Page 9 of Stranded with the Mountain Man

Slowly, we disentangle ourselves, adjusting clothing, avoiding each other's eyes. The moment hasn't fully broken, but it's suspended now, complicated by the return of reality.

My radio crackles from the counter, perfect timing as always.

"Boone, you read me? It's Jake."

I stand, adjusting myself as discretely as possible, though the tent in my pants is obvious. Elisa's eyes follow the movement, her lips curving in a small, secret smile that doesn't help the situation.

"Copy, Jake," I respond after grabbing the radio.

"Just checking you're okay up there. Satellite shows you got hit hard. I'm on volunteer duty today while trying to figure out how to reach my brother. He's stuck in some dilapidated cabin a few miles from town."

"We're fine." I meet Elisa's eyes across the room. "Power was out but it just came back. Your brother safe?"

"Yeah, he's good. Just uncomfortable ‘cause he’s got some city girl with him. Nothing like being snowed in with a mountain man, right?" Jake laughs. "Listen, latest from highway patrol isn't good. They're saying Davidson Pass is closed indefinitely. Massive drift at the north junction, plus avalanche risk is critical. Could be five days minimum before they attempt clearing."

Five days. The news should alarm me more than it does.

"Copy that," I reply. "We're well supplied here. No concerns."

After signing off, I turn back to Elisa, who's straightened her clothing but still looks flushed and disheveled in the best possible way.

"So," she says, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Five more days."

I nod, studying her face for signs of panic or regret. Instead, I see something that might be anticipation.

"We should probably talk about what just happened," I say, though talking is the last thing I want to do.

She stands, smoothing down her sweater with a newfound confidence. "Or we could continue it later. After you show me how to properly maintain this fire."

The double meaning isn't lost on me.

"Maintaining proper heat is critical in these conditions," I agree, surprising myself with the playfulness in my tone.

Outside, the snow continues to fall, sealing us into this unexpected sanctuary. Five more days suddenly doesn't seem like enough time at all.

five

Elisa

Iwakeupwitha dull ache between my thighs and frustration humming through my veins. Last night by the fire—God, I've never been left so wound up and unsatisfied in my life. I press my face into the pillow and groan. Female blue balls are absolutely a thing, and I'm suffering from a severe case.

When the power came back on at the most inconvenient possible moment, we'd both just... stopped. Straightened our clothes. Pretended we could go back to normal after I'd felt him hard against my thigh, after his hands had beenthis closeto being where I desperately wanted them.

Sleep had been nearly impossible. Every time I closed my eyes, I felt his mouth on my skin again, his weight pressing me into the rug.

The buzz of my phone jolts me out of the memory. Victoria Harrington. Exactly who I don't want to deal with right now.

"Elisa, darling, I've been trying to reach you all night. This is completely unacceptable."

I close my eyes, counting to three. "I apologize, but as I mentioned, there's a severe blizzard—"

"I don't care if it's the apocalypse. I need the venue photos today. The Chapmans just announced their daughter's engagement, and if they secure Darkmore Lodge before us..."

For fifteen minutes, I let her complaints wash over me while my mind wanders back to Jace's hands on my body. By the time I hang up, my frustration has doubled.

After a quick shower, I dress in my last clean outfit—jeans and a sweater. The cabin is quiet when I emerge, with a note on the counter:Gone to check generator. Coffee made. Back soon.

My phone buzzes again. More clients, more demands. By the time Jace returns, stomping snow from his boots, I've fielded three calls and am ready to throw the device into a snowbank. I wish the service would cut out again.

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