Page 5 of Charming Mountain Man

“Twisted my ankle,” I admit sheepishly, wincing as he gently lifts my injured foot.

He shakes his head, clearly fighting frustration, but his touch remains gentle. “You shouldn’t be out here alone.”

“Yet here I am,” I counter stubbornly, determined not to appear weak. “I was managing fine until the storm decided otherwise.”

Garrett sighs deeply, running a hand through his dripping hair. Despite his annoyance, I sense genuine concern beneath his gruff exterior.

“Think you can stand?” he asks, softer now.

“Let’s find out,” I say bravely, gripping his arm for balance as I carefully try to rise.

Pain flashes through me sharply, stealing my breath. Garrett immediately steadies me, pulling me close, his warmth soaking through my wet clothes and offering a surprising comfort.

“Nope,” I manage through gritted teeth, eyes watering despite myself.

“Okay,” he murmurs gently, holding me steady. “I’ve got you.”

Before I can protest, Garrett scoops me effortlessly into his arms. Heat floods my face, embarrassment, and something else—something electric and entirely inappropriate given the circumstances.

“Hold on,” he instructs gruffly, voice low and close to my ear.

Instinctively, I wrap my arms around his neck, acutely aware of the strength in his broad shoulders, the comforting, solid warmth of his chest beneath my cheek.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, embarrassment burning my cheeks. “I know I messed up.”

Garrett exhales slowly, his voice softer than I’ve heard yet. “You’re okay. That’s what matters.”

We move slowly back along the slippery trail, Garrett’s steady steps reassuring, his arms unwavering. Wrapped in his protective embrace, I feel an overwhelming sense of safety despite the circumstances.

“You didn’t have to come find me,” I murmur against his shoulder.

He tightens his grip slightly, voice low and sincere. “Yeah, Callie. I did.”

Nestled against him, feeling oddly safe and protected despite the storm and pain, I allow myself a small, private smile. Garrett Pierce might be Pine Hollow’s resident grump, but beneath that prickly exterior, he’s turning out to be my unexpected hero.

Chapter Four

Garrett

The storm isn’t letting up; if anything, it’s intensifying. Wind rattles through the trees with furious howls, and rain pelts down mercilessly, creating torrents along the path. Callie trembles slightly in my arms, her soaked clothes providing little warmth. My grip tightens protectively around her as I weigh our limited options.

“Garrett?” Her voice, barely audible over the storm, carries a hint of uncertainty. “What’s the plan?”

I grit my teeth, frustration bubbling within me—not at her, but at myself for not predicting this, for not coming sooner. I glance back toward the trailhead, knowing full well we won’t make it down safely tonight. Callie’s injured ankle changes everything.

“We need to find shelter,” I say, leaning close to her ear so she can hear me clearly over the wind. “Your tent isn’t far, right?”

She nods against my shoulder, wet hair brushing against my cheek. “Just ahead, through those trees.”

Holding her securely, I press forward, fighting the harsh gusts of wind. Every step is an effort, the ground muddy and treacherous beneath my boots. Callie clings tighter, her body pressed firmly against mine, sending a wave of warmth through me that has nothing to do with the physical effort of carrying her.

We reach her small campsite moments later. Surprisingly, the tent, still intact, flaps violently in the wind. Carefully, I lower Callie to the ground, guiding her gently inside before following swiftly, sealing the flap tightly behind us.

Inside, it’s cramped but surprisingly cozy, shielded from the relentless storm. Callie huddles, shivering slightly, and I immediately shrug off my jacket, draping it over her shoulders.

“Thanks,” she murmurs, smiling softly despite her obvious discomfort. “I promise, I didn’t plan this elaborate scheme just to get you alone in my tent.”

Her humor, even now, softens something inside me. I grunt, fighting a smile. “Good, because it’s not exactly an ideal situation.”

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