Page 16 of Lonely in Misty Mountain

“I just knew you two would be a perfect match!” Miss Lila exclaimed when we walked in hand in hand.

“I’m sure you did. You know how I like my books and found me a perfect woman, how can I ever repay you?” I teased the older woman, seeing she loved the attention.

“You repay me plenty, Kaiden. Now hand over the lady. I need her.” Miss Lila joked back.

I took Harper in my arms and kissed her softly. “I’ll be here at five.”

“I’ll be waiting.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed me again.

“Oh, you two are just too cute!” Miss Lila exclaimed.

As I turned to go, I blew her a kiss before disappearing out the door, happier than I’d ever been before.

CHAPTER NINE

Harper

The day passedby quickly as I helped Miss Lila stock shelves and clean the floor. Amelia came by later in the day and it was nice to meet someone around my age in town.

“So how are you liking Misty Mountain?” Amelia asked as she dusted a shelf, and I re-organized a section of books.

“I love it so far. So peaceful and quiet, but the tight knit community is still there unlike when living in the city. And now that I’ve met Kaiden, it’s only gotten better.”

Amelia’s eyes lit up. “Oh, you met a guy? Do tell. If you don’t mind, of course. I don’t mean to pry.”

“I’m sure you’ve seen him around. He comes here often, plows the lot, loves books though most people wouldn’t guess that about him. Surprisingly, he has more books than me. He built his own library in his cabin.”

“Wow. Now that’s a book lover. Let me guess…Kaiden right?”

I laughed. “I figured you’ve seen him around.”

“I sure have. I’ve even dropped off some books for him before. Nice guy, keeps to himself. I’ve never even seen him with a woman before. He must really like you.”

My cheeks grew hot. “I’m liking him a lot, too.”

“I can tell from the lovesick grin on your face. Trust me, I know. I fell in love with my own mountain man after moving here. His name’s Adrian. I’m sure you’ll see him around as he likes to keep a protective eye on me.”

“These mountain men love to be protective it seems.”

“Isn’t it so sexy?” Amelia giggled, a far off look on her face.

“Now who looks lovestruck?” I teased and we both burst into laughter.

“I love to see two ladies happy and in love.” Miss Lila said as she walked by. “Love is in the air in Misty Mountain!”

“Whoa, whoa, I didn’t use the wordlove.” My face burned hotter.

“Can’t fool us around here, Harper.” Amelia grinned. “You sure do look like a woman in love to me.”

I laughed it off and changed the subject, talking about the latest book release but the rest of the afternoon, the thought nagged at me.

Was I falling in love with Kaiden?

At five o’clockon the dot, Kaiden walked into Evergreen Books & Trinkets, looking as handsome as ever. Tight jeans hugged his sexy frame, with a black t-shirt and red plaid flannel finishing off the look. A beanie cap covered his hair, and he was all smiles as soon as he saw me.

“Hey, sweetheart.” Kaiden wrapped his arms around me, and I pressed my face into his chest, breathing in his woodsy scent I’ve grown to love. “I missed you.”

“I missed you more.”

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