Page 12 of Mountain Wood

My heart rate is through the roof. “Yes.”

He doesn’t seem to believe me. Cupping my face, he scans me like I’ve just come out of a fist fight.

“I’m fine.” Jeez, his hands are warm on my chilled cheeks. And they’re so big. Rough.Wait a minute… “What are you doing here?”

He steps back, putting his hands up nice and slow. “It’s not what it probably looks like.”

“So, you weren’t poking around my cabin in the dark?”

“Okay, maybe it is what it looks like, but you weren’t home so it’s not like I was peeping on you. I just got worried that the cabin wasn’t—” He stops talking, as if keeping himself from saying something damning.

“Finish that sentence,” I demand. “What about my cabin are you concerned about, Dean?”

“That.” He points in the direction the raccoon ran. “I worried you’ll have animals invading your space.”

The only animal invading my space lately is him.

And I’m not sure how I feel about it.

“Is this part of the guest experience?”

“Making sure you’re safe while staying here?” Dean shoves his hands in his pockets. “Damn right it is. And I got into my head tonight about you.”

I cock my eyebrow and put my hands on my hips. “Why?”

“I freaked myself out knowing you’re here by yourself.” Dean’s breath puffs out in white clouds. “Animals are unpredictable, and even though it’s freezing, and most are going into hibernation already, some creatures can still be hunting and foraging. On my way home, I figured I’d make sure all your windows were secured. I’m sorry I scared you.” He rubs the back of his neck. “There’s also trail cameras hooked up everywhere, and I’ve added a few new ones around your cabin just in case. I’ll make sure to empty whatever trash you set out immediately, so it doesn’t draw in bear.”

“Bear?” My heart runs in panicked circles. “What do you mean bear?”

“Honey, it’s not called Bear Creek Cabins for nothing.”

No way. “I thought that was just for aesthetic!”

His brows lift and the look he gives makes me feel like an idiot. I’m now second guessing my sanity, because as much as the prospect of seeing a bear scares the shit out of me, the challenge of being here on my own becomes even more alluring.

“I’ll keep you safe,” Dean promises, maintaining his distance.

“You sure you’re not just prowling around my cabin in the dark so you can put me in a crock pot?”

“Huh?”

“Never mind.”

The adrenaline leaves my system, and with my full belly, I’m suddenly exhausted. “It’s late,” I say, even though it’s only eight in the evening. “And I’ve got groceries to put away.” Clearing my throat, I gather my bags, restuffing them with all that fell out.Except for the blueberries that scattered out of their container, the rest of my produce is savable.

“Let me help.”

“Please don’t.” I appreciate his attempt at kindness, but no. Just… no. My brain can’t separate danger from desire, judging the way my body is behaving with him so close to me. I’m scared and turned on. Challenged and invigorated. I honestly don’t think Dean would hurt me, and I believe him about keeping me safe. He knows this area far better than me, that’s obvious. And I doubt he wants a lawsuit on his hands if I’m injured on his property. But I don’t trust myself right now. Because seeing a big man like him go into protective mode, and getting a raccoon out of my car, only to explain his side of this debacle, has me all twisted up.

“From now on, park in front of your cabin instead of over here,” he says.

“Why?”

“I’d rather you be extra safe and keep your car close to the porch just in case there’s a wildlife issue.”

“What about if you have more deliveries?”

“Your safety is more important than… anything else.” I think he notices the tension in his voice because he quickly recovers, clearing his throat. “Besides, it’s freezing out. No sense in being cold for longer than necessary out here.”

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