rhodes protested.

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