Page 21 of Heart of the Mountain
“Yes,” I say again, my voice more adamant this time.
“When? It certainly wasn’t when I discovered you in my woods. It wasn’t when you were lying to me and seducing me.”
“What? No, I didn’t plan on–”
“You didn’t tell me when we kissed, or slept together, or when I confessed my deepest insecurity. Were you just waiting for the right moment to rip my goddamn heart out?” The agonizing pain in his dark blue eyes hits me like a brick to the chest. I’ve done more damage than I can even comprehend. “Well, you found it.”
“Cutter, will you please give me a chance to explain?”
“Don’t see much point in explaining. At the end of the day, facts are facts. You lied to me.”
“Not about us.” I blink away tears and press my hand over my heart to hold all the broken pieces in place.
“No? Just about who you are, what you do for a living, and why you were out here in the first place.”
His narrowed eyes burn a hole right through me, the heat of his anger and betrayal coursing through me until it squeezes my lungs, making it hard to breathe. I open my mouth to defend myself, but no words come out. He’s so hurt right now that I know he’s not going to hear anything I have to say.
“It figures,” he mutters to himself. “My father fell for a flighty woman who would say anything to get what she wanted. Makes sense that I’d do the same.”
I remember what he told me about his mother. She was constantly leaving Cutter and his dad for the next best thing. It kills me that he thinks I’m the same way. Can I really blame him, though? This whole situation is messed up, and it’s all my fault.
I reach out toward Cutter in one last attempt to get him to listen to me, but he backs away and shakes his head. “I’m going out to do chores. You better not be here when I get back. Both of you,” he adds, glancing at Gabby.
The only man I’ve ever loved storms out of the cabin, slamming the back door behind him.
Taking a deep breath, I try to get myself under control before addressing my coworker. I almost forgot she was there, and now I’m beyond embarrassed that she witnessed the conversation between Cutter and me. Not that it was much of a conversation, but I’m sure she heard enough to get me fired.
When I’ve stalled as long as I can, I finally look up at Gabby, who is still standing in the doorway. The usually unflappable woman has a shocked look on her face, her jaw hanging open while her eyebrows float to the top of her forehead.
A moment later, she schools her features and steps inside. Gabby is back in control, like she always is. At first, I think she’s going to reprimand me. I deserve it. Instead, she surprises me by taking my hand and squeezing it tightly in hers.
“Don’t give any man the power to destroy you,” she tells me. “Women like us have to be strong.”
“Women like us?” I repeat.
“Women who have no one else.” Her sharp hazel eyes soften, letting me see a different side of my coworker.
Gabby is known around the office as being punctual, organized, and a bit stand-offish. She never offers personal details about her family or hobbies and activities she did over the weekend. Gabby doesn’t do small talk, but she’s an amazing agent who is dedicated to her job.
I see now that she’s not cold and mean. I wonder what her story is and why she’s all alone. This woman is protecting herself just like Cutter was trying to protect his heart from beingstomped on. Guilt sits heavy on my chest, knowing I did just that.
“Come on, let’s get out of here,” Gabby says, dropping her hand from mine.
“I don’t have anything to wear,” I admit. “My shirt and skirt were torn when I fell, and then…” I trail off, not wanting to go into any further details about why I haven’t needed clothes since being here.
Gabby nods once, a determined glint in her eyes. She walks right past me, into Cutter’s bedroom. I scurry behind her, not sure what she’s doing. My co-worker flings open the closet doors and begins digging around. A moment later, she pulls out a navy blue plaid flannel and takes it off the hanger.
“Here, put this on.”
She turns around to give me some privacy, then faces me again when I’m dressed. Gabby assesses the shirt and reaches into the purse hanging off her right shoulder. She produces several safety pins and proceeds to pinch and tuck the fabric until it’s cinched in at the waist, making it look less boxy. If not for the situation I currently find myself in, I’d say it’s a pretty cute outfit.
“There.” Gabby pats my shoulders to straighten out the shirt, then nods once more at her handiwork. The woman is resourceful, that’s for sure. I get the sense she’s always prepared.
“Thanks,” I tell her sincerely. “Should we be stealing this, though? I’ve already done enough damage as it is.”
“That guy was a dick to you,” she replies. “He’s lucky this is the only thing we’re taking.”
Gabby might think of herself as a loner, but she’s quick to back me up. I have a feeling she’s a loyal friend and fierce protector once those walls of hers come down. I’m determined to get to know her better when we return to the office.
