Page 7 of Her Mountain Man Neighbor
Clutching the cupcake container, I head up the porch steps to the front door, nerves fluttering in my chest. It’s not too late to turn around and go back to Holden’s. I could sit on the couch, wrap myself up in a blanket, and eat the cupcakes myself. I could forget all about Lucian and try to move on with my life.But even as the possibility skirts around my mind, I know I can’t walk away. Lucian got under my skin yesterday in a way I still can’t understand. I haven’t stopped thinking about him since he walked away from Holden’s cabin without a backward glance. So I take a deep breath, lift my fist, and knock.
4
LUCIAN
I pourmyself another cup of coffee, gulping it down like water. I feel like shit this morning—didn’t get a wink of sleep. Hell, I knew it was hopeless as soon as my head hit the pillow. Grace was all I could think about. The memory of her is like a fucking drug, flooding me with adrenaline and desire and guilt all at once. I promised myself I’d let it go. Forget the curvy young beauty I rescued in the woods. Forget her pretty lips and bright eyes. But it’s sure as hell not working so far.
I reach down absentmindedly to stroke Midnight, running my hand over her soft fur as I think back to how I acted yesterday. Grace must think I’m an asshole. I deliberately avoided her gaze, giving one-word answers to her questions. She was being so damn sweet, her voice like honey in my ears as she asked about my life. But I had to keep my distance. Avoid temptation. Every second I spent in the woods with her was another blow to my self control. All I wanted to do was draw her close, but I forced myself to push her away. I didn’t even turn back when I left her at Holden’s, not even when every cell in my body was screaming at me to take one last look at her.
Fuck, what the hell is wrong with me?
I set my coffee down, running an agitated hand over my beard. This is all new to me—these crazy feelings. I don’t know how to handle them. For the past twelve years, I’ve been completely alone, cut off from the world around me. Everything has been focused inward, my thoughts stuck in the past, nothing but guilt and bad memories. But meeting Grace has pulled me into the present with a fierce jolt. For the first time in so long, I feel alive. Like I’m still here. Still a breathing, red-blooded man. One look at her was all it took.
But I still can’t let myself want her.
My feelings don’t change the fact that she’s too damn young, too innocent…
My thoughts are going in circles, and with a grunt of frustration, I push myself up from my chair, reaching for my axe. I need to get out some of my frustration, and chopping wood is the best way to do it. But before I can grab the handle, a knock sounds at the front door. Midnight turns her head toward it, her amber eyes wary. Hell, I can’t blame her. It’s not something that happens often out here.
I head for the door and pull it open, and I swear my heart stops for a second when I see her standing there. Grace. She looks even more beautiful than yesterday. Her lilac hair is scooped back in a messy bun, stray locks framing her pretty face. An olive-green sweater hugs her curves, the color matching her eyes as they sparkle up at me.
How is she even more perfect than I remember?
“Hi!” she says. “I hope I’m not bothering you, but I wanted to thank you again for yesterday. So I baked these.”
She holds out a plastic container that I was too busy staring at her to notice. Inside, I can see two rows of heavily frosted cupcakes. Grace presses the container into my hands, her skin brushing against mine, sending a jolt through me. I should saysomething. Anything. But I’m tongue-tied as hell. My mouth always seems to stop working around this angel.
“Thanks,” I manage to grunt. “They look good.”
“They’re a little over-baked but the frosting should make up for it.”
I nod, clearing my throat as silence descends between us.
Goddammit, say something,I think to myself bitterly.Invite her in.
Grace doesn’t seem uncomfortable with my silence. She just smiles at me sweetly, like she knows exactly what I’m thinking. Luckily, at that moment, Midnight comes to my rescue. I feel her brush against my leg, drawing Grace’s gaze.
“Aw!” she exclaims, crouching down to stroke her. “What a gorgeous cat!”
“Her name’s Midnight.”
“It suits her.” Grace grins as Midnight starts to purr loudly. “I always wanted a cat.”
“She’s a sweetheart. Eats like crazy though. Always hungry. Or asleep.”
Grace laughs. “Relatable. I should have made her something too. Maybe next time.”
It’s only a throwaway comment, but something stirs inside me at the words “next time”—like maybe this visit isn’t just a one-off.
“How long have you had her?” she asks, finally straightening up.
“Twelve years.” My throat tightens uncomfortably when I think back to the day I brought her home—a tiny kitten with a dead owner. I push away the memory and say, “She used to be a live wire. Mellowed out with age.”
Grace smiles. “I bet she still has her moments.” She takes a step back from the door, and my heart sinks when she says,“Anyway, I’d better go. Holden and Mila don’t know I’m gone, and I want to get back before they wake up.”
“Right. Sure.” I try not to betray my emotions. “Well, thanks for the cupcakes.”
“Anytime!”
