Page 2 of Mountain Man Book Boyfriend's Holiday Treat

Which sounds pathetic, I know. But our whole town is acting like I was the problem. Like I’m a bad person and I’m tired of it.

I didn’t cheat. I was faithful. The only thing that I did wrong was I didn’t realize what was going on right under my nose.

For that, I definitely feel shame.

“You want someone that doesn’t know you, has no expectations that you’re damaged and just wants to have a little fantasy come true. Right?”

“Yeah.” I clear my throat roughly. Because that’s exactly what I want. Something that’s not real. I’ve had enough real. For two lifetimes.

“Okay. Here you go.” He sends me the link to sign up for the Book Boyfriends matching service. “But if you chicken out or don’t feel like it’s right for you, don’t feel bad about backing out.”

“I’m not backing out. I need this.”

More than he knows. Because the other day I got another kick in the teeth. Angie coming out of the obstetrician with Ryan, both of them beaming like crazy.

It didn’t take a genius to realize that they’re expecting. A fact which they quickly made sure that everyone in town found out about.

So Happy Holidays to me! More looks and acting like I’m pathetic. Just the Christmas wish I was hoping for.

“Take this for the new start it is. And quit moping around over those two! They’re not worth your time or energy.”

Easy to say but hella hard to feel sometimes. But he’s right. This is my new beginning.

I hang up the phone and pull up the app, filling it out quickly and smiling when I hear the cheerful little chime that says that I’ve turned in my new beginning.

Now all I have to do is wait for Ms. Right Now to be matched with me. And just hope.

How long could that possibly take? Christmas is the season for miracles, right?

Famous last words.

CHAPTER 2

Ashleigh

It’s official. I’ve lost my mind. I spent so much of my little savings on this Christmas wish and it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. I’ve been waiting for two weeks for a message from the company about a possible match to make for me to give me a happy holidays for once.

But I haven’t heard a damn thing. I’m only off from the school for a limited time and if I don’t hear something soon then I’m not going to have time to have this amazing experience before I’m back to work and I’ve wasted a bunch of money and some time when I could have been doing something fun.

And then, after my last day of work before vacation, I get the message I’ve been hoping and dreading all in one.

“You’ve been matched!”Three little words that mean that I could at least have one day this holiday that’s fun.

I open the message and immediately feel a smile creep over my face. His name is Reese Donaldson. He was just referred by a friend and they matched him with me. And he’s close by. In Wildwood.

I take a deep breath and immediately email the address they give me.

Hello! My name is Ashleigh but everyone calls me Ash. I was hoping to set up a date with you. If you’re interested. No pressure or anything. I mean…well, just let know.

I’d love to get together. I’m busy up until two days before Christmas. But we could get together then. Since this is your thing, I’m assuming you’ll come here to meet me on the mountain. I’ll make sure that you get exactly the kind of date you’re looking for.

Oh, and my name’s Reese. You can call me Reese.

That sounds great! I’ll meet you at your place in Wildwood two days before Christmas. I can’t wait!

I can’t believe this! And he’s so funny! Or at least on accident he’s funny.

So in a couple of days, I’m going to meet the mountain man that matches me and we’re going to have a fantastic date. And I’m finally going to go out with a man for the first time in my life.

---