Page 4 of Rescued By the Lumberjack

Turning away, I move to wash up my hands and arms. “No phone. These storms knock out most of the signal, anyway.”

Daisy insists I have one, just in case. She even tried to leave a radio on my porch to talk to her that way. Don’t have a clue where I put it. It’ll take some hunting, and who knows if she still has the other one working? She’s too busy in her shop to get a message now.

“Then why did you–”

“You wanted me to leave you out there?” Scowling at the towel I dry my hands with, I stare at the zig-zag pattern like it’ll have the answer of why I thought bringing her to my home was the only option.

I could’ve carried her until one of those mountain rescuers drove by. Could’ve left her on someone else’s doorstep to deal with. Now that I can finally think, since she’s within my space, there are plenty of routes I could’ve taken. Instead, here she sits, lips pressed in a firm line, and brows bunched together.

“Another storm is coming.” Flicking my eyes toward the window, I take in the dark clouds in the distance. “Better to be here than out there once the rain starts pouring again.”

My tone is rough, more than I want it to be. Though, I can’t help it. I live up on the mountain for a reason. I don’t deal withpeople well. Especially not beautiful strangers that have a pull on me I can’t explain.

“Thank you.” Stumbling with her appreciation, she lets out a soft sigh. “I haven’t said it once, despite going out of your way.”

Doing a little sighing myself, I nod. “Once the weather clears, I’ll flag someone down. Surely, they’ll send a search party if anyone calls you in as missing. See it all the time. Might as well be best friends with them with how often they knock on my door.”

Piper nods and chews on her bottom lip. “Right.”

I squint. “You did tell someone you were coming up here.”

Sure, she already broke the rule of coming up here by herself, but she’d know better than to do thatandto do it without telling anyone.

The wince on her face makes my frown grow. “I mean, my friend suggested coming up here. I’m sure she’s pretty good at assuming.”

Okay, no search parties. That’s fine. I won’t mind her company for a night. Maybe two, if the rain keeps coming.

“You can stay here until you can get off the mountain. It’s fine.” Looking her way, I take in her state. She needs new clothes and a shower. Probably something to eat.

She must be thinking the same. “How hospitable are you feeling?”

This woman is going to be a handful. Since I’m in no rush to put a stop to this, I can only blame myself for encouraging more and more demands from her.

However, if I get to receive more of her appreciation, I can already tell I won’t think twice about meeting them.

3

Piper

I hiked up this mountain to find a distraction to help get over my last relationship. I guess time or nature wasn’t what I needed. No, I just needed a big brute to do the job.

I don’t know what Grayson’s deal is. He’s one big mystery. I can’t tell if he wants to touch me, or is too afraid to.

Getting to the bathroom was another challenge. He looked like he wanted to pick me back up, but couldn’t tell ifIwanted that. So, instead of letting me wince or groan, he offered his arm instead.

Walking isn’t impossible. It throbs a little when I step on my foot, but if I’m using him for support, it’s not too bad. I might add onto the dramatics so he doesn’t kick me out right away once he sees I’m not in terrible shape.

“I’ll leave you something to wear. Take your time.” He moves to rub the back of his neck. Looking awkward, he shifts from one foot to the other. “Need anything else?”

This guy might look like a grizzly, but I’m starting to think he’s as threatening as a stuffed teddy.

“No, I think I can figure it out from here. Thank you, Grayson. Really.” Giving him a smile, he nods and immediately turns. Just like that, he’s shuffling toward the room I am assuming is his. Not too many doors in this cabin. It’s fitting for a man who has abandoned society.

Making my way into the bathroom, I’m thankful for the lock on the door. I need something to make me feel like I’m not too trusting of this guy. The strange thing is, he really doesn’t seem like a bad guy. He’s just grumpy, that’s all.

Going through the room as if it’ll give me any information on the guy, I snort when I find an unopened package of razors. Funny coming from the guy with a bush on his face. Daisy must’ve gotten them for him in hopes he’d change his mind.

Well, if Grayson doesn’t want to use them, then I’m happy to take one.

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