Page 5 of My Fearless Mountain Man
He’s here.
Again.
And just like before, he’s standing between me and the fire.
My body flushes, my heart melts, and suddenly my lungs feel like they’re wrapped in steel.If this is what people mean by butterflies, they’ve got it wrong.This is closer to a free fall. Or maybe a slow, steady swoon I can’t fight off.
“Come on,” the second man mutters, flicking a glance at me. “You don’t like the tourists either.”
Calder shifts forward, placing himself directly between me and their stares. Like a shield.
“I don’t like disrespect,” he says, calm but firm. “You planning on being a problem?”
Silence.
No apology. No defense. Just two men suddenly realizing they’ve picked the wrong moment—and the wrong woman.
When Calder finally steps back, they’re gone. No fuss. No fight. Just gone.
I exhale slowly.
“Thank you,” I say, softer than I mean to.
He pauses, starts to look over his shoulder, then nods without making eye contact before heading to the register. I get a few more things, then checkout. By the time I look for him, he’s gone.
Because he’s just that kind of guy. The guy that does the saving and doesn’t want a ‘thank you’. He’d rather disappear and doesn’t realize how much better that makes it. He’s selfless, which makes him even more attractive.
“I just need to get my mind off him,” I decide as I walk back to the cabin. It’s only about half a mile and two blocks, and some fresh air will do me good. “I just need to throw myself into things where he won’t be involved.”
Even if I can’t help but think about his big arms wrapped around me, his panting breaths fanning against my ear, the soft grunts that had echoed over the crackling of the flames as he carried me. I bite my bottom lip.
Wouldn’t that be better on top of me?
That’s kind of how my friends have described having sex – or at least with the good stories. There’s panting, groaning, a sexy man’s arms wrapped around them as their hips grind and their mouths wander.
Would he taste like sandalwood, the same as I remember? Would he smell like pine if he found me right after work?Maybe some combination of the two that would make it impossible for me to focus on anything but breathing him in and tasting him?
I’d kiss every scar on his body if he let me. Chase away whatever chill haunts him with my mouth, with my care, with everything I have to give.
If I’m going to lose my virginity to anyone, it should be a man like him—strong, steady, selfless. Protective. Someone who knows exactly what he’s doing.
And there’s no doubt in my mind Calder does. Not with the way he moves. Not with that quiet intensity in his eyes. Not withthatbody.
A shiver rolls down my spine at the thought, and I force myself to shake it off.
No.
Those are thoughts for never.
I’ll take my things back to the cabin, lose myself in the trails, check out some scenic spots, maybe find a museum or two. Anything to keep me grounded.
Because I won’t throw myself at a man who only catches me when he’s in rescue mode.
Even if all I want is to feel his arms around me again.
Chapter 4 - Calder
All she has to do is leave.