Page 7 of Admiring the Mountain Man
If only she could see that the last thing I’m hungry for is anything listed on this menu.
“I’ll have to get back to you on it.” Throat tight, I take the sheet to busy my hands with something.
“Just say the word and I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.” Sending me away with those words, she drifts off in another direction.
Sighing once she’s gone, I don’t bother thinking about the time or how long it’s been since the last time I’ve eaten.
This is enough. It’s always been enough.
But the way she keeps pushing, I’m starting to want more. Once that becomes a problem, I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep myself away.
Here’s to hoping I don’t fuck everything up when that day comes.
3
Kelsie
Okay, the clouds are starting to look a little scary now. What started as a light gray this morning during my walk to work has now turned into what looks like a sky made of black.
The bar is quiet, and good for reason too. With a lack of customers coming inside, them having the right mind to stay out of this mess, I’ve already closed down the kitchen and sent the crew home since both of them live on the mountain.
The women bartending, despite reassuring me that they’re happy to finish their shift, just recently left.
Crossing my arms across my chest, I watch as rain pelts the glass with harsh thumps. In the distance, I can see the trees waving with the wind and the sky lighting up with colors of purple and white.
In the pit of my stomach, I know today is not going to end too well.
“Owner won’t let you close shop, will he?” Behind me, the one person who insists on riding out this storm with me sits.
I won’t lie, I’ve been jumping for every minute I get to spend with Hayes. Especially while we’re completely alone like this.
At the same time, he’s making me more than worried. If he has trouble getting up and down the mountain on a normal day, then I can only imagine how rough a day like this will be.
“I tried to call him, but you know how the signal is up there. Throw in the wind, I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone on the mountain is without communication.” Turning away from the window, I find Hayes sitting comfortably at one of the tables. The seats there are more comfortable, I don’t know why he doesn’t normally sit in them. Part booth, the cushion there is the easiest to sink into.
Approaching the table, I slump down in the chair across from him. Fighting the urge to yawn, it helps when the lights above flicker.
I really hope the power doesn’t go out.
“Why don’t you make the call and deal with the consequences later? I’m sure he’s understanding. Close the bar, and I’ll give you a ride home.” He drums his fingers against the table like he’s impatient with the fight I’m putting up.
Hayes is right. Gavin is a big softie. He cares about the safety and health of all of his workers.
If I close now, I won’t be able to continue being greedy like this.
Even if something as good as getting cozy in his truck and sitting close enough to touch him comes my way, I’m not willing to bite. Not when it ends a moment like this.
Serenity and peace with the man of my dreams.
“Hayes, I’ll befine.You don’t have to stay, either. I live right down the street, and I have no doubt that all of this will passright over in no time.” The words come out more confidently than I feel.
In truth, I hate storms. A few times a year, Willowbrook Ridge gets the kind of storms that produce tornadoes that come with crazy damage. I get a little anxious and worried, and being at my crummy apartment during that big mess?
Hard pass.
Here with Hayes, I feel more comfortable. If he decides to be smart and leave now before the weather gets even worse, then I’ll deal with my worries on my own.
Something tells me that with the way he nonchalantly relaxes despite the mess happening outside, he has no intention of leaving.
