Page 2 of Charming Mountain Man

I clear my throat, hoping to diffuse the sudden, unexpected tension. “So, Garrett, have you lived here long?”

“Too long.” His answer is clipped as he heads back to the counter.

“Come on,” I tease, following him, unable to resist poking at his grouchy armor. “It’s gorgeous here! You can’t possibly be immune to Pine Hollow’s charm.”

He snorts softly. “Trust me, it wears off.”

I lean against the counter again as he begins tallying up my purchases, his fingers swift on the keys of an ancient-looking register. “Well, you’re certainly charming,” I say impulsively. “I meant the town. Pine Hollow is charming.”

He freezes for a fraction of a second, the slightest flush darkening his cheeks. But then he’s back to scowling at me, his jaw tight, his eyes sharp. “Are you always this friendly?”

“Usually even friendlier,” I admit cheerfully. “You’re lucky today’s my mellow day.”

He shakes his head, exhaling like he’s being tested. Despite his obvious annoyance, something in his eyes tells me he’s at least a little amused.

I swipe my card, our fingers brushing again when he hands me the receipt. The brief contact sends another small thrill skittering down my spine. Garrett’s eyes catch mine, darkening momentarily before he clears his throat and steps back.

“You need directions to the trailhead?” he asks, voice low and gruff again.

“Nope. Got it covered,” I say confidently. “I’ve been studying maps all week.”

His frown deepens, concern flashing across his expression before he hides it. “Just don’t underestimate these woods, city girl.”

“I won’t,” I assure him softly, sincerity in my voice. “And thank you, Garrett. Really.”

His gaze softens marginally, and the faintest of nods is his only response.

Stepping outside, I glance back through the window, catching him watching me. He quickly looks away, busying himself behind the counter.

I smile to myself, feeling oddly triumphant. Garrett Pierce might be Pine Hollow’s resident grump, but something is fascinating beneath that rugged, prickly exterior.

I can’t wait to unravel it.

Chapter Two

Garrett

Watching Callie Bennett march cheerfully out the door of my shop, her arms full of camping gear, unsettles me more than it should. I lean against the counter, staring at the door as it closes behind her, still irritated by how effortlessly she disrupted my usual peace.

I’ve spent the better part of my adult life in Pine Hollow, deliberately building a routine that keeps me comfortably insulated from the world’s chaos. Tourists and city folk breeze in and out with their demands, rarely making more than a superficial dent in my solitude. But this woman—Callie, with her relentless optimism, bright coral sneakers, and infuriatingly sunny smile—has somehow managed to wedge herself into my thoughts.

I sigh heavily, running a hand through my hair. It’s stupid to be concerned. She’s just another tourist convinced she can handle the wilderness. Yet, I can’t shake the nagging feeling of unease, picturing her bright-eyed enthusiasm encountering something she isn’t prepared for out there.

“Damn city girl,” I mutter under my breath, shaking myself into motion. The shop won’t run itself, and I have inventory to manage.

But as I work, restocking shelves and organizing gear, my mind keeps drifting back to Callie. Her stubborn determination,the playful way she teased me, and her eyes widened in genuine curiosity when she listened to my advice.

Frustrated with myself, I drop the sleeping bag I’m holding with a bit more force than necessary. Why do I care so much? She isn’t my responsibility. Still, my thoughts circle back to her coral sneakers and sunny confidence, and my irritation deepens.

After the midday rush of three customers at one time subsides, I step outside onto the sidewalk in front of the shop. The air is crisp, carrying the familiar scent of pine and impending autumn. From here, I can see the start of the trail she took, disappearing into the forest like an inviting secret.

Before I know it, my feet move, carrying me along the dusty street toward the Hollow Hearth Inn. I find Annie leaning against the reception desk, chatting cheerfully with Dottie, Pine Hollow’s unofficial information hub, and Hazel, the owner of the Hearth Inn.

“Garrett!” Annie waves, her smile widening mischievously. “Heard you had a very cheerful customer this morning.”

I scowl, ignoring the knowing twinkle in her eyes. “You seen that Callie girl today? She check in before she left?”

Hazel exchanges an amused glance with Dottie before turning back to me. “She was here bright and early, said she’d studied maps all week. Seemed well-prepared.”

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