It was evident something was on her mind, and I had a feeling I knew what it was. However, I wasn’t going to answer it for her. She needed to speak her mind.
So, should I be lucky that someone was at my front door? Yes and no.
I lifted her up with ease and then went through my cabin and to the door, surprised to see Mason there.
“Hey man,” I told him, shaking his hand. “How did you get here?”
“We cleared your drive. A lot of places around here and higher up on the mountain had trees that fell. We sat them on the side, though, so you can break them down more at your leisure. I hope you were okay and nothing…,” he trailed off as he saw Janelle by my side and he smiled. “Hi.”
“Hi,” she said, offering him a tentative smile. “I’m Janelle.”
“The beauty who answered the mountain man ad huh?” he asked, just pushing his way inside. I stared at him for a moment but all he did was give me a shit eating grin.
“Oh, yeah, that’s me. Are you the friend that convinced him to join?”
“Yup, Mason. Nice to finally meet you. Plenty of hearts around here are going to be breaking knowing that Christian here got snatched up.”
“I’m a horrible person, I guess,” she joked, making Mason laugh. “Did you want something to drink? I’m sure clearing out all these trees is busy work.”
“I’d appreciate that, thank you. Christian isn’t the best of hosts at times. It’s nice that he’ll have a woman’s touch around.”
“You know, asshole, I’m standing right here,” I told him, crossing my arms over my chest and glaring at him. “And it’s not like you didn’t come to do the job without a cooler of drinks and food.”
“Christian, he’s your friend, he can stay for a minute.”
Mason wiggled his brows at me, and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.
“I’m only doing it to get a rise out of him, Janelle. I really can’t stay because I got some more drives to clear out, but we needed to be able to get Christian out in case there was an emergency. He helps out around these parts from time to time. It was nice to meet you, and I hope he’ll drag you down to the bar soon. They have great music, decent drinks, and a big enough dance floor; love to spin you round a time or two.”
“Really? Flirting with my woman right in front of me?”
“Hey, is the ink dry? Are you two legal yet?” he asked, glancing between Janelle and myself. I rolled my eyes once more and shoved him towards the door.
“Thank you for clearing the road. There was too much for me to do.”
“Not a problem, man,” he said, shaking my hand once more. “Nice to meet you, Janelle,” he said, waving to her as he went back to his rig.
“That guy,” I muttered, making her laugh.
“I like him, a lot actually. Why didn’t he join?”
“He’s a widow and claims he’ll never love another woman like he loved his first wife.” I turned to her, my heart stuttering for a moment as the sun flitted in and cast her in a beautiful glow.
“Shall we go back and sit,” she offered and I nodded, knowing I’d follow her anywhere.
I turned the covers down and climbed into bed, waiting for her. Today was great. We walked around the property a little bit, then came back and chilled. And now, I was ready to hold her in my arms yet again and sleep.
She came out of the bathroom, her head down, and I looked her over, seeing just how red she was. And honestly, I loved how the blush crept over her entire body.
She slipped into bed and turned to face me. We weren’t naked, but she had on nothing more than a thin top and some panties.
“You’re so beautiful and sexy, Janelle,” I told her, caressing her cheek. “I’m standing at attention for you.”
Her breath hitched and she licked her lips.
“So why aren’t you doing anything about it?” she whispered and I couldn’t help but admire the strength of this woman.
“Because though you may want it, you’re not fully ready for it. I know I can, and legally we can, but I want your heart one hundred percent behind it. Make no mistake, I know you think I’m lying or that I don’t want you, but that’s not the case. I just want you fully ready.”
