Page 2 of Grump

Luke

What the hell just happened?I rush over to the curvy brunette. “Are you okay?” She winces when I go to touch her ankle.

“Please don’t hurt me.”

“Hurt you?” I shake my head. “You’re already hurt, sweetheart, and with no help from me.”

She looks up at me with sparkling emerald eyes, and for an instant, my heart stops beating. With her heart-shaped face and spattering of freckles across her nose, she’s a perfect girl-next-door type. But judging from the way she’s dressed, it’s clear she’s not from around here.

"What's your name?" I ask.

“Jessica," She replies.

"I'm Luke.” I meet her eyes, already filled with tears. “Hey, it’s going to be okay. It’s probably just a sprain. It doesn’t look broken.”

“Are you a doctor or something?” She licks her full lips. I wonder if they taste as good as they look.

“We’d better get you out of here before it gets dark. Where are you staying?”

“I’m at an Airbnb back up the hill.”

“You think you can walk?”

She sizes me up, probably determining if she can trust me. I can’t blame her. We’re in the middle of the woods, and she’s all alone. At least, I think she is.

“I can try.” She finally nods. Her first attempt doesn’t go so well. I risk seeming like a creep and wrap my arm around her back so she can use me for leverage. The scent of her fruity shampoo fills the air between us.

My cock twitches against my zipper. I can’t help it. It’s been a long time since I’ve been around a woman, especially one as beautiful as Jessica.

I’ve been living in the mountains alone for years, and suddenly, out of nowhere, a drop-dead gorgeous bombshell appears out of nowhere. Her long, curly hair falls over her face as she works to regain her footing. Speaking of which, her designer boots may be cute for the city, but they aren’t doing her any favors out here in the rough terrain.

“Thank you.” She tests her wounded ankle. “I think I’m okay.”

“Good.” I don’t know what else to say.

“I’m sorry to have bothered you.” She chews on her lips, giving me a curt nod. Her hands go to her hips, and then, as if remembering something, she pats her back pocket. “Oh, my God.” She scans the area around her. “My phone.”

“Here.” I bend down and grab the hot pink plastic-covered device.

Jessica lets out a long exhale. “Whew. I would’ve been toast without it.” Now I know she’s definitely not from around here. It’s a little late in the season for out-of-towners, but it happens every once in a while. She’s definitely a city woman.

“Let me help you back to your cabin.” The words come out before I have a chance to think twice. “It’s getting dark, and, well, I wouldn’t feel right letting you walk back on your own.” She eyes the ax in my hand. “I was cutting down a dead tree.”

“Rugged.” She shrugs. I don’t know how to respond to that. It’s just a way of life for me.

“It’s going to get cold tonight. The extra wood will be nice to have. Get a jump on the season.”

Jessica tilts her head, staring at me like I’m speaking another language. “Cool.” After a beat, she takes a sharp inhale. “I’m ready when you are.”

I could slap myself. “Yeah.” She moves ahead of me, and I follow her, unable to keep my eyes off her round rear end. Her flannel is tied at her waist, showing off her hourglass curves. It’s been a long time since I’ve even thought about being with a woman, and now, for the entire trip back to her cabin, I can’t get it off my mind.

“My grandfather used to have a small plot of land in Illinois, where I’m originally from.” Jessica has no problem leading the conversation. For me, it’s like I’ve never spoken an intelligent word in my life. She doesn’t hesitate for a beat, keeping the conversation going. I zone in and out, still shocked that this gorgeous woman appeared in my backyard.

By the time we make it back to her cabin, I’ve barely said two words, but I know she’s from the city, loves sushi, and is borderline addicted to her phone. My head is spinning.

Jessica hops up the steps and turns back around to face me. “Luke, thank you so much for walking me back.” It’s fully dark out now. Fireflies appear sporadically while crickets chirp, underscoring the moment. “I really appreciate it.”

“It’s nothing.” I don’t want her to go inside, but I don’t have a reason to ask her to stay. “Goodnight.”

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