Page 17 of My Mountain Man Valentine

A tense silence descended. Levi glanced between us, anger and protectiveness warring in his expression. I could see him swallowing a dozen accusations, struggling to keep calm. Finally, he let out a harsh exhale. “All right. We’ll handle it. I don’t like that you lied to me, but Tessa’s safety trumps everything. We gotta figure out who’s behind these notes.”

He yanked open a stubborn desk drawer and shoved the envelope inside. “I hate to say it, but my money’s on Angelique. She’s been filming all over town lately, and she’s definitely dramatic enough to pull something like this. But I’m not sure we can prove it yet just based on some creepy, unsigned notes.”

My heart pounded. “I don’t know if it’s definitely her, but I’ve never felt comfortable around her. I feel like every time we’ve been around each other, she’s been sizing me up like she’s had something against me. I just don’t know why. Maybe it’s just one of those things where your personality rubs someone the wrong way even though you didn’t do anything to cause them not to like you.”

Levi nodded curtly. “We should keep an eye on her though, regardless. If a new note arrives with something more explicit, we go to the cops. Understood?”

Ryder’s hand found mine again. “Yes.”

I swallowed back a flood of relief that Levi wasn’t insisting on calling the police right this second. “Thanks,” I murmured, voice breaking. “I’m sorry about the lies, Levi.”

His gaze met mine again, and though his voice still contained an edge of frustration, there was now a trace of compassion. “You’re an adult, Tessa. I can’t control yourdecisions. But I hate finding this out when some creep is threatening you. Next time, just talk to me. I’d rather yell at you for five minutes than see you in danger.”

Tears stung my eyes, and I nodded. “I promise.”

Levi opened the door, letting the noise of Skyline wash over us again. “Stay tonight if you need to. No one’s tossing you out,” he said gruffly. “Or go on home with Ryder but keep your phone on.”

Once we left Levi’s office, a slight weight lifted from my shoulders. The truth was out—and, though Levi was furious, at least we had his reluctant backing. I sank into a stool near the corner of the bar, exhaling in tremulous relief.

Ryder glanced around, posture still tense. “You think Angelique will appear tonight?”

“I don’t know,” I said, rubbing my temples. “I’m not even sure what to think anymore.”

Levi lurked near the register, occasionally casting worried glances our way. A few customers—locals we recognized—paused to greet us, gossiping about the upcoming Valentine’s festivities. One or two teased us about being “the cutest couple,” which normally might’ve made me blush from hidden truths, but now just reminded me how everything had changed: the lie turned real, and the stalker notes overshadowing any romance.

An hour passed without incident. Ryder and I sipped on sodas, quietly discussing potential suspects. Each time the door opened, I flinched, expecting Angelique or some unknown figure to stride in brandishing pink envelopes. Instead, it was just more regulars looking for a drink, each oblivious to the tension simmering around us.

Levi eventually slid us a small platter of fries, a silent olive branch maybe. I forced a smile of thanks, nibbling a few without much appetite. My stomach remained in knots.

Ryder’s phone buzzed once. He checked it, then shrugged. “Just a friend asking about tomorrow’s schedule. Nothing urgent.”

I nodded, stifling a yawn. Exhaustion weighed on me; the anxiety of the day wore me down. I eyed the clock—past eleven. “We should head home soon.”

He agreed with a grim tilt of his head. “Let me just use the restroom first. You going to be okay for a minute?”

I mustered a weary grin. “I’ll be fine.” He left the bar area, weaving through a few chatty customers. I let my gaze drift over the crowd, tension never fully letting go of my muscles. Somewhere, a jukebox hummed an old country ballad about heartbreak and dusty roads.

Levi approached, wiping his hands on a rag. “How you holding up?” he asked, voice lower than usual.

I shrugged. “Better now that you know. I hated lying.”

His scowl softened. “I get that you wanted to keep it quiet. But next time, just talk to me before it escalates.” He braced a hand on the bar, leaning closer. “Ryder was my best friend—maybe still is—even though we’ve followed different paths these last few years. He may be too wild for my liking—especially where you’re concerned—but I know he’s a good guy. We’ll figure out who’s messing with you. If it’s Angelique, we’ll handle her. If it’s someone else, we’ll find that out too.”

“Thank you.” Warmth flickered in my chest at his direct reassurance. “I appreciate it more than you know.”

Levi glanced around, eyes narrowing as if scanning for any sign of trouble. “Head home soon, get some rest. Don’t overthink it tonight.”

Easier said than done, but I nodded. “Right. We’ll leave in a minute.”

Ryder returned, but before we could finalize our exit, the front door swung open again. A hush rippled among a few tables near the entrance. My breath caught, half expecting a menacing figure. Instead, Angelique waltzed in, phone in hand, filming the Valentine décor with elaborate care.

I stiffened. She was all glossy lips and perfect sleek blonde hair, wearing an expression that teetered between pleasant and predatory. She circled a table, capturing footage of a couple sipping drinks, then panned her phone around the bar. I avoided her gaze, though I felt her attention land on me.

Ryder stood behind me like a silent wall. Angelique drew closer, her camera still recording. She paused near Levi’s station at the bar, exchanging a falsely sweet smile with him. He barely concealed his distaste. For a moment, I feared she might march up to us. But she only hovered, filming random tidbits: the liquor shelves, a small vase of plastic roses someone had stuck on the bar, the cluster of pink hearts taped to the wall.

“Lovely vibe for the holiday,” she said to no one in particular, her tone dripping with saccharine. “I’m sure this place will be packed in a couple nights. All these adorable couples, so eager to share the secrets in their hearts.”

I braced myself for a confrontation or a snide comment about me and Ryder. But Angelique merely smiled once more, then pivoted, phone pointed at Levi’s neat row of beer taps. Without so much as a real word to us, she turned on her high heel and glided out, the door shutting behind her with a muffled thud.

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