Page 5 of Mountain Man's Redemption

But the logical explanation for Garrett’s presence doesn’t stop my head from spinning. His giant frame fills the doorway, and it suddenly feels a lot harder to breathe in here.

“Oh…I…th-thank you so much,” I choke out, taking the glove from him. “I didn’t even realize it was missing.”

“No problem.” Garrett thrusts his hands in his pockets. “The clerk told me where to find you. Apparently, her aunt’s your landlord.”

“Small towns, huh?” I laugh weakly. “Thanks for going to the trouble of getting it back to me. I really appreciate it, Garr?—”

My cheeks color as I cut myself off. I only know his name because Rita said it at the bakery, and I don’t want him to think I was gossiping about him.

“I’m Daphne,” I say quickly, trying to cover my mistake. “Just moved here.”

“Garrett.” He nods at me. “How are you liking Cherry Hollow?”

“It’s a beautiful place. I just tried my first slice of cherry pie, so now I’m totally sold.”

Garrett’s lips quirk slightly, the shadow of a smile on his grumpy face. “I know how you feel. Cherry pie is the only reason I come down here.”

“You don’t live in Cherry Hollow?”

“I live up on Cherry Mountain. Got a cabin out in the forest.”

His words don’t surprise me. I can perfectly picture Garrett in a rustic log cabin, surrounded by trees. He looks like a mountain man from head to toe.

“Sounds wonderful.” I smile at him, gesturing to the apartment behind me. “Sorry, I’d invite you inside, but I don’t have any furniture yet.”

Garrett frowns. “Sounds uncomfortable. You need help getting some?”

My heart melts at the concern on his face. “Thanks, but that’s okay. I left my last place in kind of a hurry—wasn’t super prepared—but once I get a job, I’ll be fine.”

The concern on his face lingers as he asks, “Was your last place around here?”

“No, it was in Iowa. My parents’ house…long story.” I shake my head, hurriedly changing the subject. “Anyway. Do you know anyone who’s hiring around here?”

“What kind of job you looking for?”

“Anything I can get,” I say honestly. “Just something to put food on the table while I work on my art.”

Garrett considers me as he runs a hand over his beard. “You’re an artist?”

“Trying to be. If you know anybody who wants to commission a painting, then I’m your girl.” I grin at him, hoping he doesn’t notice my cheeks pinkening beneath his gaze.

His eyes are so freakin’ intense…

I could lose myself in them for hours.

“You know what?” he says after a brief pause. “I do know someone who wants a painting.”

I blink at him, surprised. “Really?”

He nods. “Me.”

“You want a painting?”

He nods again, and for a second, all I can do is gawk at him.

“I want a painting of my cabin,” he says. “Been looking for something to hang over the mantel. Can you do that?”

“I…yes, absolutely! But let me show you my portfolio. You should look at my style first. You might not like?—”

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