Page 11 of Beast of Misty Mountain

I sigh and squat down to sit on the porch step. “Okay. So. You know how things have been with Milo?”

“Your roommate,” she says, waggling her eyebrows as she over-emphasizes the word “roommate.”

I ignore her. “It’s been two weeks of this low-key, constant tension. Every time he walks by me, I want to climb him like a tree.”

“Understandable. Obviously,” she grins at me, “I know the appeal of finding a hot mountain man.”

I smile at her. After her husband was KIA, she ended up finding love with her husband’s best friend, and she’s been happier than I’ve ever seen anyone. The kind of happiness and deep commitment to each other they have is what I hope to find for myself. One day.

“And last night...” I lower my voice, glancing around again, in case someone’s behind me. “Last night, I had this dream.”

“Ooh.” Her eyes light up. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

I glance around to make sure I don’t have anyone eavesdropping. “Yeah. It was hot. Featuring Roomie. But I woke up before it finished.”

“Noooo!” she gasps, then covers her mouth as she starts laughing. “I shouldn’t laugh, but I can’t help it.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “And now I can’t stop thinking about him. Or the dream. Or both. So I’m making dinner tonight. I have the night off, and I’m going to cook something nice, pour him a glass of bourbon—and see what happens.”

Hanna squeals. “I knew it! You’re making your move. You’ve entered the Marilee-seducing-a-man stage. How exciting.”

“I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

“What? Why?” Hanna stares at me like I’ve lost my mind, which…fair. I wonder the same thing sometimes. “Don’t forget—the best way to get over one man…”

“…is to get under another,” I finish the cliché, rolling my eyes. “I know. I know. The only thing is that I don’t think I can do a casual fling with him. I mean, I could try, but…we’re roommates. What if I jump him, and then it’s weird, and he avoids me or worse, pities me? Or what if I misread things, and then everything falls apart?”

“You think this beefcake is going to pity the woman who makes him dinner and offers her body as dessert?”

I groan. “Maybe?” As soon as I said it, I knew it sounded sad. I’m a grown woman, so how come the idea of cooking for a man fills me with such dread of rejection?

Hanna’s face softens. “Mar, you’ve always been all in or all out. If you’re catching feelings, I think you already know. But I also think—it’s okay to want something. Even if it’s only for one night.”

“I keep telling myself that. That I’ll be fine. That if it’s only sex, that’s okay.”

“But you’re scared it won’t beonlysex,” she says gently.

I nod, even though it feels too vulnerable to say it out loud.

“Okay,” Hanna says. “Here’s what I think: feelings or not, you’re doing something brave. You’re putting yourself out there, and that matters. But also—don’t overthink it so much you forget to have fun. You’re allowed to want. You’re allowed to be horny—and you’re allowed to do something about it.”

I laugh again. “I suppose. Thanks for your support.”

“You’re welcome. Now go inside, get some food. Don’t forget something sexy for dessert.”

“I swear to God, if you say whipped cream—”

“No, I was going to say chocolate mousse. Classy, decadent, and also…spoon-feeding potential.”

I shake my head and push myself up off the step. “Okay, I’m heading back in. I’ll call you tomorrow?”

“You better. I want all the steamy updates.”

“Goodbye, Hanna.”

I hang up mid-laugh and slide my phone back into my pocket. My face is still warm, but I have to admit that talking with Hanna has helped me feel more confident. I’m definitely overthinking things, but how can I not?

I walk back into the store, pass the local produce display, and head straight for the pasta aisle. Garlic, basil, and lemon for the sauce. I’ll figure out a side.

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