Page 1 of Stuck with the Mountain Man

CHAPTERONE

Suzie

“I love you,girl, but I really thought you’d ditch these wine nights once Forrest took over your life.” I took a sip of my wine and placed the glass down on the table. Good thing I did because the next thing I knew, a pillow flew sideways at my head.

Adalynn laughed, and I ducked while giving her a murderous look. “Dude! What if my wine spilled?”

“That’s why I waited until you put your glass down. Now don’t ever say shit like that again.” She wagged her finger at me, all while a shit-eating grin spread wide across her face. “I would never stop spending time with you. Our wine nights aren’t going anywhere.”

“Even if I join in?” Forrest appeared in the doorway of the living room. Adalynn moved into his cabin soon after they became a couple, and while the change of scenery threw me off at first from when she lived with her brother, Jack, it now feels like her home. I loved all the little touches she added to their shared space.

“No boys allowed. You know the rules. Even handsome ones.”

Forrest strode over to where Adalynn sat on the couch, leaned down, and kissed her deeply. “What about future husbands?”

“If I can’t join, neither can you, so give it up already,” Jack quipped as he walked in behind Forrest.

“Last I knew, you weren’t anybody’s future husband. So if anyone has a chance, it’s me.”

I chuckled under my breath at Forrest’s zinger toward Jack.

“What’s so funny, Suzie Q?” Jack turned toward me with a smirk. I pretended the nickname he gave me all those years ago bothered me, but deep down, I secretly got a thrill every time he said it.

“You both are fools.” I rolled my eyes and shook my head, laughed some more, and picked up my wineglass, downing the last bit of sweet red liquid.

“Neither one of you will ever join ourgirls’ onlywine nights. Now shoo. We’ve got town gossip and wedding planning to discuss,” Adalynn chimed in. “Besides, don’t you two have somewhere to be?”

Forrest laughed before kissing fiancée one last time. He walked over and stood beside Jack. “We’d rather bother you two.”

“Nah. I’d rather shoot some hoops,” Jack said. “Let’s leave these two to do what they do best.”

“You couldn’t keep up with us, anyway.” I dismissed them with a wave of my hand. “Which reminds me, I need a refill.” I got to my feet and felt Jack’s eyes on me as they traveled down my body. I snuck a glance his way, and sure enough, he was eyeing me like I was tonight’s dessert.

As soon as he realized I’d caught on, a snarky look came over his face, and he clapped Forrest on the shoulder. “Can’t keep up? Nice one, Suzie Q. C’mon, Forrest, let’s go. Peace out, ladies.” The words tumbled out of Jack’s mouth quickly before he made a beeline for the front door. Ha! He was caught checking me out, and he knew it.

“Have a good night. Be good. Don’t forget about Bailey outside with her bone.” Forrest blew Adalynn a kiss and took off after Jack.

“I could never forget Bailey!” Adalynn called after him.

“Where were they going?” I headed to the kitchen and grabbed the open bottle of wine. After filling my glass and topping off Adalynn’s, I curled up on the couch once more.

“The college basketball game. Jack’s been helping with coaching the team lately.” Adalynn sipped her wine and popped a chip in her mouth.

“Really? That’s…nice of him.”

Adalynn laughed. “Jack has a heart under there somewhere. Hard to believe, I know.”

“I’m only kidding. I know he’s a great guy. He took care of my best friend.” I reached over and squeezed her hand.

“I love you, Suz.”

“Not as much as I love you. But I can’t wait any longer—what’s this town gossip you speak of?” My eyes widened in excitement, and I clapped my hands together.

Adalynn threw her head back in laughter. “I just said that to get the boys out of here. Sorry.”

“What? You brat!” I laughed before drinking more wine.

“You know they hate listening to the gossip. But I do have some wedding ideas I want to run by you. And I have a proposal for you.”

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