Page 9 of The Mountain Man's Muffin

We worked side by side and whipped up the batches of muffins in no time. Austin surprised me with how well he worked in the kitchen, and with the music and good energy flowing, we were having a ball.

That was, until Austin tossed a handful of flour at me.

What ensued was quite the messy flour fight.

But it ended with us in a heap on the floor, laughing uncontrollably which then turned to frantic kissing.

Clothes came off as the muffins baked in the oven, and when he slid his cock deep inside me right there on the kitchen floor, I knew my life had changed forever.

This man had wormed his way into my heart already.

It was intense.

Too intense.

And it happened so fast.Too fast.

When we finished, Austin took my face in his hands and kissed my lips softly. “I know this is crazy, Ruby, but move in with me. Be mine. I want to marry you and fill you with babies. I want a life with you. I knew it the moment I laid eyes on you.”

His words took my breath away.

It was crazy. It was all so unbelievable. But I was feeling it too. As if we were just made for each other. “Austin…”

“I’m tired of being alone, Ruby. I was perfectly content before, with it just being Kane and me. But something inside me changed when I met you. I know you must think it’s wild because I think it’s crazy too. But isn’t love supposed to be that way?”

I didn’t know how to answer.

Instead, I stood and ran to the bathroom.

CHAPTERSIX

Ruby

How was this possible?

How did this insane situation feel so right?

I barely knew this man.

Yet Icouldsee myself living with him. Married to him. Pregnant with his babies.

I’d always wanted to get married and have kids. I just didn’t expect it now. That didn’t mean it was a bad thing, though.

But did I want Gran to be alone again? I just got back.

I sat down on the closed lid of the toilet, rested my elbows on my knees, and dropped my head into my hands. My head spun.

I thought about reaching out to Lena or Gran and asking for their advice. Yet I knew deep down inside this was something I needed to figure out on my own.

After a few deep breaths, a few sighs, and several minutes later, I’d decided. When I placed my hand on the doorknob, a knock sounded from the other side at the same time. I cracked a smile. It felt like a sign.

I opened the door, and Austin stood there with his shoulders slumped, yet still as handsome as ever. His eyes searched mine frantically. “Ruby, listen, I’m sorry. I never should’ve rushed you like that. We can take it slow. Go on a proper date. I just want to be with you.” He stepped forward and the look on his face told me he was asking my permission to move closer. Kane didn’t care, though. He pushed through Austin’s legs and danced between us, lifting his paws, wagging his tail, and licking our hands.

Austin ignored him. His eyes never left mine. My heart pounded in my ears.

“I wasn’t so lucky in love the first time. She broke my heart, and I believed love wasn’t in the cards for me for a long time. But looking at you, all of my fears melt away. I can’t explain it. Hell, I don’t understand it myself. But I promise to love you every day. And help you make muffins while also eating half of them at the same time.”

I laughed, and we kissed.

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