Page 4 of Destined for the Mountain Man

Charlotte: I know my parents. If they even think I like you, they’ll lose their mind because you’re not the kind of man they want for me.

Grant: You are an adult, you should be allowed to choose your own company. Definitely need to escape. The mountain air will do you good.

Charlotte: Tell me about where you live. I’ve answered plenty. I want to know why you’re choosing solace in the woods.

Grant: I love being in nature. It makes me feel more connected to the world around me. I know where my food comes from. I appreciate everything more and feel like I have more control, I have so much respect for everything. It’s a slower pace of life with people who value you.

I sigh as I watch him continue typing. He talks about being in a city, feeling dependent on everyone else while feeling like nothing. It made him feel useless, invisible, and coming back from fighting overseas in that situation, he was losing his mind.

All of that went away in the forests. He felt real again, could see past his old self and was able to settle in. And I just watch the words appear, wishing I could hear his voice.

Grant: That may have been too much to share.

Charlotte: I appreciate your openness. It makes it easier to be honest with you.

Grant: Honesty is the foundation of everything. Not small talk, not being compliant and complacent and I never want you to be that way with me. Call me out on my bullshit – if you find any – and put me in my place. Tell me no, tell me yes. I’m a good soldier. I follow orders well.

Charlotte: Lol. I promise I will be nothing but honest with you.

Grant: And I’ll do my best not to get distracted by that damn dimple when you smile.

Charlotte: Would that be a bad thing?

Grant: It could be if I needed to tell you something important or was trying to listen.

Charlotte: Well, I do like a man that listens more than he stares.

Grant: Good to know. It’s important for you to know that I multitask well.

Charlotte: Look at that! You have some humor.

“Do you think she’s still awake?” I hear my mum whisper.

Charlotte: I have to go. Don’t want to get caught. Tomorrow?

Grant: Tomorrow.

Chapter 4 - Grant

Charlotte and I talk again the next night, and the next. Every conversation with her makes me feel like the rest of the world has stopped. She’s warm and open, genuine and real in a way I haven’t ever experienced. I don’t know if it’s because we’re talking over text and it’s easier when you’re not looking someone in the eye, or if this is just how she is.

Twice, I’ve stopped myself from asking if she’ll send me another photo of her. I like how deep she is, how honest and open, but it’s killing me not to see her in more than just that one profile photo. I find myself imagining her in different settings—how she’d look under a sunset, or laughing at something I said, or even just sitting quietly with a cup of coffee. I want to know the real her, not just the version captured in a single shot. I can’t even picture her voice, I can’t properly imagine how she looks when she talks to me about her parents, about the hobbies she really wants to start, including re-binding books with leather covers. Every passion project she wants to start makes her sexier, like she’s stripping down all her insecurities and for some reason her level of genuine thoughtfulness turns me on. Although her blue eyes and that little sundress doesn’t hurt.

Charlotte: Today sucked so much. I know I try to stay optimistic and understanding, but some days are just terrible.

Grant: I have a cure for those days.

I stop myself from immediately answering. It will sound ridiculous, but when Charlotte insists, I sigh.

Grant: I’d rather not type it.

Charlotte: You’re keeping it a secret! Strictly not allowed. I might have to keep some secrets of my own.

Grant: I was going to suggest telling you over the phone, but if you’d rather keep secrets ...

Charlotte:!!

Charlotte: Yes! Call me! If you want to, I mean.

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