Page 18 of Snug with the Mountain Man
Hell.
Coffee can wait.
Chapter ten
Ford
You’d think sleeping with a woman like Maisie Carter would calm the storm in my chest. It doesn’t. If anything, it kicks it into a higher gear.
I’m not the kind of man who talks about his feelings. Never have been. I keep my head down, fix things, work with my hands, grunt my way through conversation if I have to. But ever since I pressed Maisie up against that kitchen counter and listened to her moan my name, I haven’t been able to think about a damn thing else.
Except, what happens when the whole town finds out? Which, in Pine Hollow, doesn’t take long.
By the time I grab coffee and head to the hardware store the next morning, two old women are whispering by the register, and Hank gives me a thumbs-up like I just won a trophy.
Hell, maybe I did.
“About time,” he mutters as he hands me a cup. “That girl’s always had a thing for you.”
I stare at him, stunned. “How the hell do you know that?”
He shrugs. “Maisie used to sit at the old diner and stare at you when you’d come in for lunch. Damn near tipped her root beer once tryin’ to get your attention.”
I blink.
Hank winks and walks off.
The air outside is sharp, mountain-cold, but my neck is hot as I step into the street. I pass Bonnie’s flower shop just as she flips the sign toOpen. She spots me instantly and grins like she’s been waiting for this moment her whole life.
“Ford Kane,” she says as I approach. “You have something to tell me?”
“Do I?”
“Oh, don’t play dumb. Everyone’s talking.”
“Gossip moves faster than wildfire around here.”
She leans against the doorframe, eyes twinkling. “So? Are you and Maisie a thing now or what?”
I hesitate. Not because I’m unsure, but saying it out loud means making it real. Means taking that flicker of heat between us and setting it loose in the world.
But when I close my eyes, I see her smile. Hear her laugh. Feel her soft breath against my neck.
“Yeah,” I say. “We’re a thing.”
Bonnie squeals.Squeals.
“I knew it. Iknew it.Maisie Carter and my grumpy brother? It’s about damn time.”
“She might come to her senses any day now.”
“Nope,” Bonnie says. “You’re stuck with her. This town loves her. If you make her happy? They’ll love you too.”
“I’m not worried about the town.”
She cocks her head. “What are you worried about then?”
I take a long sip of coffee. “Messing it up.”
