Page 5 of Enamored with the Mountain Man

Hopelessfarmer: If you want a temporary fling, let’s do it. I’m in. We’ll tell my daughter you’re here to help with the farm. Sound good?

Before I could stop myself, I pressed send. It was a lie, but I couldn’t let her go. Not before meeting her first. It was selfish. It wasn’t my brightest idea, and I didn’t think she’d even go for it.

Yet when her message came through a few minutes later, my nerve endings went haywire.Calm down. This is just for fun, remember?

Laineybug: I’d love to…but I think with the emotional connection we’ve built so far, it wouldn’t be a great idea.

Hopelessfarmer: I used to fire people left and right at my job in the city. Trust me when I say I don’t form attachments quickly.

Laineybug: Are you sure? You promise no funny business, no falling in love, no proposals of marriage?

Hopelessfarmer: I promise. When can you get here?

I held my breath as I waited for her reply, my stomach aching at the lies I told. I hated not speaking the truth, but this woman was something special. How I knew before meeting her was beyond me, but I could feel it in my gut.

Laineybug: Impatient, are we? I can arrive on Sunday if that works for you?

Hopelessfarmer: Perfect.

Clicking out of the messages, I stared at my daughter as she shoved her strawberries in her mouth. “One at a time, sweetie.”

Sunday, she’ll be here Sunday! In two days!

Two weeks with her wouldn’t be enough, but I couldn’t be greedy. I was already being selfish, so there was no need to add more to it.

And when she pulled into my driveway late Sunday morning, I took a long look at her from my living room window, and instantly, my gut told me I was going to be anything but okay.

When I openedmy front door, Lainey stood on the porch, sunglasses perched on top of her head, a beautiful row of white teeth on display. The pictures on her profile hardly did her any justice. She was gorgeous in person, beyond what I could’ve ever imagined.

“Lainey.” I breathed and did my best to keep my eyes on her eyes, though I desperately wanted to take in every inch of her delicious frame.

“Hi, Chase. Nice to finally meet you in person.” She held out her hand for a shake, and when I slid my hand around hers, sparks went off inside me. But instead of shaking her hand, I pulled her toward me and wrapped her in a tight embrace.

“I think we’re beyond hand shaking, don’t you?”

“Yes.” The word came out breathless and shaky, and as I released her, I saw a small smile tug at her mouth. Lainey was as smitten as I was. There was no denying it. “But you know, politeness and all…”

“Well, seeing as how you’re my lady for the next two weeks, I think a hug is acceptable.” I stepped back and waved her inside. “Come in. You must be exhausted from the trip. Ivy’s sleeping, but you can meet her after she wakes.”

As she walked by, I breathed in more of her scent, this time unable to resist checking out her curvy body.

It was perfect. No,shewas perfect. Her curves were soft and luscious, her leggings and long sweater classy and relaxed-fitting, though they’d look better on the floor.

When my eyes reached hers again, she stood there with a huge smirk on her face. “Were you checking me out?”

I cleared my throat. “No, of course not. What kind of gentleman would I be if I did that?”

Her eyes raked down my body, and I melted under her intense stare. “Not a very gentlemanly one.”

I chuckled low, the sound growly.Where did that come from?“Let me show you around, then I can grab any bags of yours in the car?”

“Yes. I want to see this farm of yours.” She clapped her hands and wiggled her nose. Fuck, she was adorable and hot all at the same time.

“Prepare to be amazed. Not.”

She threw her head back in laughter as she followed me into the kitchen.

All I could think the entire time I showed her around was how she came here wanting only temporary. Little did she know, she was already my forever.

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