Page 18 of The Mountain Man's Curvy Surprisem
“JPEG Mafia, Freddy Gibbs, Mach-Hommy,” I add.
“Tupac, Biggie, Nas, Dr. Dre?” she asks.
“Obviously. Lauryn Hill, Outkast ... I could go on and on.”
Her eyes dance. “Youreallylike all of them?”
“Of course.”
“I just learned something new about you.” She beams. Damn, this feels good.
“There’s a lot you still don’t know about me, but I mean to change that,” I say firmly. “We both love Kung-Pow Chicken, Ninja movies, Sour Patch Kids, and want to visit Japan someday. That’s a decent start for turning over a new leaf together, don’t you think?”
“Yes, I do, Mateo.”
“But I have to know what you like about me.” I level my gaze on her, needing her answer more than she knows.
Her smile broadens. “You’re gorgeous, first of all, and I love how strong and muscular you are. You’re built like a brick wall, and you make me feel safe. Your red hair and turquoise eyes are both crazy turn-ons. So is your thick beard and tan complexion. And I love how you live out here in the wilderness, preferring a simpler existence, closer to nature. From your military service to your more mature age and your life experiences, you could be my anchor. My safe place and foundation, but …”
“But?” I arch an eyebrow, heart overflowing with her words. I can be all those things for her. I would make it my life’s mission.
“The way you’ve acted since I got here … so grumpy, upset, and rude. I don’t know. It has me confused, second-guessing myself.”
I grunt, knowing I need to apologize but not sure what to say. “I’ll do better moving forward. I promise.”
We walk in silence toward the lake.
I hear Callie trip behind me, and I stop, ready to catch her. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, just didn’t see that rock there,” she says. “It’s so dark out here. At least, you won’t be able to see my birthday suit.”
I chuckle. “Is this a bad time to tell you I have exceptional night vision?”
“Oh,” she exclaims, a little poof of air escaping her mouth.
“Don’t worry. It’s a good thing. How else am I going to ensure no wild animals creep up on us while we swim?”
“Wild animals?” A shiver thrills through her voice.
“Or dudes in hockey masks with chainsaws.”
“Don’t even.” Callie laughs nervously.
“Don’t worry, Shivers, I won’t let anything happen to you. I swear.”
“Shivers?”
“Yeah, Shivers. I don’t know if it’s more because of the shivers in your voice when I tease you about scary stuff, or the shivers that dance up and down my spine every time I look at you.”
She hugs herself as we near the black waters of the lake. “Funny nickname aside, are there really wild animals out here?”
“Of course.” I shrug.Is this a trick question?
“What kinds?” Her voice full-on trembles.
“Nothing I can’t protect you from,” I conclude firmly.
“You say it with such authority. I could almost believe you. But I’ve seenThe Revenant. What kinds of animals?”
