Page 8 of My Grumpy Mountain Man

“I know. You scared the shit out of me, sunshine.”

My arms are still wrapped around her waist, our chests touching, but it’s not enough. I hug her tightly, hoping it’ll be enough to comfort her after the scare. I don’t know how long we stay like this because I’m physically unable to let go. I’m never letting her out of sight again. It was stupid of me to not tell her. What a fucking useless ass! I know better. I should have made her wait.

She pulls back slightly, just enough to look up at me. Her breath is uneven. Mine too. I’m mesmerized by her.

“I…” I can’t help but brush the strands of hair off her face. I’ve avoided touching her but now it seems it’s urgent that I do. I'm so relieved she's safe.

“Thank you. For saving me.” She puts her hands on my chest, like she wants to feel how hard my heart is beating.

For a moment, we just stand there, breathing each other in. I’m not smooth, I’ve never had much luck with the ladies with my awkward self and my awful mood, but she doesn’t seem to care. She presses her mouth against mine, knowing exactly what she wants, not waiting for me to make a move. I like that about her. She doesn't let me hesitate, taking charge, confident.

My sunshine. Mine.

Eventually, I'm the one taking charge. My arms tighten around her, pulling her closer like she belongs with me, right here by my chest. I don't know if she does, but I belong here, with my arms around her. When she moans, I grip her hair, wanting to hear it again and again. It's the sexiest sound I've ever listened to. And she did it because of me. With each brush of our lips, she gives me excuses to obsess more and more over her.

I carry her to the towel, my mouth still pressed to hers, feeling like the luckiest son of a bitch in the world.

Chapter 7 - Bethany

The sun’s just starting to dip behind the mountains, turning the sky a mixture of oranges, purples, and pinks. The lake reflects it all, almost like it’s a magical lake surrounded by trees. Kissing Marcus was just as magical, I think it was the fear that made me brave enough to kiss him. It didn’t look as terrifying as the beautiful lake that is dangerously deceptive. Or maybe it was the way he held me, like I was precious. One thing I know for certain is that he’s just as attracted to me as I am to him. It didn’t feel like before but the way he kissed me, the way his mouth claimed mine, taking all the breath out of me, it wasn’t a kiss from someone who’s indifferent. We might not be each other’s forevers, with our very different personalities, but our bodies want each other. And my body wants him in a way I’ve never wanted anyone before.

We’ve been quiet, contemplating the view. I don’t think I ever felt comfortable with silence. But with Marcus, I am.

“Is this the reason why you don’t want them to come?” I ask after what seems like a long time.

“Yeah…”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“About the sudden change in height?”

“Yeah. You could have told me.”

“I’m sorry. I should have told you before you went in, not when you were already in the water.”

“No. I mean, yesterday.”

“I’ve told multiple people in the past few years. They never listen.”

He stops, almost like he has to collect himself to talk this much. Am I asking too many questions again? People have told me I ask too many questions before.

“Every time someone asked me to, I explained why. So I got tired. If no one was listening to my explanations, I thought I might as well not waste my time telling them again. A single no is a full sentence and all that.”

“I’d have listened.”

“I know that now but you come here, eager to use the lake, screaming city girl all over. I judged you for it, you know. Figured you wouldn’t listen to someone rough like me.”

I put my hand on top of his, trying to appease him. “And you were right. I wouldn't have ignored you based on your appearance but I'd just keep pressing because I wanted to give a good first impression to the people I work with. I bet you didn’t think I’d accept your bet.”

He brushes his fingers down my arm, like he's studying me. I can't get enough of the attention he gives me. I'm not used to feeling like I'm someone's main focus, which is exactly how he makes me feel.

“I knew you would. You’re stubborn like that.”

“Stubborn?”

His eyebrows reach the top of his hairline, waiting for my denial.

“Fine. You’re right. I’m very stubborn.”

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