Page 6 of Runaway for the Mountain Man
“Look, I was just on limited options, and starving. Sorry.” Her apology comes forced, and she looks back at me. “I was hoping to ask for a ride down the mountain, and I can get this all cleared up and out of your hair.”
Now she wants to leave? I don’t care about the money. Hell, I don’t really care that she made her way inside and got comfortable. All I know is that I am in no rush to kick her out.
Not with the storm. Not to return to an empty house.
“You’re not leaving the mountain.” At the roughness of my voice and the way she flinches, I curse under my breath. “I mean, you can’t. It’s dangerous out there. Have you seen the storm? Just getting up here was a challenge. Too risky to leave now.”
Moving over to the window, I push open the curtains so she can see.
I don’t want to be the one to tell her that we are stuck together, but that’s exactly what this is. Trapped by a storm. Better for her to be stuck with me than someone else. She won’t be able to see it that way unless I lose my edge and act like I know how to converse with people.
Rubbing the back of my neck, I drift toward her and offer my hand. Knowing in the back of my mind that I’m not the best at this, I try to smile. “Bentley.”
She looks from me to my hand, her face relaxing. Slowly, she lifts her own and slides it against my palm. Her fingers are small and dainty, and I all but swallow up her hand as I give it a short-lived shake. Once we’re separated, I take a seat and make sure to leave a cushion between us to make her feel comfortable.
“Now, you want to tell me why you’re here?” I jerk my chin toward the kitchen. “I saw the dress.”
Josie grimaces and shifts so she can draw her knees to her chest. “My wedding was supposed to be today.”
Something stirs around in my chest, and I think it’s the thought that this woman is already claimed by another man. Taken by someone who isn’t me. It’s a strange thought, but it grows heavier in my chest now that I know.
“Terrible day to plan one of those,” I mumble, eyes drifting away. “Where is your fiancé?”
“Scrambling somewhere, probably.” Josie huffs like she’s annoyed, and it surprises me. “If I have to guess, he’s probably trying to figure out why I left him at the altar.”
The stirring grows bigger, and I have to shift to try to get comfortable. It’s impossible. “You are a runaway bride?”
“If that’s what you call it. I ran away from a wedding I didn’t want to be at. No one knows where I am, and it’s the most peace I’ve gotten in an entire month.” She clicks her tongue, and I can see the annoyance swallowing up everything else. “Probably shouldn’t tell you that, you being a stranger with a knife and all.”
Lifting my hands in defense, I scoff. “I came prepared for the worst.”
“Afteryou saw the dress?” She snorts and shakes her head. “I know bridezillas exist, but I couldn’t hurt a fly.”
“I can say I had no bad intentions. Still don’t.” Clearing my throat, my knee bounces at the next rumble outside. “Could use the company, so I suppose I can thank you for your crimes.”
When she lifts a brow, I don’t bother explaining the truth. No point in making the beauty give me the same pitied expression most do when I try to fully explain what happens when I get around loud noises.
“Not a fan of storms and loud noises. Up here, thunder is ruthless. I’m not going to take your money, but I’ll accept the company.” Figuring this trade sounds much better, my body relaxes when she nods.
“Not like we have much of a choice anyway.” Her face scrunches up as she continues staring my way. Lips parting, she grows hesitant. “Weird question, but you don’t know who I am, right?”
The way she says it—like the answer matters too much—makes my stomach tighten.
Turning my attention back onto her, my brows furrow together. “I’ve never seen you in my life.”
I’m confident of it. If I’d passed her in town, I’d know. If I had passed her before, even just once in my lifetime, I’d remember. The way the dim light catches in her eyes, the way her fingers tap restlessly against her knee—she’s not someone a person would forget.
With a smile forming on her lips at my answer, and confusion taking over, I write it off as a little strange and try to get comfortable.
Right now, I don’t know a thing about her. But by tomorrow morning, I’m sure we’ll be the best of friends.
3
Josie
Bentley is hot. Like, I’ve worked with my fair share of attractive men, but this guy takes the cake.
I’m not sure if it’s the sun-kissed skin, the gray hair peeking through his tousled locks, orsomething else,but he’s it.
