Page 13 of Mail Order Mountain Man

“What’s up?” I take off my hard hat and stare toward Bob as he rubs his hand over his bald head. The man is short, but he’s built like a pit bull and covered in tattoos.

“I’d like you to lead the job on the east side barn.”

I let the offer sit in the air. I’m sure he’s expecting I’ll take it and be thrilled for the opportunity. Yesterday, I might have been. Now, that can’t happen.

“I appreciate that, sir, but I think I’m going to have to decline the offer. I have enough work to do on this job until spring and I’ve got quite a few orders to get caught up on at home.”

His heavy brows crinkle. “All that’s left here is grunt work. You’re better than that. You should be at the new build. I need you guiding the guys, keeping everyone in line.”

The job site has emptied for the day and the sound of hammers and drills are replaced with the rustle of the wind and the sound of horses in the distance.

Junie. I’d bet she’s over there training them now. Her silky hair braided to the side. Her curves stuffed into a tight pair of jeans. Her sweet lips parted and sarcastic. My heart warms and my cock thumps thinking of her. I have to take this chance. I have to leave this job, show her how serious I am, and hope that I don’t scare her away.

“I think this is a good time for me to resign.” I stand with my arms crossed over my chest, waiting for his inevitable meltdown. I’m the top man on his team. Truthfully, I don’t know what he’ll do without me. “I’ll give you two weeks to replace me, then I’m going to work on selling my statues.”

“You’re making nearly six figures for me. You can’t possibly make that much on carved logs.”

“Not at all, but it’s enough to finish the house and live comfortably. Plus, I’ll have more time, so I can take more orders.” I hold out my hand and shake his. “I appreciate all you’ve done for me. I hope you understand.”

“I don’t,” he sighs. “You’re making a really stupid decision.” He runs his hand over his head again. “But... you’re a grown man and I know what it’s like to need autonomy.” His hand lands on my back. “Doesn’t mean you won’t be missed. If you ever change your mind, I will always have a place for you.” His words are so kind that I contemplate throwing in the part about being in love with his daughter, but I fear that might change the tide. Besides that, it’s not my place. Junie needs to tell him how she feels when she’s ready…if she’s ever ready.

My heart thumps against my chest. Two quick decisions in one day and I don’t regret either of them. My eye is on the prize and I won’t take no for an answer.

*******

Her gaze goes wide and her lips part as she sees me.

Fucking hell. I hope I can turn this around.

“What are you doing here, Cole?”

It’s nearly dark, though it’s only six o’clock. We’re the last few people on the farm still working. Most folks are in by five at the latest, though I think Waylon has a guy that does evening rounds.

There are a million things I want to say to Junie, but they’re a jumbled mess in my head, so I don’t speak at all.

Stalking toward her, I grip my hand on the back of her neck and guide her into the barn, kicking the door closed behind us.

“Did you miss me today?” My tone is rough, my gaze on hers.

She whimpers, “Yes.”

My cock throbs. “Good. I quit my job.”

Her eyes widen. “What? Cole you—”

“If you can’t be with me because you’re afraid of your father, then that’s okay, but I couldn’t live with myself thinking I was doing anything that could keep us apart.”

She stares at me for a long while. She looks exactly like she did in my vision. A long auburn braid with a pink strand. A pink and white flannel fit tight, with jeans that hug every curve of her plump frame.

I beg my dick to disappear, but he’s desperate to be the star of the show.

“You need the money,” she finally says, panting.

“I’ll be fine.”

“You’re crazy.”

“Guess I am.”

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