Page 11 of Sweet Treat for the Mountain Man

“You’d still be gorgeous.”

I flushed at the compliment, but when I met Coast’s gaze, he wasn’t backing down or looking away this time. His eyes bore into mine, determined yet friendly. Riveting, yet sexy.

“Thank you,” I said as I took the coffee. He set his coffee down on the ladder and opened the box. Similar donuts greeted me, this time a coffin and zombie instead of the pumpkin and ghost. I handed him the Frankenstein, and I picked up the witch. “Cheers.” I clinked my donut with his and took a big bite. So delicious.

“I can’t believe you’re doing this alone.”

“I like to. People volunteer and I turn them down.” I shrugged. “I’ve done it since I was a kid. It’s almost peaceful. Besides, I won’t be alone for much longer. The company I used for the tables and chairs will pick them up soon.”

Coast nodded. “Got it. Where can I help?”

“You can take down your own display. That’ll be a huge help.”

“I’m on it.”

We spent the rest of the day cleaning, learning about one another, and Coast ordered us a pizza which we shared for lunch. I hadn’t laughed as much as I had with Coast and he made me feel all warm inside, like I drank a huge glass of wine.

When we finished, I didn’t want to leave, like all the times I’ve spent with him, so I took the plunge and asked him, “Do you want to come over and spend Halloween together?”

Coast grinned. “I’d love to.”

He arrived at my cabin a few hours later, and when he walked inside, his scent overtook my nose. Damn, he smelled fine after a shower.

I showered and put together a pot of beef stew with Halloween pumpkin cookies for dessert.

“It smells delicious in here. Don’t tell me you cooked for me?”

“Maybe.” I grinned and took his hand, leading him into the kitchen. “I hope you like beef stew and cookies.”

“Who the hell doesn’t?” Coast licked his lips and suddenly the urge to kiss him overpowered everything else. My thoughts went blank and my eyes slipped close as I tried to picture it. Imagine it, pretend it was happening.

“Amora?”

“Sorry!” My eyes flew open and I smiled shyly at him. “The beef stew smelled so good I got lost in thought for a second.”

Coast laughed. “I can’t wait to try it.”

I handed him a beer and poured myself a glass of wine. We strolled into the living room and sat on the couch. “It’ll be ready in about a half hour. I figured I’d let it cool while we gave out some candy.”

“Sounds good to me.”

I turned on a Halloween baking show, and we talked about the cool cookies people came up with.

I made us bread bowls filled with beef stew and melted cheddar and we ate while watching TV. I snuck glances at Coast, thinking how well he fit into my space, eating happily while watching cooking shows. Maybe he could be…

Stop, you haven’t even kissed yet.

Besides, the guy was obviously hurt…

Before long, the doorbell rang and the candy giving began. We passed out candy while admiring the different costumes and laughed while sneaking pieces into our own mouths.

And when the clock turned eight o’clock, I shut my light off and Coast and I cuddled on the couch while watching a scary movie.

Movies didn’t usually scare me, but tonight, I pretended to be scared. I hid my face in Coast’s arms and screamed at the jump scares. The smile on his face told me loved every second.

When the movie ended, we continued cuddling, and the screen turned dark.

All I could think about was him.