Page 18 of Autumn Feud With The Mountain Man
“We were getting along. You’re just the type that likes to make courtship a little aggressive. I considered your threat to bankrupt me to be your version of a mating call.”
An unexpected laugh rolled out of me. “Thatcher, I think you’re insane.”
“What I am is completely and totally obsessed with you. I’d like to see you again. In fact, I’d like to see you alot.”
I wasn’t used to men being as bold as this. He seemed completely sure that he wanted to start something with me.
“The men in New York only act this waybeforethey get the panties off.”
Thatcher quirked up an eyebrow. “Well, I think they’re doing it wrong. There’s nothing wrong with finding a woman you like and making a life with her. I’d never want to go from one woman to the next. That’s a lot of work, and it doesn’t sound fulfilling.”
“You’re serious.”
“Yes, ma’am.” His eyes sparked, leaving my heart in danger of falling hard. Thatcher was more than just a pretty face, but his rugged good looks made it harder to resist him.
And did I want to resist?
I looked away, then shyly glanced back. “What exactly are you talking about here, Thatcher? Because until last night, I only had one foot in this state.”
His eyes darkened again at the hint that I had been planning on leaving.
Taking my hand in his, he rumbled, “There’s an attraction between us that I’ve never felt before. You make me feel like I’m onfirefor you. But it’s more than just sex. I’d like to get to know you. And if that goes well, I wouldn’t mind seeing if we could have a future together.”
And just like that, my heart unlocked.
“A future?”
He shrugged, and I could tell he was acting more casual than he felt. “I guess I’m a traditional guy. I like the idea of settling down… having a wife. Maybe some kids. I’m in my mid-thirties, and until now I’d never met the woman who made me feel like she was the one. But there’s something about you that…”
All the blood rushed to my head, and I felt momentarily dizzy.
It wasn’t exactly a marriage proposal, but it was a hint that if things went right, there could be one in the future.
I’d given up thinking about dating, let alone marriage, a long time ago.
There had been very few hours left in the day after my eighty-hour work weeks at the firm.
And the men I’d met when Ididfind some time to go out, only wanted one thing.
But Thatcher felt like a real man compared to them. He made them look like boys playing at being men.
Thatcher was strong, confident, and unafraid of going after what he wanted.
I liked the dedication I sensed in him.
A tiny smile popped up on my lips. “I think I’d like that.”
His eyes widened. “Marriage. Uh. Yeah. I can be talked into that. But can we start with a first date?”
“That’s what Imeant, Thatcher. A first date. I’d like to see where this goes. We don’t need to get married today.”
He quirked his mouth into a devilish smirk. “Unless my cock was so divine you’re ready to mate for life.”
I laughed and leaned forward until our foreheads touched. “What does our first date look like, Thatcher?”
He kissed me then, and it was so soulful it made my heart tear in two. Then it carefully stitched itself back together again.
When he pulled back, I was breathless and addled. The man had a serious effect on me, and it wasn’t diminishing with time.
