Page 3 of Pretending with the Mountain Man
"That's him." She studies me with a knowing look that makes me uncomfortable. "Mountain man extraordinaire. Security specialist at Club Crimson, wilderness guide when he feels like it, and overprotective father always."
"He seems... intense."
"You have no idea." Sage laughs. "Wait until you see him in full protective mode. It's both terrifying and heartwarming."
I take another sip of my latte, trying to process my unexpected reaction to Malik Harris. The electric awareness that sparked between us felt inappropriate given he's Sage's father, yet undeniably present.
"Ready for the grand tour?" Sage asks, untying her apron. "Luna at Chapter & Curse is dying to meet you, and I promised to bring you by Tangled Roots so Venus can fuss over your hair."
"Lead the way," I say, grateful for the distraction. "Show me everything Crimson Hollow has to offer."
As we leave Bean & Bloom, I can't help glancing down the street toward where Malik disappeared. Something about him lingers in my mind, a puzzle I can't quite solve. He's Sage's father. Twice my age. Completely off-limits.
So why can't I stop thinking about the warmth of his hand around mine, or the intensity in his dark eyes when they met my own?
This is fine, I tell myself. I'm just nervous about starting over. That's all this flutter in my stomach is. Nothing to do with the ridiculously attractive mountain man who happens to be my best friend's father.
I square my shoulders and follow Sage down Main Street, into my new life. Whatever happens next, it has to be better than what I left behind in Toronto.
CHAPTER TWO
MALIK
The moment I saw her standing next to Sage in Bean & Bloom, something shifted in my chest. A recognition. A warning. A fucking problem.
Melody Washington is exactly the kind of woman I avoid. Young. Beautiful. Vulnerable. And my daughter's best friend, which makes her completely off-limits.
I drive toward Club Crimson with my hands gripping the steering wheel too tight, trying to shake the image of those wide brown eyes and soft curves hidden beneath that oversized sweater. The mountain roads demand my attention, winding through thick forests that shield Crimson Hollow from the outside world. Just like I need to shield myself from thoughts of Melody.
"Focus, Harris," I mutter, downshifting as I take a curve.
Club Crimson sits at the edge of the Kane brothers' property, an imposing structure of glass and timber that houses both the public wellness retreat and the private members-only BDSM club. As part of the security team, I've helped make this place asanctuary where people can safely explore their deepest desires. Where consent and boundaries are sacred.
The irony isn't lost on me that I'm struggling with my own boundaries at the moment.
I park in my reserved space and head inside through the staff entrance. The morning crew is already prepping for the day's wellness retreat guests, the front that allows Club Crimson to exist in a small town like this.
"Morning, Malik," Noah Kane calls from behind the reception desk. At thirty-eight, he's one of the younger Kane brothers and co-owner of the club. "You're early."
"New security protocols to review with Jake," I say, swiping my badge at the door leading to the administrative offices. "And I need to update the guest cabin systems."
"For Sage's friend, right?" Noah follows me into the corridor. "Heard she's taking over at the high school."
Small towns. News travels faster than light.
"Yes," I respond, keeping my tone neutral. "She's staying until she finds her own place."
Noah leans against the wall, arms crossed. "Generous offer."
I turn to face him fully. "Something you want to say, Kane?"
He holds up his hands. "Just making conversation. Though I will say, if she's half as pretty as Sage described when they were setting up the job with Jordyn, you might want to reinforce your own defenses, not just the cabin's."
My jaw tightens. "She's my daughter's age."
"And?" Noah raises an eyebrow. "Age gaps happen, Harris. Especially in our lifestyle."
"She's not in our lifestyle," I say firmly. "She's a teacher starting a new job. And my daughter's best friend."
