Page 31 of Unwrapped By the Grumpy Mountain Man
"Let me show you the guest room," Hudson says, heading for the stairs. "You can get settled in before dinner."
I freeze, my hands still on the box of books. "Guest room?"
He turns back, brow furrowed. "Yeah, down the hall from the girls' rooms. It's comfortable. Has its own bathroom."
"Hudson," I say slowly, "we need to sleep in the same room."
His eyes widen fractionally. "The girls aren't here. We don't need to pretend."
"It's not about pretending right now. It's about preparation." I straighten, crossing my arms. "If we're going to make this convincing, we need to be comfortable around each other by the time the girls come home this weekend. We can't suddenly start sharing a bed then and expect it to seem natural."
He rubs the back of his neck, considering. "The girls won't know?—"
"Kids are perceptive," I counter. "Especially Silvie. If we're awkward around each other, she'll notice."
"Violet," he sighs, setting my suitcase down. "I'm trying to respect boundaries here."
"I appreciate that," I say, stepping closer to him. "But this arrangement won't work if we're tiptoeing around each other. We need to commit fully. Half measures will only make us look suspicious."
His dark eyes search my face, seeking something. "You're sure about this?"
"I've been taking care of my father for years," I tell him honestly. "All while feeling utterly alone in my own home. I don't want to feel that way with my husband, even if our marriage is... unconventional."
His expression softens at the word "husband." His shoulders relax slightly, and he nods. "Alright. Master bedroom it is."
I grab my suitcase before he can, feeling a small victory. "Show me the way, Big Guy."
The nickname draws a ghost of a smile from him as he leads me up the stairs. The second floor is spacious, with a wide hallway and several doors. He points them out as we pass.
"Lucy's room, painted pink because she insisted. Angie's room with the bay window. Silvie's at the end of the hall. She likes her privacy."
The master bedroom is at the opposite end, giving the impression of two distinct zones—the girls' area and the parents'. The thought makes my stomach flutter.Parents.Hudson and me.
The bedroom itself is huge, with vaulted ceilings and windows that showcase the mountain view. A massive king-sized bed dominates one wall, flanked by matching nightstands. The room is undeniably masculine with dark woods and navy blue accents, but tastefully done.
"Bathroom through there," Hudson indicates a door on the right. "Walk-in closet on the left."
I set my suitcase near the closet, suddenly overwhelmed by the reality of what we're doing. I'm moving into a man's home—a man I met less than a week ago—as his wife.
"I cleared out some drawers for you," Hudson says, pointing to a dresser. "And half the closet is empty. Figured, if anyone checks, better that your stuff’s in here."
"Thank you," I say softly, touched by his consideration.
"I'll let you get settled," he backs toward the door. "I need to... start dinner."
I nod, not missing how his eyes dart to the bed and quickly away. This is strange for both of us.
Once he's gone, I sit on the edge of the bed, testing its firmness. Perfect, not too soft but still comfortable. I bounce a little, feeling ridiculous but unable to help myself. A nervous giggle escapes me.
I'm married. To Hudson Wilder. Mountain man extraordinaire.
I open my suitcase and begin the task of unpacking, the mundane activity grounding me. Clothes into drawers and the closet. Toiletries to the bathroom. Books on the empty shelf he's cleared for me.
The bathroom makes me pause. It's as luxurious as the bedroom, with a soaking tub and a separate shower large enough for two. I arrange my limited beauty products beside his simple lineup of toiletries, the domestic intimacy of it making my cheeks warm.
When I return to the bedroom, I notice the bedding for the first time. It has a plush comforter in dark blue, and far too many pillows for a single man. Did he add those for me? The thought is oddly touching.
I change into more comfortable clothes—leggings and an oversized sweater—and head downstairs to find Hudson.
