Page 15 of Beast of Misty Mountain

But then I remember the way she touched me. How she traced my scars with curiosity and respect, not fear or disgust. Like she accepted me for all of me, regardless of my past injuries.

The breeze lifts through the trees again. I pull the blanket up over my chest, but it doesn’t do a damn thing to warm me. The cabin behind me is dark, except for the porch light. I have no idea where she went, but I hope she comes back.

I thought I wanted space. I thought everything moved too fast, but now I realize my mind wasn’t moving fast enough. Marilee wasshowingme how much she wanted me, but I let my fears overwhelm me despite having the sexiest and most beautiful woman in the world in my arms.

And I fucking blew it.

CHAPTER 7

MARILEE

Dammit. I’m not going through this again.

I shove my clothes into my backpack, not caring about all the wrinkles I’ll have to deal with and whether something is clean. Nothing matters except getting out of this cabin before I lose what’s left of my pride. I cram it all in as fast as I can. The faster I’m out of here, the faster I can forget last night’s humiliation.

I drove around for hours before coming back, parking down the road a bit so I didn’t run the risk of waking Milo. I tried to sleep, but I don’t think I slept for more than ten minutes at a time last night. My mind was in overdrive, debating if I should stay here and ignore what happened, or leave and take my chances at finding someplace else to stay. My gig at The Rusty Elk is up at the end of the week, so even if I have to sleep in my car, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I’m sure as hell not staying here, lease or no lease.

Putting my backpack by the door, I look at the bed. Deep feelings try to rise in me, partly because of what happened—or didn’t—with Milo, but also because while I thought I was finally pastwhat happened with Mark, I realized I wasn’t. Once again, it felt like something was wrong with me, like a man was getting carried away before he looked too close. Like my body is too big or I’m too loud or I’m too demanding.

When I’m done, the room looks like it never belonged to me. The bed is stripped and the blanket is folded on the foot of the bed. I unplug my phone charger, grab theJust Peachy!book I’ve been reading, and slide it into the side pocket of the backpack. I slip into my The Rusty Elk hoodie because even though it’s August, it’s chilly up here on the mountain early in the morning.

I hoist my backpack on my shoulder and walk through the cabin slowly. It’s not like I expect Beast to be up and in here, and I have no idea if he’s out in the hammock or not, but I don’t want to see him. I’m not sure I could keep it together if I had to talk to him this morning.

It’s not that I’m scared of him, but more that I’m scared I’ll lose the nerve or that he’ll say something and convince me to stay despite how badly he hurt me last night. I don’t need a repeat of the dynamic I had with Mark—him getting mad, us fighting, him apologizing, him being indifferent, and the cycle repeating on an endless loop.

My backpack thumps as it lands on the backseat, and I quickly slide into the driver’s seat. My knuckles hurt from how tightly I grip the wheel, but I don’t waver. My eyes burn with unshed tears, but I refuse to cry.

Taking a deep breath, I put my car into gear and leave.

I should’ve known better.I did know better. I told myself not to get attached. But then he softened. He shared stories. He laughed. He made me fish, and we drank bourbon. He looked at me like I mattered.

I squeeze the wheel tighter.

I park in front of The Pine and Petal Café and stare at the building for a long minute. I want to be alone, but if I have any chance of making it through the day, caffeine is needed.

I walk in. The bell over the door jingles, and Sami looks up at me surprised. Sami’s dark hair is pulled back, and she wipes her hands on her apron when she sees me.

Sami glances up at the clock and then turns to me. “You’re sure up and out early, Marilee. You got an early shift? Triple-shot latte?”

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. I nod.

Sami pauses, and her face changes. “Hey,” she says, voice soft now. “You okay?”

I blink fast, trying to smile. “Actually… I was wondering if you know someone with a spare bed. Or a couch. Anything.”

She stares at me, and I’m thankful the café is mostly empty. An audience for my sadness is the last thing I need.

“Wait. What’s going on?” Sami steps out from behind the counter and gives me a huge hug. “What happened?”

I shake my head when we stop hugging. “It’s fine. I… I moved out of the cabin.”

Sami looks at me, and her eyes narrow. “Is it Milo?” she asks.

“Yeah. I just…” My voice wavers. I can’t bear to voice what happened. I’m so ashamed, and it’s way too early to rehash all the details and my feelings. “I can’t stay there anymore.”

I’m not even finished nodding when Sami pulls out her phone. “Finn was supposed to come over tonight, but I’ll text him to see if we can go to his place instead. Or I can cancel altogether if you need company. We can get pints of ice cream and all the wine.”

“Sami, that would be amazing. Don’t cancel for me, though. I have to work tonight and probably won’t be in until late.” I didn’t realize how tightly I was holding myself together until I feel her kindness settle around me. I nod quickly. “Thank you. You are the best. I didn’t know who else to turn to.”

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