Page 2 of Enamored with the Mountain Man

She was from the city? I’d never seen her before, but then again, the city was huge, and it was impossible to know everyone. I just hoped she didn’t run in any similar circles I had when living there.

Lainey Stuckey: Single city gal looking for some fun! I own a dance studio here in the city and love teaching kids how to dance. My studio is amazing but also very busy, and I’m looking for a quick two-week escape with a sexy mountain man who wouldn’t mind playing house for a little while. If that’s something you’re interested in, message me!

I read over her profile again. My stomach crashed all the way down to my feet. She wasn’t looking for her forever. Why would she message me then when I was?

Laineybug has sent you a message! Click to open!

Another message? She’s determined; I’d give her that. I clicked on the notification, and the chat box opened on the screen.

Laineybug: I know we want different things, but I can’t stop staring at your pictures. Think you can make an exception for a sweet girl like me?

I chuckled to myself.

Hopelessfarmer: Hi there. A woman who knows what she wants, hmm? I like it.

Laineybug: Does that mean you’ll give me a chance?

Hopelessfarmer: We can chat, sure, but seeing as I have a daughter, I can’t do temporary.

Laineybug: Okay, fair enough. So, tell me, Chase, what’s up with the farm you bought?

Hopelessfarmer: Lesson I’m learning- don’t buy a farm when you have no clue how to grow a damn thing.

Laineybug: Got it. What made you buy one?

Hopelessfarmer: I used to be a city slicker myself. But after gaining full custody of my daughter because her mom didn’t want to be a mom anymore, I decided I didn’t want to raise my daughter in the city. I was also tired of my demanding job, and I knew I’d hardly see my daughter if I worked all the time, never mind the daycare costs. I fell in love with the farmhouse as soon as I saw it. How you picture the perfect farmhouse in your mind is exactly what this one looks like. I couldn’t resist. Unfortunately, the farm came with it.

Laineybug: Do you have any animals?

Hopelessfarmer: No, thank God. Right now, it’s a bunch of overgrown grass and bushes, a couple of sickly looking apple trees, and a vegetable garden that’s seen better days. But with lots of YouTube videos, I’ll get it going again. Maybe get a cow or some chickens in the future. First, I need to get the basics down.

Laineybug: I’ve actually got a great green thumb. My apartment is full of plants, each one my little baby.

Hopelessfarmer: You’re making it very hard not to invite you here.

Laineybug: So do it then.

I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the couch. Fuck, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.

But alas, I couldn’t stop talking to her. Not now. Maybe not ever.

CHAPTER TWO

Lainey

The soft balletballad filled the air in the dance studio as my ballet students lined up in front of the bar for their practice.

I stood back and watched, but my mind was elsewhere.

For the past few days, I’ve messaged nonstop with Chase. When I decided to take a little vacation, I never expected to create an emotional attachment online first, but once we began talking, it was as if we couldn’t stop.

All day and night, we sent flirty little messages. I offered to help him with his farm, but he insisted that wasn’t necessary. Still, we flirted and danced around the idea of meeting.

But considering he was seeking commitment, I knew I was dragging out the inevitable. I needed to stop talking to him.

“Lainey, you doing okay today? You seem distracted.” My close friend and employee of the dance studio, Caitlin, appeared beside me. She taught the younger kids and also helped out where needed. She’d been with me since day one, and I loved her for it.

“Is it that noticeable?” I smirked.

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