Page 5

five

Charlie

“I parked at the lot just off the paved highway,” I say, not sure if Rust can even hear me over the roar of the four-wheeler engine. He must have modified it or something because it’s loud as hell.

Rust nods. He must know the place. It's a gravel lot that people use to park before going hiking up into the woods or, alternatively, teenagers use to make out and do whatever else I don't want to think about.

I hold tight onto Rust as we drive over the bumps. The closeness of him is driving me crazy. His woodsy, manly scent makes my body hot in ways it's never felt before. I can feel my heart racing, and it's not just from the thrill of the ride. It's from the way my body is reacting to him. It's like every nerve in my body is on high alert, waiting for the slightest touch from him.

It's insane, really. I barely know this man, and yet, here I am, practically melting into him. I'm a grown woman, not some lovesick teenager. But there's something about Rust that makes me feel alive.

As we come to a stop, I reluctantly let go of him, feeling the loss of his warmth instantly. I don't want to leave yet, but the blueberries are already beyond late, and my boss needs them. What was supposed to be one afternoon has turned into almost two days.

Rust hops off the four-wheeler and offers me his hand. I take it, and he helps me to the ground. My legs are shaky from the ride, or maybe it's just the proximity to him. Either way, I'm grateful for his sturdy grip.

"Thank you," I say, as he hands me the basket of blueberries. "For everything."

He nods, running a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair. "No problem. Just don't go telling anyone I make a habit of saving damsels in distress. The boys over at Darkmore Search and Rescue might come after me."

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in days. "Your secret's safe with me, mountain man."

Rust grins. It's the first time I've seen him smile fully, and it transforms his face. He looks younger, more carefree. It's a side of him I didn't know existed, and I find myself wanting to see more of it.

"Looks like you're all set then," he says, his hand still lingering on my arm. I can feel the warmth of his touch through my shirt, and I wish he wouldn't let go.

I nod, my cheeks flushing at the contact. I glance at my car, safe and sound where I left it twenty-four hours ago. My phone pings with a million notifications as the service reconnects. I hope he doesn’t recognize the push notification sound for Cookie Crush . Probably not.

I look up at him, wishing I could tell him how I feel. I don't want to leave. I'm not ready to say goodbye. He's the first man I've met in my entire life that makes me feel like a cartoon character, complete with throbbing heart-shaped eyes. Corny, I know.

"Rust."

"Charlie," he says at the same time as me. "Go ahead."

"Will you come to the bakery sometime?" I ask. "I mean, I know you're not into bread or anything. But I could make you a cup of coffee or something." I realize I'm babbling, but I can't help it. I want him to say yes. I want him to come to the bakery. I want to see him again.

Rust looks at me for a long moment, his blue eyes searching mine. I hold my breath, hoping he'll say yes.

"Alright," he finally says, his voice gruff, but his tone doesn't match his expression. He’s thinking something, something that an inexperienced woman like me has no hope in figuring out.

My heart flutters. "Thank you for saving me," I say. In a moment of uncharacteristic bravery, I push up onto my toes and kiss his cheek.

Rust stiffens and a moment later, has his hands on my shoulders, pulling me into a deep kiss. I gasp in surprise, but his lips are soft and gentle despite his rough exterior. His hands move from my shoulders, down my arms, then wrap around my waist, pulling me closer. I melt into him, my arms going around his neck, fingers brushing against the rough fabric of his shirt.

The kiss deepens, and I’m lost in it. I can feel the heat from his body and the strength in his arms as he holds me close. His lips are firm and insistent, but his touch is gentle. I can’t believe how much I want him.

When he finally pulls away, we’re both breathing heavily.

Just as I go in for more, the magic spell is broken by my phone again. It starts ringing. It's my boss, Clara.

"Sorry," I mumble. "I should get this."

Rust nods as I take the call, his face as red as mine feels. I turn away from him, trying to act normal and not like I've just been devoured by this man's kiss.

"Hello?" I say into the phone, hoping I don't sound as out of breath as I feel.

"Charlie!" Clara's voice comes through the phone, stark and clear. "Where are you? I've been worried sick. Are you alright? I thought you'd be back by now. How was your night with the mountain man?" Her words come out in a frenzy.

"I'm fine," I assure her. "I got lost in the woods, but I'm okay. I'm with Rust, the mountain man."

There's a pause on the other end of the line. "Oh really, still with him?" She laughs. "Never mind, do you have the blueberries? I'm sorry but this client is really important."

"It's fine," I promise. "Stop stressing. It's not good for the baby. I'm at my car now. I'll be there in 20 minutes."

We say our goodbyes, and I hang up. When I look over my shoulder, Rust is standing there with his hands in his pockets, looking at the ground.

"I'm sorry," I say. "I really have to go."

"No problem," he says with a nod. "I understand."

"Think about dropping by the bakery?" I ask, my voice raised with cautious optimism.

"Sure," he says. "Get going. And drive safe."

Rust waits beside his four-wheeler until I've driven out of sight.

My chest aches like my heart's been ripped out. I struggle not to cry as I drive back to Darkmore, knowing that I left my heart in the rough, calloused hands of a lonely mountain man.