Page 1 of Temptation for the Mountain Man
Chapter 1
Blaze
I eye the four tiny houses that still need plumbing work as I gulp the last of my steaming coffee. October mornings in the mountains are chilly and glorious. The resort got lucky with last week's Firelight Games, as it stayed warmer during the day and only cooled off at night. But this week, it's crisp all day long, and storms are brewing.
Glancing at the list on my clipboard, I sketch out a plan for today's work. As the plumbing foreman for the employee houses being built at the rear ofThe Palmer Resort & Spa, I'm responsible for keeping us on schedule. We're almost done with our project, trying to finish up before the snow hits this winter, but I'm letting everybody go early today. The forecast says the icy rain will hold off until early evening, but I have a few guys who live pretty far up the mountain, so we're not taking any chances.
Movement out of the corner of my eye has me looking up. Employees huddle together, chatting at the shuttle stop, ready to head into the resort for today's first shift. I search the group like a bear seeking his sweet honey fix. My eyes land on her within seconds. The woman with the sad smile and dangerous curves.
When she spots me, I try to look away, but I can't. And it's not just her sexy body. Voluptuous is the word my grandma would use for her. A real nice swing on that back porch is how my grandpa would put it. Round ass and thick thighs that I'd love to have clamped around my face.
But there's something else about her that has me completely obsessed. She has a calm, resilient energy. Tired but vibrant. Her eyes aren't exactly sad, but they reflect a woman who’s lived a lot of life in a short time. I've watched her for the last few weeks as we finish up these houses, hoping one of them might be for her. She looks like she needs a place to call home.
Archer Jackson, one of our temporary workers, walks past the shuttle stop, chatting amiably with the group. He's only been here for a few months, but he's made friends with everyone. He nods at the mystery woman who, I'm pleased to see, barely glances his way. Two younger girls, barely out of high school, call out to Archer after he passes. He turns, walking backward as they banter back and forth. The dark-haired girl grins, and Archer shakes his head at whatever she says to him. He turns around with a grin.
When he gets closer, Archer locks eyes with me and lets out a low whistle. "I sure am going to miss the beauties around these parts."
I glare at him, clenching my fists at my sides to keep from knocking out his pretty teeth for including my girl in his statement.
Mygirl?Fuck. Maybe if I were ten years younger.
Archer appears blissfully unaware of my irritation and continues to chat about his next gig. Even if he is leaving tomorrow, word travels fast around the resort, and I don't need anybody gossiping about me making eyes at the younger staff.
But hell if he's not right. Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe her.
The shuttle bus chugs up the path, and I pretend to look through paperwork as I watch to make sure she gets on okay. As she steps up to the door, she glances my way again and catches me staring at her. We both freeze for an impossibly long moment. Then she gives me a little wave before disappearing through the metal door.
It occurs to me too late that I didn't bother to wave back. Should I talk to her next time? Does that mean she's interested?
Must be the fall weather. It always reminds me of my high school football days, bonfires, and hormone-fueled hangouts. It's got me acting like a fucking teenager mooning over a girl whose name I don't even know.
Shaking my head, I call the guys together, handing out assignments for the day.
"All right, if we get enough done, I'll send everyone home at 2 pm due to the weather," I say. "Today is Archer's last day with us, so we'd usually head toRandy'sto buy him some drinks. Let us know next time you're back in town, and we'll pay you back twofold."
"No worries, man," Archer grins around at the group. "Hope everybody gets home safe tonight."
The group murmurs in appreciation, patting Archer on the back, and gets to work. Archer's a popular guy, but everybody who lives in the mountains knows you don't fuck with the weather. My phone pings with an incoming text.
CELESTE
Hey - what do you want for your birthday this year?
What I want just got on a bus.I growl at myself, irritated with my irrational obsession with the mystery woman. Although I'd bet Celeste knows who she is.
Nothing. Save your money.
That's not how the family birthday swap works, Uncle Blaze.
Oh, she means business when she drops theUncletitle on me.
That party you threw me last year counts for the next decade.
No, it doesn't. Forty deserves a party. Forty-one deserves???
A drink at Randy's next time we're there at the same time.
You're useless.
