Page 43 of Liberated By the Logger

“No, it’s your fault she was in danger to begin with,” I thunder, closing the distance between us.

Aspen spins around to face me, stepping in front of me and blocking my advance. She places her palms on my chest, like she’s trying to calm my rage from the outside in. “Brose, no. He’s not worth it.”

“He might not be, but you are, darlin’. Let me deal with the twerp.”

Gary’s eyes bulge, recognizing me instantly. He scrambles back, holding up his palm to me. “Stay away from me, tree killer. It’s because of you I got concussed and Aspen was left on the mountain.”

“It’s because of me she got off that damn mountain,” I shout heatedly as I point an accusatory finger at him. “And you gave yourself your own concussion. Stand under a diseased tree long enough and shit is bound to fall on you. Your stupidity could have gotten you both killed.”

“Brose,” Aspen says in a stern tone. “Let me deal with this. I’m a big girl and can handle my own battles.”

“Of course you are, Aspen,” I say with all the sincerity in the world. I’m well aware she’s capable of handling this chump. “But why should you have to fight your battles alone when you have me by your side?”

My woman looks at me with admiration, her eyes going teary and a small smile playing at the corner of her soft lips. “And I appreciate you going to bat for me. However, I need to handle this one on my own.”

“Fine.” I pout, folding my arms over my broad chest and planting my feet. There’s no way in hell I’m leaving her alone with him, though. “I’ll be your backup.”

Warmth seeps into my body when she cups my bearded cheek in her delicate hand. “Thank you, my Mountain Man.”

“What the fuck is this?” Gary demands heatedly, scowling at the two of us. “You’re with this guy now?”

“Who I spend my time with is none of your concern anymore,” Aspen replies coldly, turning to face her ex. “You lost all boyfriend privileges the day you chose a tree over my safety.”

“Oh, come on, Aspen!” Gary whines, throwing his hands in the air. “I made one mistake and you’re running to this asshole? Who is he to you?”

“I’m the man who replaced you, boy.” I sneer, wrapping my arm around Aspen’s waist and yanking her against me—driving the point home she’s mine. “You lost her. Move on. I’m sure there’s a tree needing a hug somewhere. Go pitch your yurt under it.”

“Don’t tell me what to do, lumberjack,” he hisses, saying lumberjack like it’s a dirty word.

Unable to help myself, I bark a laugh in his face. “Lumberjack? Oooo, ouch. Aspen would rather climb this lumberjack than your scrawny sapling any day.”

With a look of disgust, Gary’s mouth drops open on a gasp. He palms his chest like my mark hit him right where I intended.

Aspen groans, pinching the bridge of her narrow nose. “Ambrose, please. You’re not helping.”

She’s right. I’m not helping deescalate the situation. Yet, if I can’t physically beat the snot out of him for leaving my woman on the mountain after the fact, I’ll crush his hope of winning Aspen back. Having succeeded, I stop baiting Gary.

“Sorry, darlin’. The show is yours.”

“Thank you,” she whispers to me before turning her attention back to a furious-looking Gary. With how red his face is, I half expect smoke to come billowing out of his ears.

“Regardless of you trying to rectify the situation after sobering in the hospital, it doesn’t erase the harm you caused me. I could have died, Gary. I can’t forgive you for this.”

Gary shakes his head like he’s unable to accept her rejection. “Listen, Aspen. I can change. I’ll cut back on the weed. I’ll even give up yurt-living if you give me another chance.”

Aspen sighs, rubbing between her eyes like she’s fighting off a headache. I can’t say I blame her. The guy is a stage one clinger.

“Even if I wanted to give us another shot—which I don’t—I could never trust you putting my safety first. This relationship is not salvageable, nor do I want to remain with you.”

“Come on, Aspen. I fucked up. It’s nothing new.”

“You’re right. You messing up isn’t new. But this was one major fuck up that nearly cost me everything. I’m not willing to gamble with my life again. Period.”

Gary opens his mouth to argue, but my woman is all over him like bees on a wasp.

“Lets be honest with each other. This thing between us ran its course. It was never going to go anywhere. And I haven’t been happy with your lack of interest in my needs.”

Oh shit! She’s going there? And here I thought I was the one kicking him when he was already down.