Page 1 of Enticed By the Mountain Man

ONE

Carrie

I’ve always been a cold weather girl. I love winter fashion and hot cocoa and curling up under a blanket in front of the fireplace with a good book.

I detest summer.

Having lived in Black Crystal Falls all my life, I dread May, because it means June is on the way, when the temperature can often go over ninety. And that means chafing and sweating. And flies.

I hate going outside in summer because of the flies. Especially deer flies. Flies shouldn’t bite people, and deer flies are the worst.

Needless to say, I chose a profession that means I can stay inside all year round. A lot of people ask me if I hate working in an office, but I tell them I love the temperature control. I love having my own desk and access to as much coffee as my little heart can withstand.

And I love feeling wanted.

I work as an executive assistant for Justin Ashwell, the multi-millionaire CEO of Lila Skincare. Justin doesn’t like many people, but he likes me.

At least, he tolerates me.Likemight be too strong a word.

I don’t exactly know how he feels about me on a personal level because he’s not the kind of guy to talk about anything personal. My interview three years ago was professional, to the point, and lasted about ten minutes. I’m not exactly sure what it was I did or said to make him choose me above all the other applicants (apparently there were thirty interviewees narrowed down from over one hundred), but I was grateful for the opportunity to work for a reputable company. I’d already been a fan of the range before I worked for them, and I’m evenmore devoted now. They have great products made with quality ingredients, and they’re not outrageously expensive. I love their branding too. It’s classic but not old-fashioned.

My office is in Springbrook, next to the Channel Eight News building. I don’t really know many people in Springbrook, though. I arrive at work at 8am, and I leave at 5pm, in which time I drive straight back to my home in Black Crystal Falls. During the day, I mostly take phone calls, but I do get the occasional supplier or stockist dropping by for a meeting with Justin.

Justin is only in the office a few days each week. The rest of the time, he’s out doing CEO stuff… business lunches, retail inspections, and meetings with accountants.

I’m aware of his schedule from a macro perspective, but not the nitty-gritty. Justin doesn’t tell me anything unless it’s necessary for my job—which makes sense. I think we both like to keep things as efficient as possible.

My friend Jules is always trying to get me to say something that hints at deeper feelings from either of us, but I keep disappointing her.

Yes, he’s a very attractive man, but to me, he’s practically a mannequin. Or a Ken doll without any working parts below his waist.

Okay, that’s probably going a bit far. I once accidentally saw him after he’d returned from the gym and had a shower in the bathroom next to his office. He’d only had a small towel wrapped around his waist, and there was enough of a bulge under there to prove he was definitelynota Ken doll.

But I never had time to dwell on it, because as soon as he noticed me standing in the doorway, he yelled at me to get a file he needed.

I almost never think about it now. Other than to be mortified at being caught somewhere I shouldn’t have been.

I shake my head as if to erase the memory again now.

It’s 4pm on Monday afternoon, and I have to finish preparing Justin’s schedule for the rest of the week. He’s got a particularly busy few days with a new store opening in Arcadia City tomorrow, and a showcase in New York on Friday. We’re releasing a new suite of face care products aimed at women aged eighteen to twenty-five. I like that Lila Skincare doesn’t try to exploit peoples’ insecurities and just gives them what they actually need. Like moisturizer in winter. And recovery balm in summer.

Justin hasn’t been in today, and I’m not expecting him this afternoon, so I’ll email everything through when I’m done.

As I’m finishing up, the phone rings.

I pick up the receiver. “Hello?”

“Hey, Carrie, it’s me. I’m sorry to ask this, but I’m kind of in a tight spot. Can you come and pick me up?”

My stomach swoops. I have never heard Justin sound so apologetic or tell me he’s in a tight spot. It must be something serious.

“Sure. Where are you?”

He hesitates for a second. “The police station at Black Crystal Falls.”

I’m about to ask what he’s doing there, but I know he won’t appreciate it. I’m pretty sure I’ve lasted this long because I don’t ask unnecessary questions.

“No problem. I’m leaving now. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

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