Page 11 of Romancing the Mountain Man
Without turning around, he says, “Brunch, no. But if you ask nicely, I’ll build you a bookshelf.”
My mouth drops open. “You’re kidding.”
He turns, smirking just enough to make my insides do that thing again. “Dead serious. I can build a mean shelf.”
“Be still, my beating heart.”
He hands me a mug, his fingers brush mine. “Coffee. Strong. Figured you’d need it after last night.”
I sipped. “Wow. Look at you, all thoughtful and smug.”
“I’m not smug,” he said, turning back to the stove. “I’m just confident. There’s a difference. Plus, your cries and moans told me I did something right.”
This man.
I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around his waist, resting my cheek against his back, thinking,might as well go all in. “Mm. You get like this with all your guests? Or am I just special?”
He leans back a little. “First time I’ve ever cooked breakfast for a woman inthiscabin.” When I give him a slap on his arm, he chuckles, then says, “Any woman and any cabin, actually”.
My heart does a slow somersault, but I’m not about to let him get the upper hand.
“Whoa! So, I’m like a really big deal? I mean, my mom always told me I was special, but now you’ve just cemented it.” He grunts, but I keep going. “So, you don’t make eggs and black coffee for tourists you rescue from fireplace disasters on the regular?” I tease him.
“Nope,” he said, flipping something in the pan with absurd grace. “You’re my first storm survivor.”
“Lucky me.”
He turns then, eyes locking with mine. His hand brushes my hair back. “I’m the one who’s lucky, Quinn.”
I swallow hard. “Don’t say it unless you mean it.”
“I don’t say anything I don’t mean.”
Time seems to stand still, both of us staring at each other like we are already too far gone.
Then he says, “Breakfast is gonna burn.”
I laugh, leaning up to kiss his cheek before turning toward the table.
“You really are the book boyfriend,” I say. “Broody, skilled hands, and makes a mean breakfast.”
He groans. “You’re gonna write me into one of your smutty books, aren’t you?”
“Already have a title,” I said, grinning as I take a seat at the table.
He raises a brow. “Yeah?”
I nod. “Wood for You.” I snicker. “Get it?Woodfor you?”
He stares at me for a moment, then shakes his head and mutters, “You’re lucky I like you.”
And damn if those words don’t make my heart skip a beat.
Chapter 10
Quinn
Even though it’s been a short few days, we've fallen into a great rhythm together. After ourrhythmthroughout the night, Luke wakes early, starts coffee, and then goes to tend to the cabins. I heard Audrey call him early this morning with a honey-do list, and it made me smile. He answered her with respect and concern for making sure the guests here have everything they need.
