Page 2 of Vacationing with the Mountain Man

Who is he?

“Mmhmm.” Teddy said without a care in the world, his voice dragging me out of my trance. His only mission right now was to eat more ice cream. Little scoop after little scoop went in his mouth, more dripping on his chin and down his shirt.

“I’m so sorry. I turned my back for a second to hand them a tip. I should’ve waited to give him the dish when we got to our table.” His warm smile was still there, a genuine sincerity in his eyes and voice.

“It’s okay.” I forced down my nerves and smiled, afraid I was coming off like a complete bitch when in reality, he stunned me into silence.

He was so fucking hot I couldn’t speak.

Couldn’t even form a coherent thought.

“Can I get you anything? More napkins? A wet one?” He chuckled and ruffled Teddy’s hair. “Always need those everywhere we go.”

I laughed and looked back down at Teddy. I kneeled to his level. “It was nice meeting you, Teddy. Be good for your dad, okay?”

“Lady have ice cream?” Teddy asked.

“Aw that’s sweet of you buddy but she’s probably busy. Say bye, nice to meet you.”

Teddy shook his head and stomped his foot. “No!”

“Don’t worry about it.” I chuckled with a wave of my hand. “It was nice meeting you both, take care.” I waved and moved towards the counter, my ice cream sundae waiting for me.

When I retrieved it, I snuck a look behind me and sure enough, he hadn’t moved. He talked in a low voice to his son and pointed at a table behind them.

Just when I turned away, his gaze caught mine and he grinned. He wagged his finger, beckoning me to come closer. Teddy was back to eating his ice cream, his small tantrum forgotten about.

A swarm of butterflies took flight in my belly.Just take your sundae and go.

But I couldn’t. Something held me there. Pushed me to walk towards him, moving us closer together.

And suddenly, a feeling came over me, one I couldn’t quite explain, but I knew, without a doubt, I wasn’t going to ever be the same again.

CHAPTER TWO

Zane

The mysterious,beautiful woman studied me as she stepped closer and I couldn’t fault her- I was doing the same thing.

Of course, my son had to drop his ice cream on the hottest woman in the place, but to say I minded would be a lie. She was the most beautiful woman I’d ever laid eyes on before.

She looked older, more mature than women my age, but that didn’t bother me one bit. I could handle each and every one of her curves.

When Teddy dropped his ice cream, I honestly expected a blow up, as most people don’t tolerate children well. Especially mischievous toddlers with a quest of ruining your day. Every day. With a book tucked under her arm, I’m sure she was looking for some quiet time, maybe time away from her own family.

But instead, she didn’t show one hint of annoyance. She was calm, cool, and collected, like she could handle a whole herd of kids. I was intrigued. I had to know more. Obviously so did my son.

Normally, I’d ignore his tantrum and swiftly divert his attention onto something else, but he wanted to share an ice cream with her.Why?

When she came up beside me, I smiled. “Join us for ice cream? Please?”

“Puhlease!” Teddy chimed in.

“Well, who can say no to that?” Her eyes sparkled at Teddy, and he ate up every bit of attention.

I led us to a table, helping Teddy in beside me, as she sat across from me. “I’m Zane, by the way. And this little nugget is my three-year-old son, Teddy, who you’ve met.”

“I’m Xiomara. Here for the summer. I rented a houseboat on the lake.”

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