Page 10 of Kidnapped By the Mountain Man

Chapter Five

Cora

I lean against the car door and say my goodbyes to Kate. I’ve sucked the life from her today and I feel bad about it.

“Who was this guy?” she presses, desperate for me to talk more about Austin. I mentioned him without actually saying his name. They’re family, and that may cause some weirdness.

“He’s no one. Stop!” My tone is playful.

She shakes her head and makes this wistful face with her hands clasped together at her cheeks. “But you said he’s so… dreamy.”

I hold back a smile. “Stop! He’s just a guy, and it was one conversation. A conversation I shouldn’t even be talking about considering the place I’m in right now.”

She shrugs. “Fuck that. Rick’s an ass and everyone knows it!”

I nudge her shoulder. “Stop. He’s not that bad! Besides, marrying him means my mom gets her surgery. There’s nothing more important than that.”

She nods, a frown now on her face. “What about a great big loan? Have you tried that?”

“Yeah. Well, my dad tried. I have no liquid assets, so the bank isn’t my friend yet. But, on the plus side,” I chirp, lightening my voice, “I got us chocolate champagne for tonight.”

“You’re changing the subject.” She grins, leaning in for a hug. “I love you, and I’m late picking up Milo from Mrs. Robinson, so I better run. She says the first three hours are free, and then she sells the puppies to the highest bidder. Do you think she’s for real?” Kate laughs.

“Kind of,” I giggle, squeezing her tight.

As I do, I catch the glimpse of Austin striding toward me from across the street like he owns the town.

Thankfully, Kate turned after heading out the door and went the other way. She’s halfway up the street as Austin nears me. He looks the same as he did earlier. Jeans, white button down, rolled halfway up the sleeves… except his ball cap is twisted backward now.

Why? Why did he have to turn it back?He was hot enough already. My clit thumps and moisture gathers between my legs.

“Hey. Long time no see.” I smile and open my arms to greet him with a hug.

His cheeks flush red like maybe he’s surprised, and for a second, I wonder if maybe a hug was too much. But he leans in and holds me against his big, warm body like he owns me… like he’s owned me for ages and knows exactly how I like to be touched.

There’s a scent of cedar on his skin, and a nearly inaudible growl in his throat. His big, rough hands touch the small of my back and my brain goes untuned from reality. I’m lost and nothing else matters but our bodies and this moment. I close myeyes and disappear for who knows how long. It’s not until a man coughs on the sidewalk that I’m jolted back to reality.

I shake my head back and forth, pulling away from his touch, straightening my back. “Austin,” I clear my throat, “is everything okay?”

I’m pretty sure my face is beet red because my cheeks feel like they were slapped by the most intense, yet caring hand ever.

“I saw you trying on dresses.”

My brows lift. “You did?”

“You were crying.”

“Are you stalking me?” I snap back. Why do I hope the answer is yes?

“Why were you crying?”

I bite my bottom lip and look down the street. It’s a quiet afternoon, with a handful of people out, but I wonder how many saw me hugging Austin. This is a small town, and people talk.

“None of your business.” I pull my keys from my coat pocket and head toward my truck.

Austin follows.

“Feels like my business.”

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