Page 4 of Crazy for the Mountain Man

When the casseroles had finished in the oven, I let them cool for a bit while I made a quick chocolate cream pie. I’d picked up a premade graham cracker crust from the store, whipped up a box of chocolate instant pudding, and added a layer of whipped cream on top. I packed everything up inside insulated bags and headed out the door.

Growing up, my mom was a big cook, and I spent a lot of time with her in the kitchen. She showed me what the best supplies were to have on hand and insulated bags were always a must, along with plenty of leftover containers and bakeware.

I placed the food on the passenger seat of my car before getting in. I had preset Rhodes’s address into my phone’s GPS app earlier today after looking it up in his profile at the pharmacy. It wasn’t the best move, and I was sure I could get in trouble, but the desire to see him outweighed the consequences.

So, I took my chances and here I was, driving to his cabin in the secluded woods of the mountain, praying I didn’t get lost or lose cell service.

Or that Rhodes wouldn’t slam the door in my face when I showed up unannounced.

CHAPTER THREE

Rhodes

When I heardthe knock on my door, I sat straight up on my couch and paused the movie. Who the hell could that be? I never had visitors, never invited anyone over, so for someone to be at my door was fucking weird.

I stood up with a large sigh, careful not to put any pressure on my hurt hand, the pain still unbearable without any pain medication.

The knock came again. “Relax, I’m coming.” I shouted as I made my way to the front door.

Grasping the doorknob, I yanked the door open, annoyed by the unexpected visitor, ready to give whoever was standing there a tongue lashing.

Until I sawher.

Brielle.

What is she doing here? How does she know where I live?

She stood on my doorstep with several bags in her hands and a large smile on her face. “Hi! I hope I’m not interrupting anything, but I wanted to see how you were doing.”

My stupid mouth betrayed me by stretching into a smile that I wiped off my face as quickly as I could. “I’m okay. How’d you get my address?”

“A lady never tells her secrets. Can I come in? I brought food, including dessert. And I’ll change your bandage if you need me to.”

Her generosity had me so floored that I let it go she somehow found out my information. It wasn’t that hard in a small town.

My biggest question was why? Why was she doing all of this for me? She barely knew me. People weren’t justthiskind.

“Why are you doing all of this, Brielle?”

Her smile faltered. “Because I want to. You seem like you need some help, and I love cooking anyway so?—”

“I don’t need help. I don’t need your help or anyone else’s for that matter.” My gruff tone caused her to take a step back and instant regret filled me, my shoulders sagging. I ran my good hand through my hair and down my jaw, tugging at my beard. “Fuck, I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that. Come in.”

I stepped back and waved her inside. A part of me thought she’d turn around and walk away and hell I wouldn’t blame her if she did.

But instead, she walked right in and stopped just inside the doorway to remove her shoes. “Show me where the kitchen is.” Her voice less gentle but still kind.

Stop being a dick already Rhodes. Your mama taught you better than that.

I led her through my living room and into the kitchen where Brielle placed the bags on the counter. She unpacked them without a word, and I watched her set the dishes down, three casserole ones and a smaller one I’m assuming was dessert. Lastly, she pulled out a bag with the Appleridge pharmacy logo on it.

“You really didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”

“It wasn’t any trouble at all. My roommate is out for the night, so I needed to keep busy. Are you hungry now? I can dish up some lasagna? Or some chicken noodle casserole?”

My stomach grumbled at the delicious smells filling the kitchen. “I’d love some lasagna.”

“Sure thing. Coming right up. Just point me in the direction of plates and silverware.”

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