Page 2 of The Mountain Man's Desires

When she turned back to face me, she crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her lips in. I knew she was trying to hide that gorgeous smile of hers. She couldn’t stay mad at me for long.

“Where are you going? We’re supposed to get more snow tonight.”

Lena gave me a murderous look, and my dick twitched. Damn her and her spiciness. “I already have one overprotective guy in my life. I don’t need two.”

I half growled, half laughed, but it sounded more like a snicker. She narrowed her eyes. Goddamn, could she get any sexier? “You’ve never only hadone,Lena.”

She pulled her hat down farther, her bouncy curls peeking out. Even in the cold weather, she wore a long floral dress. She had on her usual flannel leggings and faux fur boots, a sweater, and a long knee-length jacket as well.

My sexy, curvy librarian. I loved the fact she ran Appleridge’s library. The countless fantasies I had, fuck, I couldn’t help myself.

“I need to stop by the library and set up for tomorrow’s story time.”

“Why don’t I take you? The roads are bad.”

“I’ll be fine, Shane. We grew up around here, remember? It’s not like I’ve never driven on these roads before. Snow and all.”

I knew the extra attitude was about the kiss. Or my failed attempt at one. It only made me crave her more.

“You’ve made your point. But listen, about earlier…it was a mistake, and I’m sorry.” I almost choked on the lie. I hated lying, especially to her, of all people. I’d never lied to her before this, but I needed to fix what I screwed up. If I couldn’t have her the way I wanted, then I at least needed her in some way. A friend at the very least.

One I’d fantasize about every chance I got…

“A mistake?”

“Yeah, the kiss. Or attempt at one, I should say. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“Really, Shane?”

Fuck. Women made no fucking sense.

I should’ve shut the fuck up right then and there. But of course, I didn’t. My foot was designed to fit in my mouth. “Yeah, I mean, we’re friends, and the last thing I want is to complicate anything.”

“I’ve gotta go. Have a good night.” She climbed into her car and shut the door. Before I had a chance to protest, she threw it in reverse, backed out of the driveway, and took off.

How the hell did I make such a mess of things?

I glanced back at Graham’s house, but there was no sight of him. I breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing I needed was for him to come out asking questions. Reluctantly, I climbed into my cold, lonely truck and headed home to my chickens.

At least they’d keep me company tonight.

CHAPTERTWO

Lena

“So letme get this straight. You’re mad he tried to kiss you, but you’re also mad he said it was a mistake, right?” Ruby asked before she popped a piece of muffin in her mouth.

“Yep.” I sipped my coffee and broke off a piece of cheese Danish.

“What the hell do you want then, Lena?”

I shot my best friend a dirty look. Ruby knew everything about me, including my dumb crush on Shane, that never went away, mind you. No matter how many times she tried to convince me it would.

Instead, I only fell harder and deeper for my brother’s best friend.

I didn’t know why I rejected his kiss.

I didn’t know why him saying it was a mistake pissed me off and hurt my feelings.

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