Page 8 of Smoldering Mountain Man

The previous night’s events barreled at me like a freight train, reminding me of why there was woman in my bed. But not justany woman. The gorgeous, spunky lady I couldn’t resist much longer.

Marcella stirred in her sleep and lifted her head off my chest. She looked around before turning towards me, a mix of both confusion and curiosity etched across her soft features.

“Well, this is a bit embarrassing.” Marcella chuckled softly to herself as she rolled off me and over to the other side. “Sorry to be in your personal space.

“I didn’t mind. Did you sleep well?”

“Actually, yes. And my ankle feels better.” She lifted the covers, her foot still resting on the pillow.

“Looks like the swelling went down which is good news. Hopefully that means you didn’t break anything.”

“Yeah.” Marcella smiled and sat up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. “Which reminds me, I should probably get to the hospital for some x-rays. Thanks again for everything.” She turned towards me, only kindness and warmth radiating off her.

“I’ll take you.” I tossed the covers to the side and got to my feet.

“That’s okay. You’ve done plenty.”

“It’s really no big deal. You need help walking.”

“No, I don’t. See?” Marcella pushed herself onto her feet and as soon as a little weight hit her ankle, she fell back onto the bed. “Shit.” She muttered under her breath.

“Stay there, I’ll help.”

After we both visited the bathroom, I scooped her into my arms and walked downstairs to the kitchen. I sat her down on a chair at the table and began pulling ingredients from the fridge before flicking on the coffee pot. “Need a good breakfast first. Most important meal of the day my mom always said.”

Marcella chuckled. “I usually skip it.”

I gasped with way more over-exaggeration than needed, a grin plastered across my face. Look how easy it was to fall rightback into easy conversation, our flirting undeniable. Maybe I really was fighting a losing battle. “My mother would freak out if she heard that.”

“I’d rather sleep longer.” Marcella said. “Sleep is precious.”

“I see your point, but a little meal prep goes a long way. Whip up some egg bites, make some overnight oats, and you’re golden.”

Marcella’s eyes sparkled. “Overnight oats? Who exactly are you, Ryerson?”

“If you stick around, you just might find out.” I responded.

“Well, I’m not really interested in being friend zoned.” She quipped and I froze, nearly clipping my head on the door of the fridge as I grabbed some coffee creamer.

“Who said anything about friends?” I challenged back.

Her eyes turned molten. “Glad to see we’re finally on the same page.”

I opened my mouth to say something, but I couldn’t find the words. Instead, I handed her a cup of coffee with a wink and set about making our breakfast, fighting with my mind over one simple fact.

There was no way I could resist her.

CHAPTER FIVE

Marcella

“Doyou have the day off from work?” I asked Ryerson as he navigated his truck down the dirt mountain road. We were able to secure an appointment at the emergency clinic in town. Luckily, they performed x-rays there, so we were able to skip a visit to the hospital.

“I called my boss this morning and canceled the one tour I had. But unless I can find coverage for my shift, I’ll have to go into the Visitor Center later and cover the front desk.” Ryerson explained. “We get lots of tourists and hikers looking for maps or specific trails.”

“Interesting. I didn’t even know Appleridge Mountain had a visitor center.”

He chuckled and the sound sent my insides scrambling. Oh, how I loved the sound. “Most do. And we get surprisingly busy. How about you? Any job to get to?”

---