Page 82 of Grumpy on the Mountain

"Beau..." I stare at the spread, then at him, then back at the table. "What is all this?"

"Ah. I couldn't sleep."

He turns, spatula in hand and tries to smile.Yikes.He does look tired, I hope he's okay. I know he can get at night, but I must have been so out to it after… well, what happened the moment we stepped inside the door last night.

"So I thought I'd make myself useful and cook you breakfast. It's your first day, after all."

My first day.

"Oh my God!" I slap my hand to my forehead and his eyes widen at my shock. "I completely forgot! I'm supposed to start work today and I don't even know what time and—"

"Hey." He's at my side in a heartbeat, cupping my face in his hands. "Breathe. Jamie said nine o'clock, and it's barely seven. You've got plenty of time, sweetheart."

"But I don't have work clothes, and I should probably—"

"You'll look perfect in whatever you wear," he interrupts, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. "Besides, it's Mountain Rescue, not a corporate office. Jeans and boots will be fine."

I take a deep breath, letting his calm confidence steady me. "Well, I guess so. Thanks for cooking for me… But why does it look like you're catering a small wedding?"

His cheeks actually flush pink beneath his beard. "Wanted to make sure my girl had a good meal before her first day at her new job."

My girl.

The casual possessiveness in his voice, combined with the thoughtful spread he's prepared, makes my heart do gymnastics in my chest.

"You didn't have to go to all this trouble," I say, but I'm already moving toward the table because everything smells incredible.

"Wasn't any trouble." He follows me, pulling out a chair like I'm royalty. "Besides, I may have liberated some of Betty's leftover pastries from the BBQ last night."

He lifts the cloth from the basket to reveal an assortment of croissants, muffins, and Betty's famous homemade cinnamon rolls. Somehow they're still warm.

"You smuggled pastries?" I laugh, settling into the chair he's holding. "That's very... tactical of you."

"Well… That's nice to hear. Years of military training had to be good for something," he says with a completely straight face, which makes me laugh harder.

The pancakes he serves are fluffy perfection, golden brown and still steaming. The fruit tastes like it was picked thismorning, sweet and absolutely perfect. And the orange juice tastes like sunshine in a glass.

"This is incredible," I manage around a bite of what might be the best cinnamon roll in existence. "But you really didn't need to—"

"I wanted to," he says simply, settling across from me with his own plate. "You're starting a new chapter in your life. That deserves celebrating."

I watch him cut his pancakes, my chest getting tight with how much I love this man. How thoughtful he is. How he shows care through actions instead of just words.

I feel a delicious heat creep up my neck remembering how he claimed me last night. Pressing me against the door the moment we burst inside, bending me over that very counter, growling "mine" against my skin over and over again.

Then in the shower, on his knees, making me taste us together.

I've never experienced anything like this before.

This passion. This thoughtfulness. This all-consuminglove.

"So what's the plan for today?" I ask, trying to sound casual instead of completely overwhelmed by his sweetness.

"Dunno, really. Thought I'll drive you to work, then check on your car situation while you're getting oriented."

"Funny you mention the car..." I pause. "I've been thinking about mountain roads and winter weather lately. And maybe I should look into getting something more... appropriate for up here. Considering I'm staying and all. Maybe an SUV or—"

"No need." His response is immediate. "I'll drive you every day."