Page 9 of Winning with the Mountain Man
Another couple of weeks passed,and Carina and I were hotter than ever. We couldn’t keep our hands off each other, and honestly, I loved every fucking second of it. While no more I love yous had been exchanged, the love between us was there and growing, even if we didn’t acknowledge it with words.
She was my wildflower and perfect in every way. The sassy sway of her hips, the way she took no shit from anyone, including her parents, and her infectious personality that brought me out of my own hidden shell. I loved it all. Every single part of her.
We binge-watched movies, laughed over the stupidest shit, and enjoyed each other’s company. What more could I ask for?
“My family wants you to come over for dinner,” Carina said one night as we sat on the couch at her place, eating bowls of ice cream and watching reruns ofThe Big Bang Theory.
A chill ran up my spine, and it wasn’t from the ice cream. “They do?”
“Yeah, we’ve been hanging out for almost a month now. They see you at the garden center all the time. I think they want to get to know the guy hanging out with their daughter.”
“I know all that, but I’m not particularly good with parents.”
“Is anyone? Besides, I’ll be right there with you. It’s gonna happen eventually, so we might as well get it over with, right?”Carina put her bowl down on the coffee table and cuddled up to my side.
She was right. I should stop being a baby about it. She came from a big family, and I needed to accept that if I wanted to continue being with her.
“True. Okay, let’s do it.”
“Great. I’ll plan something with them. It’s funny, the baby of the family is the first to bring someone home.”
I grinned. “I feel special.”
“You should because you are. You’re going to make a great husband and dad one day too.”
I blinked, unsure if I heard her correctly. Husband? Dad? Where did any of that come from? “A dad?”
“Yes, you want your own family one day, don’t you?”
“Uh, I mean…I guess.” I ran a hand down my face and put my bowl down, my appetite suddenly gone. “I hadn’t really thought of it yet. Honestly, I’m not sure I want kids.”
“Really?” Carina sat up straight, a surprised look on her face.
“Yeah, I don’t know. I’m not sure I see myself being a dad.” I shrugged. “Dogs are much easier.”
Carina eyed me with suspicion. “Dogs? You’re comparing having children to having dogs?”
“You know what I mean. Kids are a lot of responsibility, and I’m not sure I’d ever feel ready for it.”
“Just because you came from a small family doesn’t mean you won’t love a big family.”
“I already know I won’t.”
“How? You’ve never given one a chance.”
“I just know, okay?” My tone was harsher than I meant, and I could see the hurt on her face. “Look, I’m sorry.”
Carina stood abruptly and gathered the dishes. “I think we should call it a night. I’m not feeling too hot.”
My stomach fell to the ground, and when I stood, I reached for her, but she took a step back. “Carina, I’m sorry. Don’t do that. Please. We can talk more.”
“What’s there to say, Hudson? Maybe we’re just too different than we thought. I want kids; you want dogs. I don’t love dogs; you don’t love cats. I want a big family; you don’t. It’s plain and simple, don’t you see?”
“But I love you, Carina. We can work through it all.”
But she shook her head sadly, and my heart cracked. “I’m not so sure we can.”
CHAPTER SIX
