Page 10 of The Mountain Man's Unexpected Bride
"Why do you call me that? I'm as far away from a princess as a person can be."
"You are an amazing woman and my fiancé. I think that deserves the title of princess. Plus, you blush a little bit every time I call you that."
I pull my hands away from his and excuse myself. Brock seems larger than life in this room with me. I don't know how to interact with him. I mean, I've never even been kissed before. What if he thinks my inexperience is off-putting? What if I disappoint him?
"I'll go get the laptop, and we can do some quick shopping before you go to bed."
All I can do is nod and let him take the lead on this. He says they'll deliver to the town he lives in, and it's only a few minutes away from his home in the mountains. He sets up the computer in the living room – yes, that's how fancy this place is – and we sit side by side in front of it.
He does a few 'searches' for purses, and in less than a minute, I have dozens of choices in front of me. I don't know what I should pick, so I choose the cheapest one. Brock then goes on to buy it in three different colors.
"I don't need that many, Brock."
"Nonsense, women love having tons of purses and shoes. I might even make you a special closet for them. I built my house, you know."
"You did?"
"Yeah. It took some time, but I did it anyway. I'm very proud of it. You'll love it."
"I can take over cleaning, and I do some cooking."
"You don't have to do that, princess. My contract is for a bride, not a maid. I have someone come in once a week to clean and do the laundry. We can both do the cooking, though. I have several good cookbooks in my library."
"You have a library?"
His hand reaches for my face, and he gives me a gentle caress. That brief contact makes my skin erupt in goosebumps, and I try to keep myself from trembling. I don't want him to know how much his touch affects me. The blushes probably give me away, though.
"I love to read. I have an e-Reader, but I have a lot of paperbacks and hardcovers as well."
"That sounds exciting."
"That's the way it is when you take the reins of your own life. And you can do that now."
I lower my eyes and fidget with my jeans under the table. How do I tell this man how grateful I am without disclosing that I'm totally attracted to him, and I don't know if I deserve him? He grabs my hand and brings it up to his lips for a kiss.
"I know you are overwhelmed. Everything will work itself out. You'll see. Do you trust me?"
"I don't even know you." I blurt out.
I take my hand away from his and cover my mouth. I can't believe I just said that. Brock just laughs as if it's all a big joke.
"You're right. I guess this afternoon was just a taster of what it's like being with me. I won't ask you to trust me just yet, then. Trust must be earned."
I'm glad he has a sense of humor, but I can't stand another minute with him without touching him.
"I should go to bed."
"We haven't had dinner! The food in this hotel is amazing."
"This has been a long day for me, Brock."
"Okay, but there are snacks and drinks over there in the kitchen area if you get hungry."
I get up and start to go to my room, but something keeps me from leaving.
"Thank you, Brock," I say so low it's almost a whisper.
"My pleasure, princess."
