Page 15 of Restored By the Mountain Man
Nash’s ex created a clusterfuck that caused the dirty PD to keep too close of an eye on him the last two years. For Nash, he leaned into playing their villain, isolating himself at the farthest point of Hunter land.
I don’t answer, just hand him my empty glass and get up. Squeezing his shoulder, I head to my pickup and make my way home.
Lost in thoughts and memories, I almost miss the familiar figure walking on the side of the road. Instantly, I know the curve of those hips and how they sway when she walks.
“The fuck?” I growl, sharply turning toward her and parking.
She advances her pace, not looking back. I get out of the truck, slamming my car door.
“Zoe,” I bark.
She jumps but exhales when she sees me.
“Jesus, Ezra. You scared the shit out of me.” I’m stunned at seeing her not wearing her professional mask.
“What are you doing?” I ask, baffled.
She gives me a sarcastic nod, presenting her arm to the road. “Walking?”
I march over to her, assessing her body for injuries. “Something happen? Where’s your car?” I look around.
“Everything’s fine. I’m walking back to the cabin from Laurel and Grayson’s.”
“You’re walking,” I emphasize, “from their place? Why? Grayson was okay with that?”
None of my brothers would be okay with letting a woman walk by herself at night. Eden Ridge is fairly safe, but you always have the outliers. Don’t get me started on wildlife.
“This isn’t a hike on a man-made path in the city. This is pure forest area, Zoe. It’s dangerous.”
She rolls her eyes, crossing her arms. “First of all, ‘is Grayson okay with that?’,” she mocks my tone. “He’s not my keeper. Hell, he isn’t even Laurels. She’d nut punch him before ever requiring his permission.” She’s getting riled up.
“That’s not what I meant,” I mumble, but she’s too deep in her rant now.
“Second? Just because I grew up in the city doesn’t mean I’m ignorant of nature, Ezra. My best friend is practically a tree hugger. And three,” her voice escalates as she hops on her toes to get in my face. “I’m literally a couple miles away. The sun just set. I have pepper spray and bear spray, and my phone has signal.” She huffs a breath. “Grayson wasn’t home anyway.”
Of course.Over his dead body would he allow the love of his life’s favorite girl walk alone.
“Zoe, please get in the truck.” This argument is pointless. And the more fired up she gets, the more turned on I’m getting, and this can not happen.
“Excuse me? Look, I get it. You mountain men, turns out, are actually pretty spot on to Laurel’s romance book boyfriends, butthis is real life. Ordering a woman to do anything, unless you’re both consensually naked, is never a good idea.”
I swear, my balls tightened with a vivid image of ordering her around. In bed. Both of us naked, wrestling in sweat.
“Fuck.” I run my hand through my hair. “Zoe. Please. I’m taking you home.”
“For the love of…” she scoffs, turns, and stomps away.
“Zoe,” I call.
“I’m a strong, independent woman, Ezra. So, I can’t hear you,” she sings.
“Mother–,” I clench my jaw, catch up to her tiny strides.
Tomorrow, I’ll analyze my behavior. Right now, pure adrenaline runs through my veins.
I lift her up and toss her over my shoulder.
“Ezra,” she squeals. “Bro, put me down.” She slaps my ass.
