Page 12 of Lost with the Mountain Man

"I'm glad you found your way here, Charlie," he says after a moment, his voice a low rumble.

"Well, I lost my way in the woods, remember?" I say with a giggle. "It'syouwho foundme."

nine

Charlie

Ihumtomyselfas I mix the muffin batter. It's four o'clock in the morning, the perfect time to be in the bakery before the customers come for their breakfast. I like to be up before the sun rises; it's quiet and peaceful.

Once the blueberry muffins are in the oven, I switch to making scones. I roll the dough and cut generous triangle shapes dusted with sugar.

The bell above the door tinkles.

I peek out of the kitchen, my heart swelling as I see Rust.

We've been together for two months, and he's come a long way. He doesn't hide away in the forest as often, but he still enjoys his solitude. His favorite time to go to the bakery is before opening hours, so he gets the first pick of the gluten-free goods and avoids small talk with Clara.

"Rust!"

"Good morning, beautiful," he says.

I grin and wipe my flour-covered hands on my apron. "You're up early."

Rust shrugs. "Couldn't sleep. Thought I'd come to see my girl."

I love it when he calls me that. His girl. It makes me feel special. I leave the kitchen and meet him in the middle of the bakery.

"What can I get you today?"

Rust grins, his blue eyes sparkling. "How about a taste of your famous blueberry muffins?"

I smile and turn back to the kitchen. "They're still in the oven."

"Hmm," he sighs with mock disappointment. "Maybe there's something else that will hold me over until then." He pulls me into his arms and kisses me. He tastes like coffee and warmth, and I can't get enough.

"I missed you," he murmurs against my lips. "I wish you didn't have to work so early. I miss you every time I wake up."

"I missed you too," I say. I can feel his heart beating against mine, making me feel safe and protected. Like nothing can hurt me as long as I'm in his arms.

He kisses me again, this time deeper, with more urgency. I can feel his cock pressing against me. I moan into his mouth, my body responding instantly. I never get tired of his kisses, his touch. He's addictive.

Rust breaks away from the kiss, panting. "Fuck, Charlie, you're so sexy," he murmurs, his voice hoarse with desire. "I can't get enough of you."

I smile against his lips, feeling a rush of pleasure at his words. "Good," I whisper. "Because I can't get enough of you either."

Rust cups my face in his hands and kisses me again, softly this time. I melt into him, my heart fluttering like a bird in my chest.

The way he looks at me and the way he says my name makes me feel like the most loved and desired woman in the world. And even though we've only been together for a few months, I know that I want him forever.

He pulls away from the kiss, his eyes searching mine. "Charlie, I–" Rust glances at the clock on the wall, then back at me. "Do we have a few extra minutes before you need to get back to work?"

"Yes," I nod. I squeal as he scoops me up in his arms and carries me to the office.

"Good, because I'm going to take you right now. I can't wait, Charlie."

The office is small and cozy, with a desk, a bookshelf, and a small loveseat in the corner. Rust kicks the door shut behind him and places me gently on the loveseat. He looms over me, his eyes intense.

"Rust," I breathe, my heart pounding in my chest. I reach up to touch his cheek, tracing the line of his jaw. He leans into my touch, his eyes fluttering shut for a moment.

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