Page 5 of Infatuated with the Mountain Man

Joleneand I talked as if we had known each other for years instead of mere hours. I was drawn in by her warm personality and infectious laughter, her love for seeing the beauty in things, and for adding some ideas I wouldn’t have thought of to the vision board.

We sat at the patio table on the back porch with our notebooks and cups of coffee spread out before us. As we talked and worked together, Caden walked by the porch several times, each time glancing my way with a smirk on his face.

I ignored his flirty ways, but nothing could stop the way my body reacted inside, my legs squeezing together underneath the table on impulse. There weren’t any apple trees in the backyard, so I doubted he needed to be walking by.

“Why the hell does my brother keep walking back and forth back here?” Jolene muttered to herself, but I heard every word.

“I was wondering the same thing.”

Jolene looked at me funny before she burst into laughter, one hand covering her mouth. “Did something happen between you two?”

I reciprocated the funny look back at her. “Like what?”

She shrugged. “He’s acting strange around you. Usually, when he’s working, I hardly see him. He buries himself deep in the orchard and emerges hours later, his crazy dog at his side. But to keep walking back here? I know he isn’t looking for me.” Jolene lifted one side of her mouth up in a smirk.

“I met him yesterday. I dropped my phone, and he brought it to me. That’s really it.”

“Hmm. I don’t know what’s up with him, then. Anyway, for the photo booth, I was thinking?—”

Boom!

A loud crack of thunder erupted from the sky, and I jumped. “Shit. Where did that come from?”

Jolene looked up and shook her head. “I didn’t see a storm in the forecast.” She pointed toward a part of the sky growing dark with clouds. “Looks like one is coming.” She reached for her phone and opened the screen, her fingers tapping quickly. “Storm warning issued five minutes ago—an impending storm is on its way after it quickly changed paths. With it comes high winds, torrential downpours, and possible hail. Seek shelter immediately and hunker down until further notice.”

My stomach flipped. “That doesn’t sound good.”

“No, it doesn’t. We’ll finish this up later. Hopefully, the storm passes quickly.” Jolene threw her pen and notebook in her bag, and I cleaned up as well. “Where are you staying? Close to here?”

“Yeah, not too far. Less than a ten-minute drive.”

“You’re not going anywhere, Veda.” Caden’s deep voice washed over me. He jogged up the porch steps with his dog in front of him, Cash and Sammy following.

I looked over at him. “What?”

“I live right down the street. You’re coming with me. Jolene, I’ll drop you off on the way.” Caden snapped his fingers, and his dog sat beside him, wagging his tail.

“Stay safe, guys. I’m going to get Sammy inside.” Cash clapped Caden on the shoulder and smiled at the rest of us before disappearing inside.

“My car is here, Caden. You don’t have to drive me.” Jolene tossed her bag over her shoulder and grabbed her car keys from the table.

“I didn’t ask, did I?”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re annoying.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I can make it to my place. The sooner, the better.” I glanced at the ever-darkening sky before fishing my keys from my bag. “Have a good night, guys.” I turned to go when a hand wrapped around my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

“Veda, I’m not kidding. It’s too dangerous.”

I faced him and searched his eyes, but all I saw reflected at me was warmth and protection. “I don’t live far,” I insisted even though every part of me was dying to go home with him. To be near him, to see where he lived, to spend time with him…

Stop. Bad idea.

I couldn’t entertain whatever the hell this was between us, infatuation or not. He was way too young, for one, and for two, I wasn’t here to stay. The attraction between us was just that—attraction.Nothing more, nothing less.

“I don’t care. I want to know you’re safe.”

“There’s no point in arguing, Veda. He’s a good dude. C’mon, let’s go before the rain starts.” Jolene nodded toward the stairs. “Let’s go, Sir Barksalot.”

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