Page 4 of Enticed by the Mountain Man
She pouts like she’s about to argue, then starts her slow descent. When she hits the floor, she’s still smiling.
“You’re no fun.”
“I’m not supposed to be.”
She steps closer. Too close. “You could try being a little fun. Might help you loosen up.”
“Loosen up?”
Her eyes sparkle. “Yeah. You’ve got this whole grumpy mountain man thing going on. It’s hot, don’t get me wrong, but it must be exhausting.”
I take a step back. “You done?”
“Not even close.”
“Maeve—”
She cuts me off with a soft laugh. “You’ve got sawdust on your face.”
Before I can stop her, she rises on her toes and wipes at my cheek with her thumb. It’s a slight, innocent touch. It shouldn’t mean anything.
Her eyes meet mine, and the air between us shifts.
I step back first. “You should head inside.”
“You’re avoiding me.”
“I’m protecting you.”
Her brow arches. “From what?”
I stare at her. “From me.”
For a long moment, neither of us moves. Then she smiles slowly, like she just learned something important, and turns toward the door.
“Good luck with your table, Graham.”
She walks out, hips swaying just enough to make me curse under my breath.
When the door closes, I drag a hand over my face and let out a long breath. The shop is quiet again, but it’s the wrong kind of quiet. It’s the kind that doesn’t bring peace.
I try to go back to work, but the wood feels too heavy in my hands. Every thought keeps circling back to her. Her laugh. Her mouth. The way she looks at me like she knows exactly how close I am to breaking.
Connor’s my best friend. She’s off-limits.
So why does every part of me already want to cross that line?
Chapter three
Maeve
I wake to quiet. No city traffic. No upstairs neighbors. No phone buzzing on the nightstand. The light through the small window is soft and pale. It makes the room look simple and clean. I breathe easier than I have in weeks.
I shower and pull on jeans and a sweater. I braid my hair and put on a little bit of mascara and lip gloss. My phone has one unread message from Connor.
Connor: Text me when you’re up. You good?
Me: I’m up. Safe. Thank you.
