Page 1 of Knocked up By the Mountain Man

1

CLARA

“Idon’t know who you think you are…”

“I fucking hate living here…”

I do what I can to tune out the sound of my uncle and brother fighting. It’s a sound I hate, but it’s become the soundtrack of my life, ever since my parents passed away. Mom, from cancer, when I was ten years old, and Dad just a few years later, on my thirteenth birthday.

His cause was alcohol poisoning… a constant threat in this family. I’m pretty sure my uncle will eventually go the same way too. But tonight, just for one night, I want to focus on something positive.

Something forme.

The text sits on my phone, reminding me that I have a few things left to do before I leave Silver Ridge forever. I was more than ready to start my college education to become a vet, and finally escaping the hell that I’ve existed in forwaytoo long.

Beau Marshall.

Him, I couldn’twaitto see. I adore him, always have. And now he was finally looking at me as well! At long last. After allthe years spent obsessively talking about my Beau crush with Abby, my bestie, he was finally mine.

Sort of.

I mean, he can’treallybe mine because he’s Wyatt’s best friend, and we can’t have my brother finding out about us. He’ll kill us. Literally kill us, since Beau was the one who stood by his side like a rock when we lost our parents. The best friend he’s ever had. The last thing I want to do is get in the way of that. Even if I am completely overwhelmed with feelings for Beau.

Plus, I’m leaving soon anyway, so I guess things can’t go too far with us. That kinda sucks, but I’ve just had to accept it.

At least we’ll have tonight.

I slip my phone into my pocket, grab my worn denim jacket, and carefully open my bedroom window. The cool night air hits my face, it feels refreshing and brings a smile to my face. The world feels a little lighter, a little brighter, even if just for this moment.

I glance down, seeing the familiar silhouette below. Beau’s presence gives me the courage I need to take the next step. I can’t wait to take a look at his gorgeously handsome face. Beau is ruggedly handsome with brown hair and dark eyes that seem to see right through me. His fit, muscular frame and tall stature always makes me feel safe and protected.

I freakinglovebeing in his arms.

“Here goes nothing,” I whisper to myself as I climb out of the window, my heart pounding in my chest.

But as I attempt to climb down, my foot slips on the damn ledge. I lose my grip and my hands have nothing to hold on to. I’ve done this loads of times, but this time…

Shit.

For a heart stopping moment, I’m air borne, a gasp escaping my lips as I try and hold in the scream that so desperately wantsto fly out of me. I reach out to try and grab whatever I can, but my fingers claw at the empty air, there’s just nothing there.

Not only is this going to hurt, it will be utterly humiliating as well…

The ground is coming for me, faster by the second.

I brace, ready for impact.

But somehow, I don’t reach it.

Strong arms break my fall.Hisarms. Beau’s strong, muscular frame absorbs the impact of my fall effortlessly.

God, he’s hot as hell, isn’t he? It’s no wonder I can’t help but swoon around him.

He looks down at me, his eyes sparkling with amusement, a wide grin spreading across his face.

“Nice of you to drop in,” he chuckles.

I can’t help but laugh as I avoid the pain and the very red face around the man I so desperately want to impress.

---