The loudest scream I’ve ever heard echoed over the line, and I pulled the phone away as I dissolved into a fit of laughter.
“You what?! Oh my God! Tell me everything now!”
“I know who the hell am I right?”
“Yes, seriously. Who are you?”
“He does something to me, Whit. I’ve never felt like this before.”
“I can see that. Details girl, stat.”
I filled her in on the juiciest parts and promised to tell her the rest when I saw her later. It all felt like a fever dream, and as I showered and fed my cat before leaving for the shop, none of it felt real.
Here I was living a quiet life in Appleridge, content with my cabin and my cat, my best friend and our business, until a hunky mountain man turned it all upside down.
And now I couldn’t picture my life without him.
Whitneyand I gushed over Ryker for five solid minutes before we could even focus on work, but we managed to get a few things done before calling it a day.
“Do you know what he’s making you for dinner?”
I shook my head. “If he cooks as well as he fucks, then I’ll be in heaven.”
Whitney’s mouth fell open. “Who are you and what have you done with my sweet innocent friend?!”
My cheeks burned red. “Good question. Who am I?”
I continued to ask as I drove to his place later, the sun just beginning to set in the sky. He lived a bit on the outskirts of town, on a dead-end drive, just near the edge of the mountain.As his cabin came into view, I did a double take, the size impressive never mind the craftsmanship of the sturdy log frame.
When I pulled my car into his long driveway, I parked behind his truck and ran my eyes over the breathtaking view. He filled his wrap-around porch with potted flowers, from hanging planters to boxes on the railing, so many gorgeous colors and smells. In the garden in front of the porch were huge rose bushes, with picture perfect red roses beaming towards the sun, the scent of them filling the surrounding air.
He wasn’t lying when he said he liked flowers, that I could tell.
I got out of my car and walked towards the porch, admiring his garden as I went, with wind chimes and various decorations adding a creative touch.
“I promised my mom I would always take care of her gardens.” Ryker’s voice washed over me and my head shot in his direction. His large frame loomed on the porch, a very happy, very wiggling dog bouncing beside him. If it wasn’t for the tight grip of the leash, I’m sure the big lab would’ve knocked me over in a heap of kisses by now.
“Hi.” I smiled at him and then his dog. “He’s a cutie.” I nodded towards Finn, whose tail thumped loudly on the porch wood slats.
Ryker returned my smile, a sexy gleam in his eye. He gripped the leash tighter, the muscles flexing in his arms.
Good thing I wasn’t wearing any panties under this dress.
My cheeks flushed at the thought. “I’d say you’re doing a pretty damn good job of keeping up with your mom’s gardens.”
Ryker took the stairs one step at a time as he strode toward me, Finn obeying and staying right by his side, though his tail never stopped. “We’ll have to trade secrets.” He said as he came to a stop in front of me, Finn desperate to get my loving.
I kneeled down and held out my hand for Finn to explore.
The brown dog sniffed and licked me.
“See Finn? I told you she’s a keeper.” Ryker flashed me a wolfish grin and a wink. “Are you comfortable with me setting him loose?”
I straightened. “Yes. Let him free.”
Ryler let go of the leash and Finn was at my knees in a second, licking and wagging and begging for my attention. I gave him all the loves when Ryker cleared his throat.
“Hey man, can I have a turn greeting my lady?”
