Page 6 of Mountain Man Savior

So, the last thing I should be doing is thinking with my dick, but unbelievably my heart had become invested as well. I just had to deal with the wait. Something we’d all earned a master's degree in while on active duty.

Unfortunately, when I heard voices filtering in from outside, one was Ridge’s the other female, my good intentions to tackle today’s priorities went out the window.

Walking out to the front porch, I met them just as they rounded the walkway from the front drive.

Lust and jealously seized me. Lauren was back. And she was laughing at something Ridge had said. I flexed my fingers and tried to release the tension that had overtaken me from seeing her with another man and stepped down to welcome her.

“Hey. Looks like you recovered your food.” I pointed to the basket Lauren was carrying, but what I was really looking at was her flushed face, dark wavy hair as the breeze lifted it off her shoulders, and her full, rosy lips. Lips that had been smiling over something Ridge had said.

Jealousy took a second swipe at my gut. The punch of emotion was so unexpected I didn’t know how to act beyond remaining silent. I was fucking pouting because my buddy hadbeen on the receiving end of Lauren’s beautiful smile. I wanted all of her smiles.

“Hi. Uh, no. That food was spoiled by the time the towing company delivered the van to the repair shop. I made up some fresh samples for you all to try. I couldn’t let Ridge give us the contract without tasting anything.”

“You didn’t have to do that, but I’m glad you’re here.” Waving her inside, I waited for her to pass me, and damn if I didn’t take a deep inhale as she did. Ridge caught the move and smothered a chuckle as he wiggled his damn eyebrows. Before he could follow Lauren, I cut him off and moved behind her. “The dining area is to the right.”

We both watched as she took out container after container of food. The space filling with the delicious scent of roast beef and something sweet. Almost as delicious as her. I’d noticed today she had worn closed toed shoes. Smart considering the weather was still overcast, but the severe rainstorms had thankfully passed.

Her outfit today, a white long-sleeved button down and dark blue slacks, shouldn’t be sexy as hell, but the form hugging material showed off her curves and I couldn’t stop staring. The reminder of how she’d been pressed up close to me yesterday as I’d warmed her up now made my hands itch to touch her again. Did she have any idea how much she tempted me?

Ridge made groaning noises over the food she placed on the table and I wanted to punch him. He knew without me saying a word that I was into Lauren, but he was having fun at my expense, dammit.Get a grip Stafford.There was no way either of us would allow a woman to come between us, but getting my heart and my once again raging erection to accept that was becoming more difficult by the minute.

“Uh, is everything okay? I know I should have called first, but I thought you’d both be here, you know, working, so I tooka chance.” Lauren’s gaze flicked from Ridge to me, worry lining her features. Damn, she’d picked up on my aggressive thoughts. Not the impression I wanted to give.

“No. This is great. Please go ahead.” How I sounded half-way unaffected by her presence was a fricking miracle. Sure, there were a ton of things I could be doing, and this was Ridge’s responsibility, but nothing was more important than spending more time with her.

“Yeah, I skipped lunch, so perfect timing.” Ridge happily continued digging into the various dishes and, thankfully, stopped smiling at Lauren.

Light had filtered in through the window, the setting sun’s rays bathing Lauren in a soft glow and damn, words failed me and all I could do was nod my head in agreement.Jesus, she was so fucking beautiful.

Her smile returned, and this time it was all mine. For the next half hour or so the three of us sat at the large table discussing the ins and outs of delivery, ordering and billing for the food Lauren and her mom, Taya and staff would provide once we officially opened. Sure, technically Ridge was in charge of the food for the lodge, but was I going to leave him alone with Lauren? Never. Or at least until I figured out what was going on between Lauren and me.

Because, oh yeah, she was into me. Her brief glances toward me when she didn’t think I was looking had been a revelation. The slight flushing on her cheeks and neck when I caught her gaze and held it, allowing all my inner desires for her to be on full display, made sitting still nearly impossible.

Ridge and Lauren both chuckled, and I realized I’d become lost in thought over her once again.

“Alright, then it’s settled. Send me the contract and I’ll get it signed. We’re really looking forward to working with Full Plate Catering, Lauren. And thanks again for the extra effort today.”Ridge took Lauren’s hand in his and I almost came out of my seat.

What the hell?They both looked at me and for a moment, I thought I’d spoken out loud. But then I realized I’d growled, actually fucking growled. Ridge’s eyes were full of humor. And Lauren’s? Hers were wide and full of dare I hope excitement.

Guess there was only one way to find out.

FIVE

LAUREN

Ridge leftWest and me alone, informing us he had to go check on his cat, Beatrix. Apparently, if the cranky feline missed a meal, she took it out on his furniture. All three of the men lived on site. Each had a cabin they’d built several hundred yards away from the main lodge, but hidden for privacy behind a natural grove of pine, fir, and tamarack trees. The third member of their group, Lars, had been mentioned, but I’d yet to meet him.

Okay, now’s your opportunity, Lauren. West helped me clean up, and I repacked the now empty containers. “So, uh, you all built a cabin. That’s impressive, considering how much work you did with the lodge. Which is spectacular, by the way.” Heart thundering, I finished zipping up the insulated tote, then turned toward him.

Holy, oh my baby Jesus and the saints.He was standing close. Really close. His arms crossed, showing off all that glorious muscle. His stance was wide, as if he’d settled in for what…a battle or maybe something more fun? Like seduction.Because this man was exuding those yummy pheromones again, and his eyes. My lord, they’d darkened from brown to near black, and he was looking at me like a starving man even though he’d just eaten every bite of food I’d brought for him.

Could he really be starving…for me?

“We did. I did. These hands are good for more than shooting the enemy at two hundred yards. Would you like to see my cabin?” His voice had dropped, now all rough, husky and full of promise. Okay, so sign me up because I planned on having those hands on me once again. And this time it would have nothing to do with making sure I didn’t go into shock. And everything to do with putting out the flames his presence, his heated gaze had ignited in me.

“Or I could give you the full tour of the lodge. See where the guests will stay. We could always use a woman’s perspective on the décor.”

I hadn’t realized I’d been staring until he said my name. Another blast of heat went through me. And the way he said it? Like a demand. No hesitation or uncertainty ringing out as he continued watching me. A barely there lift at the corner of his lips, like he knew exactly what was on my mind.

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