Page 2 of Mountain Man's Secret Crush

Am I really that obvious?

Before I can think about who else might know about my secret crush on Brooks, the line of customers in front of me grows longer. I nervously glance at the clock above the front door, noticing I still have five minutes before Brooks usually arrives.

If I can quickly move the customers through the line, I’ll have plenty of time to talk to Brooks and invite him to the festival.

I take order after order, silently praying for an end in sight so that when Brooks walks through the door, I can take the time to talk to him instead of just saying, that will be seven dollars.

“Welcome to Mountain Morsel. What can I get you?” I smile at the young man at the front of the line. I’ve seen him in the bakery a few times. I think his name is David.

“Actually, I was wondering if you’d like to go to the summer festival with me tomorrow.” There’s a slight wobble in his voice that pulls at my heart.

If I weren’t already half in love with Brooks, I might consider his offer. But I’m head over heels for Brooks; I can’t imagine dating anyone else. Still, I don’t want to hurt David’s feelings.

“I’m sorry, David. I already have a date.” It’s not exactly a lie. As soon as Brooks picks up his cookies, I’m going to ask him out.

“I figured. A woman as pretty as you probably has all the guys falling at your feet.” With a sad smile, he places his order.

Still in shock over his sweet comment, I go through the motions of collecting his payment and giving him his change before he steps aside, waiting for Brynnlee to finish boxing his order.

My heart races when I see Brooks and Molly step to the front of the line. I was so busy trying not to hurt David’s feelings I didn’t notice them come in. But before I can say anything, CassiMartin, with her perfect hair and perfect body, steps in front of Brooks, stopping his movements.

“Brooks, hon, I was wondering if you'd like to go to the summer festival with me tomorrow.” Her perfect fake eyelashes flutter prettily as she waits for his answer.

I can’t take my eyes off Brooks, even holding my breath, waiting for his answer. Out of the corner of my eye, I think I see Molly shake her head and pull on his arm.

The silence stretches out, making my heart thump so loudly that I’m almost sure the entire room can hear it racing, until the one word I never thought could tear my world apart escapes from Brook’s mouth.

“Sure.”

two

Brooks

“Hurry up, Uncle Brooks.The bakery might be out of my favorite cookies." My niece Molly grabs my hand, pulling me toward the newest business in town, Mountain Morsels, and the curvy owner I can’t stop thinking about.

Junie is all soft curves that I’m itching to press against my body. Add her forest green eyes and deep red hair, and she’s my ideal woman.

Ever since the day the bakery first opened and Molly and I stopped by to support the new business, I have been drawn to Junie. Every day, I struggle with the urge to ask her out, but my first priority is my niece.

My older brother, Bran, was granted parental rights to Molly after her parents passed away. Bran had served in the military alongside Molly’s father and built a close bond with him.

When Molly first moved in with Bran, things were difficult. Bran had to hire a nanny to help get through the toughest part. Hiring Millie was the best decision Bran could make. They fell in love, got married, and are expecting their first child together any time now.

Millie has been on bed rest for the past four weeks. Between my brothers Bay and Bale, we’ve been taking turns spending time with Molly while Bran takes care of Millie.

“The bakery won’t run out before we get there. They never do.” That’s another thing I notice about Junie: she always has two unicorn cookies packaged and waiting for us, no matter what time we arrive at the bakery.

You don’t know that for sure. What if Junie gives the box of cookies to some other girl and her uncle.

“I’ll make sure Junie doesn’t give her cookies to anyone else but me.” If only that was something I could guarantee, but the longer I delay asking her out, the greater the risk I take of another guy sneaking in and stealing her away from me.

Two months is all I need before I can claim Junie on my own. Millie and Bran will have had the baby by then and will want to spend more time with Molly as a family. I’ll still hang out with my favorite niece, but I’ll have all the time in the world to make up for lost time with Junie.

“Are we going to the summer festival tomorrow?” The hopeful look in Molly’s eyes as she gazes at me nearly breaks my heart. This little girl has already lost so much in her young life, and I refuse to disappoint her.

“Of course, we’re going to the festival. Uncle Bale will be there with the other volunteer firefighters at the fire safety house.”

“And Uncle Bay, will he be there?” Molly’s small hand squeezes my large one, silently showing her concern for Bay.

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