Page 8 of Fascinated with the Mountain Man

“I’m going to go say hi to the girls,” I said and scampered away to the kitchen without one look at Aster. I couldn’t. Not yet.

After saying hi to Leighton and Veda and grabbing myself a drink, I made my way to the backyard to find a comfy seat.

“Hey, stranger.” Aster’s voice washed over me. “Is this seat next to you taken?”

I looked up at him and melted, his handsome face calming my worries. He looked like a snack in his button-down shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his inked arms, along with tight dark jeans and boots. “It’s all yours.”

Like I’d ever deny him a seat next to me.

“I’ve missed you, Jo.”

“Aster…I…”

“I can’t ignore this anymore. I know you feel the same way I do. Who cares what Caden thinks? We’re so much more than friends.” He leaned in, his lips so close to mine, when Caden’s voice drifted over us, his distinct tone calling my name.

“Jo? Is that you over there? With Aster?”

Aster stood quickly and grabbed my hand, leading me deeper into the yard, away from the party.

We stumbled into the darkness of the outdoor shed together, both of us giggling and out of breath at having almost been spotted.

I was tired of my brother’s endless questions. He was relentless.

Why are you and Aster hanging out so much?

Is something going on?

Were you with Aster last night?

I noticed you two sneaking off together. What’s going on?

I reached out in front of me, trying to get my bearings, when suddenly I tripped on a bucket and lurched forward. I closed my eyes and braced for the fall I knew was coming.

But instead, strong arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me back upright and into his chest. I quickly spun around and fumbled for his arms as I tried to regain my balance. His hot skin sizzled under my fingertips, and I pictured his sexy, inked arms since I couldn’t see them, my brain short-circuiting at the realization I was actually touching his bare skin.

Something I’d craved for so long…

And then his hands were in my hair, and he was kissing me.

This was a dream.

Itmust bea dream.

There was no way the man I’d always wanted was finally kissing me.

CHAPTER FIVE

Aster

Once I kissed her,I didn’t stop. All I cared about was tasting her.

Our kiss was frantic and hurried, slow and savoring, all wrapped up in one passionate fury. I slid my hands beneath her ass and lifted her into my arms, her legs flying around my waist and holding on tight. With her dress bunched up around her waist, the heat from between her legs breathed life into my cock.

I moaned and slipped my tongue inside, finally tasting what I’d craved for so long. It was better than I could’ve ever imagined, and selfishly, hungrily, greedily, I wanted more, more, more.

“Where the hell did the two of them go?” Caden’s sharp tone broke through our fog, and our kiss stopped as fast as it had started. Both of us froze in place, our breathing heavy, our eyes wide. I set her down gently but kept her in my arms, holding her tight against my chest. I wasn’t letting her go so easily just yet.

“Does it really matter?” Veda asked. “She’s safe with him, is she not?”

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