Page 82 of Mountain Wood

“Thank you, Dean. I appreciate it. Nick’s unable to come dig me out and my truck is out of commission, so I’m stuck with the old beater, which doesn’t have four-wheel drive.” She sounds flustered. “Sorry I’m rambling.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m… great, actually.” She laughs a little hysterically. “I have no idea what’s happened, but I’ve had a huge influx in online orders.”

“That’s amazing.” My chest warms thinking maybe I had something to do with that because of my viral video.

“This miracle couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve been struggling so much lately.” It’s radio silent for a few heartbeats. “Anyway...” She clears her throat. “I’d really like to get into the shop and fulfill these orders as quickly as possible. Give them top-tier customer service, ya know?”

“I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

“You’re the best. Thank you.”

I hang up and grin. “Sindra said she’s gotten a ton of online orders.”

Grace is practically glowing. “That’s amazing.”

I cradle her face, grateful this woman walked into my life. “Thank you so damn much for helping her.”

“I didn’t do anything. You did all the work.”

“It wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t pushed me to make a video like that.”

Even if it’s a temporary boost in sales, this is a big step in the right direction for Sindra’s small company. “I hope she gets big from this.”

“I’ll help with that,” Grace promises. “And I’ll make sure you see a lot of success, too.” She laces her fingers with mine and kisses my hand.

My throat tightens at the gesture. “You’ve given me the greatest gift a man could ask for, Grace.”

“Oh yeah? What’s that?”

“Hope.”

Chapter 20

Grace

Waking up in Dean’s bed has to be the greatest way to start a new life. The ache between my thighs is glorious. We’ve had so much sex I’m starting to worry his dick’s going to snap off. As for me, I’m doing just fine. My pussy is practically purring twenty-four-seven.

Reaching out for him, I find his side of the bed empty.

Not surprising. For the three days, I’ve slept in, and he’s been up before the sun working on various projects. There’s a note on the pillow that says,Stay right there.

No problem.

My yawn nearly unhinges my jaw as I cozy up under the covers that smell like my man, and my cell dings with a text.

Nicole: How does this look? Too much?

A picture comes through of her in a black, skin-tight dress.

Nicole: Is it giving Morticia Addams?

Grace: Yes! You look incredible.

Morticia Addams is goals. She’s got it all—glossy hair, banging body,Gomez. They don’t make men like him very often. I’ve always wished for Gomez-level man. I want to be worshipped andspoiled and loved until we’re both rotting, side-by-side in the ground, with worms eating us.

So romantic.

---