Page 11 of Single-Dad: The Mountain Man

I’d always notice how she stood apart from any girl I’d seen. I noticed everything about her, how intelligent she was, smart and funny. She was a ray of light to everyone she met, especially me. I even picked up on her insecurities when it came to her curves. I thought it was ridiculous for her to compare herself to other girls. She clearly outshone any woman with her long silky hair and curvy body that I longed to embrace. Still, I was cautious. I wanted to compliment her without ignoring her insecurities.

I let her know with my words and eyes—when she tried new outfits, or hairstyles, or was effortlessly herself—that she was breathtaking.

And even though I accepted that I had no chance to be with her, I wasn’t prepared to see her with another guy.

The night I learned Willow was on a date, I met Paige. We spent the night together. She got pregnant and we decided to make it work. Paige died mere moments after the twins were born, succumbing to an aneurysm.

That was six years ago and I haven’t been with a woman since. I want to put the twins first. Aside from the occasional trip in the summer to see Paige’s parents, they’re my responsibility twenty-four hours a day.

I’m used to lying in bed alone. I’m used to handling my fatherly duties as a single-dad and I’m used to living a life without my soulmate because I respect her brother’s wishes.

What I’m not used to is her being here. Because I keep getting the uncanny feeling that she belongs here with us.

I smile. Kids are gone. Skinny-dip?

4

WILLOW

Mike: How about around 7? There’s this new place in town I want to check out.

Sounds perfect! Count me in. Should I meet you there?

Mike: Yeah, that works. Looking forward to it!

Me too! See you at 7 then.

Mike: Can’t wait! See you soon!

As I step out onto the front porch, nervous energy courses through my veins. What if I turn up to the date and my mind is stuck on repeat, replaying last night’s kiss?

I must break free and sever the ties that bind me to him.

The prospect of ending my obsession is liberating and I finally believe I’ve solved my Shane problem when something in the distance interrupts me. Splashing?

I gasp.

Just a stone’s throw away, there’s an opening in the trees. And right after that, a small lake with a dock. And wouldn’t you know it? Shane’s there, soaking wet and completely in the buff.

My jaw drops and the entire world seems to stand still. Before I can stop myself, I creep forward and hide behind a tree to get a closer view.

His tan, gorgeous body is chiseled to perfection. My eyes run over his solid tattooed arms, and his smoldering-hot god-like pecs. But my roaming gaze doesn’t stop, it continues down past the base of his washboard abdomen to land on…my god!

This isn’t a sight for virgin eyes.

My breath stalls and my jaw drops in disbelief. I expected him to be larger, but this completely defies anything I could have imagined. My mind struggles to process the magnitude of dick.

A rush of wonder floods through me, I feel like an explorer discovering a hidden treasure or spotting an undiscovered animal.

I bite my bottom lip as I bask in the view of his gorgeous, heavily veined shaft. Droplets fall from his glorious flesh and the mouthwatering sight turns my mouth bone dry.

I dart my tongue over my lips as carnal thoughts consume me. How are you so huge? You’re not even erect. Does he get mad when he’s aroused? Would he be mad if he found out I was going on a date?

I imagine him pinning me to his bed with his powerful male body, his hands, his mouth, and his cock. Would he go gentle or lose himself as he claimed my innocence?

My nipples throb beneath my shirt.

It would surely hurt, but I know it’ll also feel like heaven.

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