Page 9 of Smoldering Mountain Man

“I make my own schedule. I’m a romance author.”

His eyes widened and his mouth fell open slightly. “Really?”

“Yep. I’ve been crafting stories in my head since I was a little girl. I took a chance on self-publishing and after a few tries, one of my books went viral and my career exploded. But sometimes I need to get out of the house, relax my creative muscles for a bit, so I picked up a part time job at the garden center in Apple Falls. I might not love the outdoors, but I certainly love fresh flowers.”

“There’s many layers to you, isn’t there?”

My cheeks flushed. “Guess you’ll have to find out.”

We went back and forth with questions and tidbits about our life until Ryerson pulled into the clinic.

He helped me inside, though my ankle could withstand a tad bit more weight than the night before, and he stayed by my side the entire time.

While waiting for the x-ray results, he bought us lunch and kept me company. He even had charged my phone the night before, so I was able to catch up on a few emails and send a text out to Brielle.

I’d only known this man for less than twenty-four hours and I already couldn’t picture my life without him in it. He was going to drop me off and then we would pretend none of this occurred. That it was a fever dream we could both forget about. But how could we?

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. At least the whole friend’s thing was a joke. Maybe if he just kissed me. Break the ice a bit, see if the insane chemistry between us was real.

Or maybe I should kisshim.

“Mar, are you in there? Hello?” Ryerson waved a hand in front of my face, and I blinked, my cheeks heating. Was I that lost in thought?Damn him and his sexiness.

“Sorry, what’s up?”

Ryerson tipped his chin in the direction of the nurse standing in front of us. She smiled warmly. “Your results are ready. Follow me.”

A few minutes later, a doctor came in and told me the good news was that it wasn’t broken or fractured, but it was sprained badly. He gave me some handouts on how to take care of it, sent the nurse in to wrap it, and wrote me out a prescription for a few painkillers.

After securing the meds, Ryerson helped me back to his truck and when he slid in behind the steering wheel, the awkwardness descended. Or maybe it was me being paranoid, but I didn’t know where to go from where we were. Have him take me home or ask to stay with him again?

I can’t ask to stay with him again. He’ll think I’m nuts. Besides he’s probably sick of me by now.

“Well, it’s been real, Ryerson. And I thank you kindly for everything. But I should probably have you take me home. The book I’m working on isn’t going to write itself.” I smiled cheekily, hoping to mask the sadness running through me.

“What if I don’t want to take you home?”

His question threw me off guard and I swallowed over the sudden lump in my throat. Silence stretched between us.

“Listen, Marcella, we’ve been dancing around the obvious of whatever’s going on between us. I know this isn’t the usual way people start a romantic relationship, but the thing is, I really don’t care. It doesn’t change how I feel about you and?—”

With no hesitation, I went for the kill. I stopped him midsentence with my lips on his, our mouths connecting in a way I’d never experience before. We found our rhythm easily, as if we were made for each other, exploring, nipping, sucking, and swirling our tongues together as our lips tangoed.

And when we broke apart minutes later, after what felt like hours, both of us were left panting and breathless. “Holy shit.” I whispered.

“Holy shit is right. That wasn’t enough.” Ryerson said before grabbing the back of my head and covering my mouth with his.

We kissed and kissed until we were out of breath and dizzy from no air. My lips tingled, now swollen, the passion between us intense.

“Spend the night with me?” Ryerson pressed his forehead against mine, the words a demanding growl.

“I thought you’d never ask. But can we stop by my place first? I need a shower and change of clothes.”

“Of course. We’ll grab your clothes. You can shower at my place. With me.” He winked, kissed me once more, and leaned back against his seat before starting the engine.

“Someone’s a little bossy.”

“You know you like it.”

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