Page 12 of Relentless Mountain Man

Still, there would be nothing wrong with making sure Rachel knew how I felt. If she turned me down, that would be that. At least I’d have some closure.

“I think I’m going to take a couple of days off,” I told him.

He shrugged. “I’m not the boss man.”

I laughed and looked down at my beer. Yeah, Carter had slapped some sense into me. It wasn’t in my nature to just roll over and play dead. If I wanted something, I went for it. I had to at least try.

“Could somebody give me a ride back to my cabin? I’m going to sleep this off and get up in the morning and go to Nashville.”

“So, you’ll need a ride back to get your truck tomorrow?” he asked.

I wasn’t thinking very clearly. Alcohol again. Yeah, that was the necessary evil of someone taking me home. I’d need a ride back to get my vehicle in the morning.

“We got you,” Carter said. “Come on.”

As he opened the door and led the way back inside, I realized the friendships I’d made here were the best thing about this town. If I could get Rachel to move here, it would be perfect.

Something else hit me, though. It would be a shame to leave Seduction Summit, but if it meant being with Rachel, I’d do it. I’d do anything to be with the woman I loved.

7

RACHEL

Iwas just going through the motions.

I’d quickly slipped into my old routine once I arrived home after fleeing Seduction Summit. I told my boss I was back, and I jumped right back into work. I also headed to the gym after work and planned to eat my sad little salad every night for dinner. Alone. Staring blankly at the TV.

I didn’t even have my friend and roommate around anymore. I had other friends, though. I could’ve made it work—if I wanted to.

I didn’t want to.

I pulled onto my street, jam-packed with houses—tall, skinny, and made from inexpensive materials. The goal had no doubt been to pack as many homes as possible onto this in-demand section of land, but the result was that cramped feeling that city living was known for.

I pressed the button to open the garage. Nobody else parked in their driveways around here. Even though it was a relatively safe neighborhood, crime still happened just a few blocks away. So in this area, cars were broken into and sometimes stolen. Occasionally, a home was burglarized, so most of the homeshad alarm systems and everyone locked their doors twenty-four hours a day.

It was the complete opposite of Seduction Summit. I’d been there just over one full day and had already fallen in love with the place. I’d also fallen in love with the man who was supposed to be just a fling.

Yes, that was the real problem. I felt it deep in my chest. A pain that seemed to have taken over.

I sat in the garage, my thumb held near the button to close the door. I was lost in thought—so lost, it took me a second to notice that something had shifted in my rearview mirror. A vehicle was pulling in behind me.

My first thought? Why is someone tailgating me?

My second? What the fuck? Why is a big truck pulling into my driveway?

My heart started to race. I scanned my car for a weapon. Best plan? Close the garage door and call the police. But something was nagging at me, buried deep in my subconscious. That truck was dark gray. From here, it looked like the one that had been parked next door to my rental in Seduction Summit.

I slammed on the brakes and stared in the rearview mirror. I could make out the shape of someone in the driver’s seat—big and likely male, but no details. What if a murderer had followed me home from the gym, and I was about to go greet him because I thought he was someone who lived six hours away?

Yeah, I definitely listened to too many true crime podcasts.

Taking a deep breath, I pulled the rest of the way into the garage and cut the engine. Grabbing my phone—just in case—I looked back. The driver’s side door opened. Maybe I should go ahead and punch in nine-one-one. That way I could start the call and shout details while I was being murdered.

But then I saw a work boot hitting the ground and my heart stopped, then tripped over itself as it started racing again. He’d driven all the way here from Seduction Summit.

Don’t get your hopes up, I told myself. He might just be here to demand an explanation. Maybe it was a pride thing. Maybe he wasn’t as heartbroken over our parting as I was.

Still clutching my phone, I opened my car door and stepped out, lightheaded from how fast my heart was pounding. But then I saw him—those broad shoulders, that tough guy stance, the eyes that gave away the softy underneath…

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