Page 8 of Hooked By the Mountain Man

“No, I do not,” Brynn squeaks, blushing prettily.

Twenty-four hours.

I step back to give her space. As I turn to leave, I call the number she entered, and her phone rings. Brynn cocks her head at me.

"Just checking," I grunt.

She rolls her eyes but gives me a little smile. "Goodnight, Ethan."

"Goodnight, Brynn." I let the door click behind me and walk out into the dark evening. I open the trunk of my car, pulling outa thick flannel blanket and a sleeping bag that I keep there in case of emergencies.

Nobody puts Baby in the corner...but apparently the front steps are acceptable.

I make myself comfortable, settling in against the door so I can hear if she calls out for help. And then I do something I haven't been able to do in almost a year.

I open the notes app on my phone and start writing.

Chapter 5

Brynn

I blink my eyes open as the morning light streams through the skylight window and moan. My body aches, and I pop a few extra-strength pain relievers with a sip of water from the bottle next to my bed as my phone sounds with an incoming text message.

Miranda

How are you feeling? Can I bring you anything?

I called my brother from the hospital yesterday. Cole insisted on heading over immediately, but I managed to convince him to wait and let Miranda check on me today instead.

I'm fine. Let's stick to the plan. I'll meet you guys atThe Watershedat noon. It's right off the lobby.

xo. See you in a few hours!

Holy shit! What time is it? Oh my god. I slept in. Damn it! I grab my phone, ready to send a frantic text to Celeste, but see one from her sent last night.

Celeste

Don't forget you're off tomorrow and the next day.

I was so frazzled by Ethan, I managed to take a quick shower and then poured myself into bed.

Thank you for this. I completely forgot.

Since I took off half of yesterday, I should come in and check on a few things, though.

I start to wiggle out of bed, but my phone pings immediately.

If you step one foot in the lobby, I'm supposed to send you home and call the medic.

Mr. Maloney's orders.

Oh my god. Bossy, arrogant men trying to tell me what I should do. Intense blue eyes invade my brain, and I subconsciously flit my fingers over my neck where the owner of said eyes kissed me yesterday. I've been horny and wound up since last night. Hell, since he held me in his arms in the car,carried me into the freaking hospital, and refused to leave my bedside while he claimed me with his gaze.

I shake my head.Banish thee!

Fine, but I'm meeting Miranda for lunch, so I will have to walk into the lobby.

I'll allow it.

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