Page 10 of Blind Date with a #MOUNTAINMAN

But the thought stuck around all day, nagging at me. And after a fun day together and dinner with her hilarious friend Emily, I didn’t want the night to end.

So, when she asked me to spend it with her, there was no way in hell I was saying no.

And now after spending the night having sex in every position possible, I was afraid my Nan was right.

I was falling hopelessly in love with Iris. A woman from an entirely different world than mine. Yet when our two worlds combined, it was life altering.

Our blind date turned into something I never saw coming. Yet I was headed back home. The one place she wasn’t. How could I ever let her go? How could I ever break her heart? Or mine?

Or maybe her heart wouldn’t break. Maybe she’d cut ties and be done, back to her old ways. Always working and never experiencing or enjoying life to the fullest.

When I woke up in the morning on the day I was leaving, with Iris in my arms, sadness yanked at my every string and I pulled her closer to me, burying my face in her hair and whispering I love you. We had spent the past two days in bed together, besides the little window of time where we had dinner with both Nan and Mimi.

After morning sex in both the bed and the shower, we enjoyed one last breakfast together before it was time to say our goodbyes. I still had to stop in at Nan’s, pack up the rest of my things, and say my goodbyes to her.

I stood in the doorway of Iris’s apartment and took her in my arms. I breathed her in deep, hoping to commit her scent to memory, something to bring me comfort in the long nights ahead.

Iris took a step back and looked up at me while placing her hands on my chest. “Maybe you can come visit sometime.” Hervoice cracked and she blinked away the tears glistening in her eyes.

“I’d love to. And maybe you can come visit me and see how sexy I am when making applesauce.” I attempted a smile but there was no light behind it, my usual warmth turning colder.

Iris chuckled. “Looking sexy while making applesauce? Now this Ihaveto see.”

“Yes, you do.” I lifted her off her feet and spun her around in a circle before setting her down gently and kissing her with everything I had, pouring my feelings out as an unspoken language only the two of us understood.

And when I’d filled up every empty hole inside me withher, holes formed by the thoughts of never seeing her again, I hugged her one last time and whispered a goodbye. Soon, the holes would be empty again and I’d miss her and wonder if she missed me.

After a moment’s pause, I walked out the door and didn’t look back. If I had, I might never leave.

My goodbyesto Nan weren’t much better, my throat thick with emotion. This wasn’t my home, and my actual home needed me. My business needed me. Yet every part of me yearned to stay.

“Come back soon, sweet boy. Time is precious. And I’m pretty sure a special someone would be very happy to see you.” Nan hugged me tight, her short petite frame swallowed by my much larger one.

“I wasn’t supposed to fall in love, Nan.”

“Oh, my sweet, sweet, handsome boy. When it’s the right one, it’ll always work out. You’ll see.” Nan touched the side of my cheek, and we said goodbye.

The cab ride to the airport was uncomfortable and hot and I was thankful when I finally arrived and climbed out of the stifling car. Inside, I made my way through check in and security, before finding a seat in front of a coffee shop, my flight still a couple of hours out from boarding.

I tried checking my emails, scrolling through social media, and reading over my business emails, but I couldn’t focus. All I could think about was Iris.

Her smile.

Her laugh.

Her curves.

I wanted her asmine.As mywife.Themotherof mychildren.

My own thoughts scared the shit out of me and my pulse raced. How had I become so smitten for a woman I met only a week ago?

Life is crazy…

I stood up and walked around, aimlessly wandering, hoping for some sort of distraction. Once I got on the plane, I’d feel better. Headed home, back to my life and business, back to my regular routine.

“Jace!”

I heard my name, a frantic voice screaming it from somewhere. I looked around but saw no one I recognized. Probably another Jace or something.

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