Page 11 of Charming Mountain Man

I swallow down my hurt, plastering a cheerful smile on my face as the townspeople gather, eyes twinkling mischievously.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” Dottie grins, leaning on the porch railing of the general store, clearly delighted. “Looks like our favorite grump found himself some sunshine.”

Garrett scowls, ducking his head. “Knock it off, Dottie.”

I giggle softly, unable to help myself. Garrett shoots me a warning glance, but there’s no heat behind it, just a gentle admonition.

“Oh, come on,” Annie teases, stepping forward to squeeze my arm affectionately. “Garrett rescuing someone? This is headline news in Pine Hollow.”

Sawyer leans casually against his truck, a broad grin on his face. Sawyer chuckles, shaking his head. “About time someone broke through that shell, Garrett.”

Sadie and Tessa appear, both smiling warmly, pulling me into gentle hugs. I met them before my camping trip and found them both very friendly and sweet. They are the type of women I can see myself becoming friends with if I stay in Pine Hollow.

“Are you okay?” Sadie asks gently, eyeing my bandaged ankle.

“I’m good, really. Garrett took excellent care of me,” I assure them warmly, catching Garrett’s slight blush before he turns sharply away.

Tessa gives me a knowing smile. “I bet he did.”

My cheeks flush deeply, and Garrett mutters something about checking the store, quickly retreating inside. My heart twists painfully at his abrupt withdrawal, but I keep my smile firmly in place.

“Don’t worry,” Sadie whispers sympathetically, squeezing my arm. “He’ll come around, the grumpy ones always do.” She looks sweetly at her husband, Sawyer, as he walks toward us.

In the following days, Garrett maintains his distance, deepening my loneliness. Yet Pine Hollow quickly becomes a balm to my heart. Annie, Tessa, and Sadie wrap me in their warmth, filling my days with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and unwavering support.

I don’t want to leave. They’ve been trying to convince me to stay, but without Garrett, I don’t think I can.

Tessa and Sadie invite me regularly for coffee and long walks around town, carefully pacing themselves to match my recovering ankle. Their conversations, filled with stories of love, loss, and renewal, become precious moments that fill me with comfort and belonging.

Annie, ever cheerful and perceptive, involves me in the town’s activities, introducing me to more residents and inviting me to participate in community events. With every friendly faceand new connection, Pine Hollow carves a deeper place in my heart, even as the ache for Garrett persists.

Late one afternoon, helping set up decorations with Sadie and Tessa for an upcoming festival, I glance across the street and spot Garrett in a tense conversation with Sawyer. My heart squeezes painfully as I observe the strain on Garrett’s face, recognizing the turmoil he’s battling within himself.

“He’s struggling,” Tessa murmurs softly, following my gaze.

“I know,” I whisper. “I just wish he’d let me in.”

“Give him time,” Sadie advises gently. “He’s stubborn, but he’s not blind to what he’s losing.”

I hold onto her words, letting them anchor me with hope.

Chapter Eight

Garrett

I see her every damn day, and every damn day, I feel like a bigger fool.

Callie’s laugh carries through the air as she helps Annie at the bakery, her hair pulled up in a messy bun, cheeks flushed from the heat of the ovens. She chats with Sadie at the general store, walks around the square with Tessa. Everyone’s taken to her like she’s always belonged here, and maybe she has. Maybe Pine Hollow is better with her in it.

And maybe I’m not.

I keep my distance. Watch from across the street, from behind shelves in my shop. Pathetic, I know. But I’m not ready to face her. Not after how I pulled back the second we hit pavement. After I let my fear make me act like an idiot.

Sawyer corners me one evening, leaning on the porch railing outside the shop while I pretend to check inventory.

“You’re being a damn fool,” he says, low and direct.

I grunt. “That’s rich coming from you.”

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