Page 1 of Being with the Mountain Man

CHAPTER ONE

Leighton

I steppedonto the porch of the small cabin I rented and breathed in the fresh mountain air. The skyline was etched with mountains in the distance and clouds spread out in large clusters, the sun still peeking through.

Contentment and excitement rolled through me as I took in my surroundings of the place I’d call home for the next month. Having only arrived in this small mountain town of Apple Falls about thirty minutes ago, I hadn’t seen much yet, but the entire day stretched before me with no schedule in sight.

My career as a children’s book author had stalled as of late, and after months of struggling, I concluded I needed a change of scenery. Growing up in the city and having never left felt stifling at this point, and I wanted to stretch my legs and see what small-town life was like. What more perfect way than to come here, see the beautiful apple orchards, and maybe write a new book series?

It was worth a shot. Like my best friend Chevelle always said, wasn’t it easier to be happy when looking at the glass half full?

When I broke the news to my parents, my mom cried, but they understood. They supported me in the search for what town I’d take off to and in finding a place to stay. After a couple of months of planning and tying up loose ends, I packed up my car and drove north.

The word beautiful wasn’t strong enough to describe just how pretty Apple Falls was. My cabin, small yet cozy and adorable, had everything I could need.

As I stepped off the porch, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and smiled at the text on the screen.

Chevelle: Pls tell me you made it, and it’s just as beautiful as we imagined

Leighton: I made it, and girl, it’s better

I quickly snapped a few shots of the picturesque sky and sent them over. Then I shoved my phone in the pocket of my long dress and took off down the driveway, my day of exploration only just beginning.

As a child, nature and the outdoors always fascinated me. I enjoyed long walks, sitting outside, and listening to the birds and the trees. So when I strolled down the street, memories flooded back and reminded me of how deep my love for nature ran. And when I stumbled upon a gorgeous apple orchard less than a mile from my cabin, I ignored the warning bells going off in my head and walked onto the property anyway.

Taking care to watch my step, I strolled through a row of trees and took pictures of their beauty. I plucked an apple off one low-hanging branch and sank my teeth into it, the juices running down my chin. Holy shit, this was the juiciest apple I’d ever tasted.

Ideas hit me left and right, and I scrambled to pull out my notebook and pen from my crossbody bag. I quickly flipped toa blank page and began scribbling the words down, hoping to catch them all.

My brain hadn’t worked this well in months, and I needed to take every advantage.

I stopped writing and moseyed my way forward, the line of trees stretching far ahead. Each one was full of endless leaves and apples, their bright red colors popping in the sun. I felt like a kid in a candy store as I skipped down the row of trees, pausing every few minutes to jot down some ideas. After finishing my apple, I wrapped the core in a tissue and tucked it in my bag, not wanting to litter on the perfect land.

Someone obviously took great care of this orchard, and a huge part of me felt bad for even walking through here. Did the orchard allow people in to pick apples? Or was I breaking a huge sacred rule by walking on the land?

With my guilt getting the better of me, I spun around and made my way back in the direction I came from. As much as I wanted to dig deeper and explore more, I should ask permission first. Besides, I had plenty to start with for now.

I took my time walking back, savoring each moment—the sights, the smells, and even the sounds of the birds chirping. I closed my eyes and breathed in deep, the fresh air rejuvenating me from the inside out.

When suddenly, a sound I didn’t expect reached my ears, and my eyes flew open. Then I heard it again. A child’s laughter. A deep voice behind it.

Shit!I’m not alone.

I hurried down the path and prayed I reached the exit before being spotted. The adorable sound of laughter grew closer, but I couldn’t think about that. I was almost out…so close…I could see the end…

Suddenly, a small child was in front of me, blocking the exit. He smiled up at me and waved, his cheeks and pudgy hands smudged with dirt.

His sandy-blond hair shone in the sun, a few pieces falling in his eyes. I instantly knew my next main character would be modeled after him.A boy growing up in an orchard…how perfect!

“Hi, buddy. Where’s your mommy?” I kneeled to his level, but he didn’t answer. He only smiled and pointed at me.

I chuckled. “I’m not your mommy?—”

A large figure stepped out from behind a tree, and my words disappeared, my mind completely blank.

I swallowed hard as my eyes traveled over his body. He was everything you would imagine a rugged mountain man to be. Tight jeans, rugged boots, and an even tighter T-shirt outlining every muscle ridge, a backward baseball cap, and a handsome face with dark features and just the right amount of stubble.

Heat flooded through me, but I batted it away. There was a child here, and I was drooling like a damn dog over this guy.

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