Page 20 of Brewing with the Mountain Man
She touches my face. "Tonight," she repeats.
I watch her drive away, Bear whining beside me, until her truck disappears around the bend.
The drive back feels wrong, like I'm going in the wrong direction. The cabin that's been my sanctuary for eight years suddenly feels too empty, too quiet.
I can't focus on anything. Not brewing, even though I should be preparing for the contest. Not reading, though I pick up three different books. Not even dinner, which ends up being crackers and cheese eaten standing at the counter. Because sitting at the table alone feels unbearable now that I know what it's like to share it with her.
I keep checking my phone, a device I barely used before, making sure it's working and that I haven't missed a call. I'm acting like a teenager waiting to hear from his high-school crush.
Bear keeps going to the door, tail wagging hopefully, then returning to slump at my feet when he realizes she's not there. "I know, boy," I tell him. "I miss her too."
It's insane how much I miss her after knowing her for three days. Three of the brightest days I’ve had in a long time.
What if she reconsiders once she's back in her real life? What if her family, her friends…or her fellow rangers talk her out of whatever this is? What if she realizes I'm just a sad ex-con hiding in the woods, not worth the complications I'd bring to her life?
Finally, the phone rings. Her voice immediately calms something in me that's been wound tight since she left.
"Hey," she says, and I can hear the smile in it.
"Hey yourself." I sink into my chair, tension leaving my shoulders. "How'd the reports go?"
"Fine. Dick Johnson is a model citizen who provided excellent shelter during the storm." She pauses. "But I’ve got better news. I've been researching permit processes."
"Sadie, you don't have to?—"
"Shut up and listen." There's that authoritative ranger voice that shouldn’t make my cock hard it an instant, but it does. Especially, when it’s breathy with affection. "I can fast-track things. I know people in the department who understand traditional foraging rights."
She launches into details about documentation and applications, her professional prowess making my chest ache. She's not just offering to help; she's already started the paperwork.
"Why are you doing all this, again?" I interrupt her explanation of form numbers.
"Because you deserve to enter that contest. Your beer is outstanding. And—" She stops and takes a breath. "Because I've been thinking about you all day. About us."
"Yeah?" My voice turns rough.
"I had to change clothes when I got home because everything smelled like you and it was too distracting." Her voice drops lower. "I can stillfeelyou, Ledger.Everywhere."
"Christ, Sadie." I grip the phone tighter. "You can't say things like that when you're not here."
"Pretend I am."
"What?"
"Pretend I’m there with you." She breathes. "Are you in bed?"
"Yep." My voice goes even lower.
"Me too. I just took a shower." There’s a pause. "And I’m naked.”
I groan, my body responding instantly to her words. "Sadie..."
"I wish I could touch you right now," she whispers. "I keep imagining what I'd do if I was there."
“You better tell me, woman.” The words come out strangled, as I fumble with my belt.
"I'd start by kissing you all over," she breathes, as I reach into my boxers. "Take my time until you're begging..."
“Damn,” I huff, stroking myself slowly.
