Page 14 of My Mountain Man Rescuer

Okay? It wasn’t okay!

I stayed on the floor with him, almost relaxing until I remembered I didn’t know Beau. We were strangers. He didn’t get to invade my space. Or force himself on me.

Even if I did have a serial killer chasing me.

I shoved at his chest and scrambled to my feet. “Don’t ever do that again.”

He slowly stood. Hands at his sides, he sighed. “Next time I’ll let you panic and pass out.”

My face grew hot. Frustration and embarrassment battled for dominance as I turned my back on him and sat on the leather couch. I could feel his stare.

“So that you know. I’m not leaving you alone.”

My head jerked up. “What?”

“I’m staying overnight.”

Like hell he was. “I don’t think so, Mr. Bossy Flannel Man.”

He quirked a brow. Amusement danced in his blue eyes before his jaw tensed. “Not negotiable. My property.”

“Then I’ll just leave.” It was a stupid response. We both knew I wasn’t going anywhere in the middle of the night in the dark. Even if I drove, it was idiotic to consider it.

I wasn’t a fool—most of the time.

“Can’t allow that either. If you try, I’m calling Sheriff Townsend. He’ll send his deputies, and they’re less fun company than I am.”

Ugh! I screeched a response and rose off the sofa, glaring at the overbearing mountain man like his protection wasn’t sexy or needed.

It was definitely both.

“Listen, Scream Queen, you need rest. Go to bed. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“Then I guess you know where the pillows and blankets are,” I retorted with more venom than needed.

“I do.”

“Fine.”

“Pleasant dreams, Carly.”

I stalked toward my bedroom and shut the door with a loud click.

When I heard his muffled laughter, I threw myself on the mattress and refused to cry.

In truth, I felt exhausted, worried, and overwhelmed. I wasn’t at my best. I think Beau knew that. He ushered me off to bed because I needed to sleep.

Despite my frustration, I knew he was right.

And the idea of having someone here to watch over and protect me with a serial killer on the loose, potentially out there and waiting to approach me again in some sadistic game, soothed the worst of the fears and embarrassment.

“Thank you,” I whispered into the dark, knowing I couldn’t tell Beau to his face.

My eyes fluttered and closed.

After that, I didn’t hear a thing until morning.

Chapter 6 Beau