Page 9 of Obsessed and Naughty Mountain Man

The table quakes as Chief Stone brings his glass down with a little too much force. "You can do anything, and all you want to do is climb shit. You’re thirty-eight, Lucas. When are you going to work? It’s not too late to join the academy."

Lucas rolls his eyes. “Here we go.”

“I’m serious. Being a fireman is a real job. The benefits are killer. And, I’ll give you one thing, you’re in damn-good shape. You’d have no problem making it through training. You’d probably smoke most of the younger guys.”

“Do firemensmokeeach other?” Lucas seems undisturbed by his brother’s nagging. He shrugs and pours me more tea. "I got lots of jobs: guiding, teaching beginners’ courses, and my winnings from competitions."

"None of that iswork. You just make enough money to fund your next expedition."

"What else should I be spending money on?"

"A house. Retirement." Brock gestures to their home as if the answer is obvious. "Family.Luna has it together. She has a job. You think this girl wants to date an adventure bum?"

Ana slams her palm on the table. "Brock!"

We all sit in silence.

Her scolding is enough to rein the man in.

Lucas doesn't look at anyone but me. He winks, but it’s forced. When he told me his brother was always riding him, I had no idea it was this bad.

"No wonder you don't visit."

A stunned smile spreads over Lucas’s face.

My lips keep moving on their own accord, tethered to some courageous part of my brain that finally woke up the moment we sat down on the floor of the library.

"I wouldn't either. Why visit somebody who's just going to berate you about your life choices? Especially when you're one of the happiest, most carefree people I've ever met, and this guy—" I gesture to his older brother—"is the town asshole. I appreciate your hospitality, Chief Stone. But don’t ever assume you speak for me."

Brock doesn't budge. Like the boulder he is, he buffets the storm of my wrath, showing only the most minor crack in the twitch of his eye. But it's there—I did that. I can barely believe the words that jumped from my lips.

Next to me, Ana bursts into laughter.

Finally, I remember to breathe. My hands are shaking in my lap.

Brock calmly pours himself more tea and raises his glass to me. "Duly noted. My apologies."

Under the veil of the tablecloth, I slip off my sandal and slide my foot right into Lucas's lap. Something stiff and long waits for me there, and I don't even blush as I gently rub it with my toes.

Lucas sits back and sighs, clearly happy that he invited me to dinner. "Yeah, brother. I'm sure she's my type."

It's Monday morning, and I've never turned the lights on in the library so early. I don't open up for another hour, but something tells me Lucas will be here promptly for his lessons.

After sticking up for him last night, I feel like I can do anything. I'm riding as high as I would've been if I had finished the climb up that boulder (maybe, I don’t want to think about being up so high). I woke up early, sang loudly while I curled my hair and put on my makeup, and donned my cutest blood-red skirt, black heels, and brown top with a black belt.

Monday mornings are usually granted the least amount of effort, but I want to look my best for him. I want to be everything he wants.

My roommate said I’m glowing like I just got laid.

Not yet, Tiffany.

Sure enough, Lucas arrives thirty minutes before the library officially opens. He's knocking on the glass, balancing two cups of coffee while he does a silly dance in his jeans and flannel. I swear, this man has the energy of a teenager—Ellie would love him.

"Is ‘morning, beautiful’too strong a greeting for our third date?" he asks as I let him in.

"Most third dates aren't in libraries. Plus, you brought me coffee. I give you a pass."

We share an awkward little kiss and both laugh.

---