Page 21 of Protected By the Mountain Man

So why isn’t he married? Or dating?

And why would he go along with my lie? Dive deeper into it by moving me into his house?

His motives are unclear except that he’s obviously a standup guy.

One who isn’t afraid to take on someone else’s troubles. My troubles.

“Thank you.”

“You don’t need to thank me.”

“I do. You’ve been helping me for weeks and now…” I shake my head. “You’re making things complicated for yourself by insisting I move in with you. We’ll be the center of town gossip. You’ll be the center of it.”

“Don’t care what people think or say.”

“You should.” Can’t he see how this will affect him? “They’ll think we’re sleeping together.”

“Let them.”

“I don’t want anyone to think badly of you.”

He stops, puts a hand on my arm to get my complete attention. He doesn’t know he has that every time I see him. And most of the time I don’t.

“What do you think of me?”

I blink up at him. “I…”

“I don’t care what anyone other than you thinks of what this is or isn’t.”

Truth blazes in his eyes and I swallow the pulsing lump in my throat. “Okay. I think you’re a good man.”

With a nod he lets go and starts walking again. Dumbfounded, I watch him for a few steps before I remember what we’re doing and race to catch up.

I’m not sure what just happened but whatever it was, it has my insides coiling and heating in a way I’m not familiar with. And I have the feeling all these new sensations stem from the man walking beside me.

The man I’m going to be living with.

GRANGER

It’s surreal watching Brooke take in my home.

Nerve-racking too.

Does she like what she sees?

Is she happy to be here?

The frown on her face says no. To which question, I’m not sure. Possibly both.

She hasn’t said a word since I let her inside. Then again, neither have I. Considering it’s my house and I insisted she be here, I should fix that.

“Everything okay?” I stay where I am near the front door.

“Hmm…” She looks over her shoulder. “Yes?”

“Are you asking me? Because if you are, I’d answer no.”

“Why?” Her fingertips trail along one of the bookshelves beside the fireplace.