Page 22 of Mountain Grump Protector

A man like Cal could probably have any woman he wanted. If he ever came off the mountain, that is. He’s the kind of rugged, broody mountain fantasy women lose their minds over. With his big shoulders, rough hands, dark eyes, and deep voice that settles low in my stomach every time he says my name. Never mind, the way he consistently continues to be nice to me.

And he kissed me first.

That’s the only reason I curl my fingers into the collar of his shirt and tug him closer.

He started this, and I’m not ready for it to stop.

Ready or not, I feel the muscles in his shoulders tense as he pulls back. I almost tell him not to stop. I almost try to pull him closer.

But I don’t.

That’s not me.

I don’t chase men. I definitely don’t ache for them. And I sure as hell don’t sit around wishing they’d kiss me again like some pathetic love-sick idiot.

When Cal finally lifts his head enough for me to look at him properly, I’m not prepared for the tension in his face that catches me off guard. As if pulling away from me was enough to cause him physical pain.

His jaw is clenched so tightly, I can see the muscle ticking beneath his beard, and there’s something almost angry about the way he’s breathing. Not with me. But maybe more at himself for losing control in the first place.

That should’ve offend me.

Instead, it makes my chest ache in a way I’ve never felt before. Because no one has ever looked at me that way. Like I matter.

Which is exactly why I need to get a grip on myself. Fast.

I straighten my shoulders and smooth my hair back, giving myself a moment to pull it together while the survival instinct that’s so deeply embedded in me finally clicks back into place.

“What do you want from me then, Cal?” When he stares, I push. “If you’re not going to fuck me, I don’t know what else this is. You helped me out, I owe you. Let’s just get it out of the way.”

His face twists. He stands, walks a few steps away, and when he turns back, he’s furious. “I don’t expect anything from you, Willow. I’m not looking to sleep with you as some fucked up kind of payment.”

His breathing is tight, his hands fisted at his sides like touching me is the one thing he won’t let himself do.

And God help me, that’s the part that gets me.

Not that he doesn’t want me. That he does, and still won’t.

Deep down, that’s what steadies me. Still, there’s a messed-up part of me that can’t help but be frustrated.

I shove it back down where it belongs and lift my chin.

“Fine,” I say. “Then we’re clear.”

But I don’t move. And neither does he.

After a moment, I crack. “Look, I get it that I probably shouldn’t go home for a few days, but I’m not going to just sit around and let you wait on me either.”

His eyes flash, like he wants to argue, but I don’t give him the chance.

“I’ll earn my keep,” I say quickly. “I’ll clean and…cook, or…whatever. I’ll find something to do.”

He stares at me for what feels like forever, but finally nods. “Okay. And you’ll sleep in my room with the door locked,” he says. “I won’t touch you, Willow. You have my word on that.”

He turns on his heel without another look in my direction. The front door slams behind him as he leaves me alone in the cabin, with nothing but his words echoing in my head.

I won’t touch you. You have my word on that.

I should feel relief. Cal is the first man who’s never wanted something from me. He’s the first man who hasn’t tried to take something from me.