Page 8 of Admiring the Mountain Man
“Do you plan on riding out this storm with me?” Propping my cheek on my hand, I watch his expression closely. “Is that your goal?”
He sniffs, not denying my claim. Finally, he grunts. “Someone has to keep you company. Can’t even get this kind of peace on the mountain.”
Oh boy. If I’m not careful, he’s going to see the hearts forming in my eyes at his words.
He’s admitted it. He’s staying forme.
As a smile grows on my lips, not even the booming thunder above us is enough to shake me from this dazed state of mine.
“It’s a shame I can’t offer anything with entertainment.” Turning toward the TVs, I take in the different weather channels playing across each of them. “I suppose we could find something a little more interesting to watch.”
Something that doesn’t have warnings blasting across the bottom half.
“Kelsie.” He sighs my name, and I get more tingles along the length of my limbs. “I’m alright. Just do what you normally do. Don’t worry about me.”
Easier said than done, buddy.
“I can’t help it. Technically, youarea customer. It’s my job to make sure you’re comfortable. Speaking of which, have you changed your mind on the food? I can throw us something together.” Groaning softly, I lose the strength to keep positive. “I amstarving.”
His mouth quirks at my honesty. Giving up on me, he dips his head with a nod. “Food doesn’t sound bad. Anything sounds good right now.”
With a new task to busy my hands with, I’m happy to shoot to my feet and run toward the kitchen.
Not wanting to leave himself out there for long, I throw together burgers and potato wedges, my favorite greasy snack. Once I ask what kind of toppings he likes and put together the perfect meal to win his heart, I write these meals off as a business expense.
If Gavin were in my shoes, he’d understand.
By the time I come back out, I’m eager to sink my teeth into my work.
Sitting at his side instead of across from him, we watch the storm roll out.
The streets are deserted, and it’s unsettling that not a single pair of tail lights has passed by.
With my only company at my side, happy to keep my mind preoccupied, I don’t have much room to worry.
Watching Hayes devour his food is the best kind of distraction—the way he hunches over the plate like he’s afraid someone might take it from him, the barely restrained urgency in every bite. It pulls a laugh out of me, bright and unexpected in my own ears.
“If you were this hungry, you should’ve just said so.” I nudge his arm with my elbow, teasing. The contact lingers just a second too long, warmth bleeding through his sleeve. “Seriously,next time you’re craving something, say the word. I’ll make it happen.”
For a heartbeat, his expression shutters—something sharp and unfamiliar flickering across his face before he schools it back into careful neutrality. He clears his throat, fingers tightening around his napkin before he dabs his mouth with it.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
The words are measured and deliberate. Like he’s not just talking about the food.
Like he’s memorizing the offer, saving it for the future.
With the crazy thought making my body feel weightless, I’m sinking my teeth into another wedge when suddenly, everything goes dark.
* * *
“I hate storms,” I call out to Hayes as I fumble around the kitchen while trying to find the emergency kit I know Gavin has prepared for times like these.
The flashlight on my phone is only being so helpful. I need something a little more promising.
The office in the back is a little cluttered, and standing on a swivel chair is never a great idea, but it’s something that needs to be done to fetch the cardboard box tucked away on the top shelf.
To my boss, this is nothing for a giant. Unfortunately, I’m a shrimp in comparison.
