Page 3 of Frigid Mountain Man (Cold Mountain Nights #12)

CHAPTER THREE

Rowan

“Ash, you know everyone around here, right?” I must sound crazy, but I had to know. I was going insane.

Two days had gone by since I last saw her and her son at the ranch. It felt more like five years.

All I saw, all I thought, all I could focus on was her. Like a crush smitten teen, I had to know more about her.

“For the most part yeah, why?”

“I met a woman at the open house the other day. I wanted to ask her out on a date. But all I know is her first name.”

Ash grinned widely, and a knowing smirk came over his face. “Already see something you like? Working quick, my man.”

“Best way to do it. Just go for what you want. Anyway, her name is Olivia, has a son named Leo.”

“Ahh, the LaPonta sisters. They own a pie shop in town. Nice family. Delicious pie. Comes as a package deal, though.”

“What do you mean?”

“Two sisters, big family, sometimes chaotic. But hey if that’s your cup of tea, then go for it.”

“Thanks Ash. Have a good one.” I said before walking out of his office. A big family didn’t bother me. I’d always wanted a younger sibling, and now was my chance.

As soon as I got back to the bunkhouse, I pulled out my phone and did a Google search for local pie shops in the area.

One popped up immediately called Sweet Temptations.

I clicked on it and a cute berry theme website loaded, and there on the home page was her- Olivia.

She held two pies, one in each hand, and a big smile on her face with the words Sweet Temptations below.

I browsed the site, read over the menu, interested in the unique dessert pies like the heartbreak chocolate pie and sad banana nut pie.

From chicken pot pie to meat mince, to raspberry jam, and apple, there was something for everyone.

I looked up the directions and checked the time on my phone. I could easily go and come back during my lunch break.

I needed to see her. Now.

Ten minutes later, I pulled into the parking lot of Sweet Temptations. The outside was just as cute as I imagined it would be, with the inside matching the color scheme of berries.

The shop bustled with customers despite it being two in the afternoon and between the lunch and dinner rush.

Kids ran around chasing after one another, the environment loud and friendly, like home away from home.

Despite the loud noise, I liked the atmosphere, the good mood was catchy, and the vibes of the place were warm and welcoming.

I scanned the front counter and around the tables but didn’t see Olivia. I got in line, anyway, wanting to order a piece of heartbreak chocolate pie.

When I got up to the counter, a nice woman with a warm smile who looked similar to Olivia asked to take my order. Her name tag read Izzy, and I wondered if she was one of Olivia’s sisters. “One slice of heartbreak chocolate pie. For here or to go?”

“I’ll have it here thanks.”

“Great, name?”

“Miles.”

“Awesome. Few minutes and I’ll call your name.”

“Thanks. By any chance, is Olivia around?”

Izzy eyed me curiously. “She is. But can I ask what this is about?”

“Just a friend wanting to say hi.”

“Got it. I’ll go get her.”

Izzy sprinted towards the back and less than two minutes later, she rounded the corner, Olivia hot on her heels, followed by another similar-looking woman. They must be her sisters, as I expected.

As soon as Olivia’s eyes locked on mine, everyone else around us fell away and I saw her and only her.

I forgot about my pie order.

I forgot about how I was only on my lunch break at work and needed to get back.

I forgot I was standing in the middle of a pie shop, looking like a goofy idiot who didn’t know whether he was coming or going.

All I saw was her.

Gorgeous, sweet Olivia.

Hair in a messy bun, apron covered in flour and chocolate, yet her sweet demeanor, always there.

I knew right then and there in that very moment, I had to make her mine forever.

I was certain she was the one for me.

“Miles, hi.” Olivia breathed. “You found me.”

“I found you. Kind of like you found me.”

“Guess we keep finding each other.”

“Thought I should try some of your delicious pie. Hope it doesn’t break my heart like the name suggests.” I teased.

Giggles erupted around us, and I finally noticed her sisters around us, watching and giggling like little schoolgirls.

Olivia’s cheeks turned pink, and she made eyes at them until they dispersed, but not far. “It might break your heart because of how good it tastes.”

“Then I’m ready for it.” I winked at her, and she turned pinker. “I don’t want to take up too much of your time seeing it’s busy. I just have one question for you.”

“You do?”

“Will you do me the honor of going on a date with me?”

Before she had a chance to open her mouth and respond, both sisters appeared beside her and yelled a resounding Yes!

Olivia glared at both of them and if looks could kill, I doubt they’d still be breathing.

She stepped away from them, motioning me to follow. I did not care if anyone saw me checking out her ass, which I very much was doing.

“I’m sorry, my sisters are busybodies. I told them to buzz off, but you know how that goes.

” She crinkled her nose, and it was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

She blew out a breath and brushed some hair back that had fallen in front of her eyes.

“I love them, but damn. Worse than our mother sometimes.” Olivia smiled.

“But to answer your question, yes, I’d love to go on a date with you.

I need to thank you for hooking my son up with riding lessons.

We got a call earlier with a spot having opened up in a class. ”

“Did you really? I wonder what that’s about.

” I joked. “But no thanks are needed.” I took a step forward, unable to help myself.

The need to be closer to her was too strong to ignore.

“There’s something about you, Olivia, and I can’t figure out what it is, but I want to.

” I reached up and brushed another piece of hair from her face, her loud gasp like a firework explosion between us.

“I’ve only been in town a few days, and I already know you’re the one for me. Now I just need to prove it to you.”

Olivia’s eyelashes fluttered, and she grabbed at her chest. If I ever wondered what a woman looked like when she was swooning hard, this would be it.

“Miles! Order up!” Izzy’s voice carried over to us, the moment broken.

“That’s me. How about Friday night? Does that work with your schedule and childcare?”

“I’ll make it work.” Olivia said breathlessly.

I chuckled. “Perfect. See you then.”

Her sisters didn’t scare me. If anything, it only intrigued me more.