Page 8 of Lonely in Misty Mountain

“Well, you certainly don’t look your age. I would’ve thought late twenties. I’m twenty-three.”

“I’m an old guy compared to you.” I teased.

Harper laughed and patted my arm with her shoulder. “Only a little.” She teased back.

“I couldn’t wait to leave home. My childhood wasn’t great, so I was out as soon as I graduated high school. My mom walked out when I was only ten and my dad acted like it was my fault. He’s an asshole, sad to say, but it’s the truth. Something about this town appealed to me. I just wanted a peaceful existence after my chaotic home life. I started working for a local landscaping company that plowed in the winter and by the time I was twenty-two, I bought this cabin and started my own business after the guy I worked for retired. Some people in town might think I’mlonely, but I’m not. And after adopting Junie a couple years back, she keeps me great company.”

“Animals are always perfect companions. My cat, Mr. Waffles, has been there for me when most people haven’t.”

“They often are. Mr. Waffles is a pretty unique name, where did you come up with that?” I smiled at her over the rim of my mug.

“One of my favorite foods is waffles.” Harper giggled and the sound was so fucking cute, my insides melted.

“Waffles are amazing, especially with strawberries and whipped cream. Yum.”

“Right? Since you’ve lived here so long, you’ll have to give me a tour of all the best places in town, any good food spots, especially those that serve breakfast.”

“I’d love to. You picked a good place to come to. What brought you here?” I desperately wanted her to confide in me as I had her, fill me in on her worries and troubles so I could do my best to make them all go away.

“Like you, something about Misty Mountain captivated me. I visited the town back when I was small child with my parents and I still remember that day, as I was so excited to visit a new place. My hometown is only an hour and a half away, so I knew I’d come back here eventually. I just didn’t think it would be so soon. But life happens when we’re making plans, so it seems.”

“It does. Do your parents still live in the same town you grew up in?”

A sad expression crossed her face, and her shoulders slumped forward.

“I’m sorry, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. I know the past can be shitty to deal with. But if you ever do want to talk, I’m here.”

Harper closed her eyes briefly and when she reopened them, they glistened with tears. “My parents died unexpectedly when Iwas in my junior year of high school. Car accident took both of them in an instant when they were out at a work event for the company my dad worked for.”

I immediately stood up, my coffee mug forgotten, and wrapped my arms around her, pulling her tight against me. “I’m so sorry, Harper. That must’ve been devastating.”

Harper got to her feet and hugged me back, tucking her head under my chin like a perfect fit. “Oh, it was. I was in a dark place for a while. I went and lived with my aunt and uncle and barely made it through my senior year. I tried sticking around, but the memories were everywhere. Their favorite restaurant, their favorite park, it was too much. So, I moved to the city for a few years, hoping the hustle and bustle would distract me but I came to realize it wasn’t for me. And then I remembered Misty Mountain. I found a cottage to rent, packed all my stuff and my cat, and here I am. I’m so thankful Miss Lila took a chance on me and gave me a job at her store. Otherwise, I’d be begging on the streets.” She lifted her head, looked up at me, and cracked a grin through her tears.

I brushed the tears on her cheeks away with the back of my thumbs, being careful not to touch her glasses. “I’d never let you beg on the streets, sweetheart.”

“You’re too kind to me.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet.” I winked and kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry you went through all that. It must’ve been painful. But look at you now, strong and beautiful.”

“Kaiden…” Harper breathed my name as her eyes searched mine.

“It’s true. Now c’mon, let’s get these streets plowed, and I’ll get you home to your cat, I’m sure he’s hungry by now.”

“He’s good. My landlord stopped by and filled his dish.”

“You mean, I don’t have to rush you home then?”

“As long as Miss Lila doesn’t open the bookstore, I’m free.”

“She won’t. Snow like this shuts down the entire town. You’re mine for the day.”

“Yours for the day, hmm?”

“Yes. All mine.” I took her hand and kissed the back of it. “Let’s go.”

CHAPTER FIVE

Harper

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