Page 7 of Being with the Mountain Man

The urge to learn everything about her was strong. I was drawn to her in a way I’d never felt before. And as much as my brain screamed at my heart to stop, to not fall for the charm of a woman again, it wasn’t listening anymore.

On the walk back to her cabin, the words came out before I could stop them. “Have dinner with us. Tonight. At ourplace. We’re having spaghetti and meatballs, one of Sammy’s favorites.”

Leighton’s mouth fell open, and her tongue darted out, swiping at her top lip. I wanted to kiss her so bad at that moment that a fire burned inside me, scorching me from the inside out. “Oh wow, that’s so nice of you to offer, but I couldn’t impose like that.”

“Pwease, pretty lady, pwease!” Sammy said, and I chuckled to myself, knowing that if I couldn’t get a yes answer, Sammy most definitely could. “Noodles are yummy!”

Leighton laughed and ruffled his hair. I was starting to love her little playful gestures. I could tell by the look on Sammy’s face that he did too. “Noodles are pretty yummy, aren’t they?”

“Does that mean you’ll join us? You have to try my garlic bread. It’s delicious.”

“Yummy!” Sammy clapped and jumped up and down in his seat.

“Whoa, be careful there, buddy. The wagon is still moving.” I smiled at my son, happy to see him so delighted. He was always a happy kid, but this felt different.

“How can I say no to these two cute faces?” She lightly pinched Sammy’s cheek as we came to a stop in front of her driveway. She reached over to pinch mine, but I grabbed her hand instead, catching her by surprise.

“The only cheeks of mine I want you to pinch are on my backside,” I growled low in her ear. If it weren’t for my son in the wagon, I would’ve thrown her over my shoulder and had my way with her. There was no point in denying the raging inferno inside me now. I was too far gone.

Leighton’s face flushed red, and she let out a nervous laugh as I dropped her hand and flashed her a panty-dropping grin.

She could barely meet my eyes, and I loved how I affected her. I was under her skin in the same way she was under mine.

With a quick glance my way, her eyes told me everything I needed to know. She felt the same way.

Leighton brushed some of her gorgeous red locks out of her face and leaned down toward Sammy. “Of course, I’ll join you and Daddy for dinner. I can’t wait to try your yummy noodles.” She ruffled his hair once more, and he beamed up at her.

“Come over at five,” I said.

“Sure thing.” Leighton waved and walked up her driveway. Both Sammy and I watched her disappear inside, and that was when I knew I had it bad. Webothhad it bad.

“C’mon, mister. Let’s head home for a nap before Leighton comes over, okay?”

“Okay!” Sammy said, and it was the first time in forever he didn’t fight me on going down for a nap.

Maybe Leighton was just what we needed after all.

CHAPTER FIVE

Leighton

As I staredat my reflection in the mirror, fussing with my hair and checking my makeup for the thousandth time, I took a deep breath and shook out my hands.

How I was having dinner with the hot mountain man and his adorable son was beyond me. But here I was, a little over twenty-four hours since I arrived in town, and I’d made a friend. Or two friends, actually.

Chevelle couldn’t believe the picnic lunch or the dinner invitation. After I got home and gushed about my amazing time, we’d been texting all afternoon.

Chevelle: There’s no way there’s a woman around

Leighton: Yeah, I mean, how could there be if he invited me to join them for dinner?

Chevelle: Exactly. GIRL, if you get laid tonight, I WILL DIE

Leighton: That’s not happening

Chevelle: You never know…I mean, it has been a while…

Leighton: And you’re one to talk? I don’t think so.

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