Page 6

six

Charlie

A week went by, and my grumpy mountain man hadn't come in to say hi, let alone for a coffee. I counted each day, waiting and getting my hopes up every time I heard the bell above the door chime.

I'd peek out from the kitchen, only to be disappointed. And the bakery was more popular than ever, so I found myself peeking a lot. Clara had done wonders for business.

I'm kneading away at dough for tomorrow's bread when Clara comes into the kitchen.

"You doing ok?" she asks.

I shake my head, working at the dough. "No sign of Rust, huh?"

"No," she says with a sigh. "I'm sorry, Charlie."

"It's probably for the best," I lie. "He doesn't want a girl like me. I'm not built for the outdoors." I look around at the gleaming ovens and flour-dusted tables. "This is where I belong."

Clara frowns, absent-mindedly rubbing her baby bump. "I was going to close up. Are you almost done?"

"Yeah. you go ahead. I'll lock up when I'm done," I say. "I just have a bit more dough left."

"Ok," she gives me a long look before turning away.

I hate her feeling sorry for me. "Go on, shoo," I say, waving her off. "I'm fine. You go home and put your feet up."

She smiles and shakes her head. "You're a good baker, Charlie. I'm lucky to have you."

I roll my eyes, but I can't help the smile that tugs at my lips. "I know I'm the best baker this side of Jasper Park."

We both laugh, and I watch her leave, my heart heavy with the weight of my thoughts.

After the dough is ready for tomorrow and the worktops are clean, I pull a bag out from under the table. Gluten-free flour.

If my – yes, mine – I decided, grumpy mountain man wasn't going to come to me, then I had to go to him.

I get to work making gluten-free bread and muffins. I'm not sure if Rust would even like them, but I figure it was worth a shot. I have to see him again. I have to know if that kiss meant as much to him as it did to me.

I feel like Little Red Riding Hood with a basket of bread and muffins in my arms, hiking through the forest. Thankfully, this time, I know where I'm going.

I follow the trail from the parking lot to Rust's cabin. I spent all night baking. As soon as the sun was up, I ventured out into the forest.

It feels like I've been hiking for hours when I finally see the cabin through the trees.

Now the moment of truth. I take a deep breath before knocking on the door.

The sound of my knuckles against the weathered wood echoes through the trees. I wait, my heart pounding in my chest.

After what feels like an eternity, the door creaks open. Rust stands in the doorway, his expression unreadable. He's shirtless, and I can see the muscles in his arms and chest ripple as he moves.

"Charlie," he says, his voice gruff. He looks surprised to see me.

"Hi, Rust," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "I baked something for you." I hold up the basket, feeling a little ridiculous. "I know you don't eat bread, but I made some gluten-free stuff. I thought you might like it."

Rust's carefully shielded expression breaks at that moment. He pulls me close, crushing his lips against mine. The basket, thankfully still closed, falls from my hand. I don't care. I'm too busy pressing myself against him, my arms wrapping around his neck, my fingers diving into his short, salt-and-pepper hair. Rust's hands grip my waist, lifting me off the ground. I wrap my legs around him, a gasp escaping my lips as he carries me inside the cabin, kicking the door shut behind us.

He doesn't break the kiss as he walks us deeper into the cabin, his lips devouring mine with a hunger that matches my own. I can feel the heat from his skin, the hard planes of his chest and abs, and the evidence of his desire pressing against me.

"Charlie," he growls against my swollen lips. "Charlie, I'm so sorry I didn't come see you. You're so perfect, and I'm so broken. I want you. Please, let me make you mine." I'm breathless, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. I've never been so turned on in my life. "I'm yours," I whisper back, my body aching with need.

Rust carries me to his bed, never breaking our kiss. He lays me down gently, his body covering mine. I can feel his hardness pressing against me, and I arch my hips, wanting more.

Rust groans, his lips moving from mine to my neck, kissing and nipping at the sensitive skin. His hands roam my body, tracing the curves of my hips and thighs.

I squirm beneath him, a moan escaping my lips as his rough palms cup my breasts. He breaks away from my neck, his lips finding one nipple through the fabric of my shirt. I gasp, arching my back and grasping at his hair.

"Rust," I whisper, my voice hoarse with desire. "Please don't stop."

He doesn't stop. He teases and tastes, his tongue and teeth driving me wild. I can feel the wetness between my legs, my body ready for him. I want him inside me, now. He strips off my clothes, working like a madman.

"So beautiful. You're mine, Charlie. You're mine." He parts my legs, pressing kisses on my pink folds. "So delicious." He flicks his tongue over my most sensitive spot. His beard scratches against my inner thighs.

I moan, spreading my legs wider, eager for more. Rust's mouth on me is pure magic. He knows just how to touch me, how to make me squirm and gasp and beg for more. His tongue flicks and his lips suck, sending waves of pleasure crashing over me. I'm close, so close to the edge.

"Rust," I pant. "I'm going to come!"

"Come for me, Charlie," he growls, gently pushing his finger inside of me, searching for that special spot that will drive me over the edge.

With the gentlest of touches, my orgasm crests, leaving me a trembling mess. The sheets are wet beneath me.

Rust's fingers are still inside, stroking me gently as I catch my breath. I've never felt anything like that before. I'm spent, but I'm not done. I want more. I want him.

"Rust," I whisper, my voice hoarse from crying out his name. "I want you inside me."

Rust stands, freeing his massively thick and impossibly hard cock. The sight takes my breath away. Will it even fit? Will it hurt?

"You ok, Charlie?" He asks, stroking his length.

"I've just never done this before," I admit. "And you're really big."

"You're a virgin?" His eyes go wide.

I nod. By the look on his face, I'm wondering if telling him was a mistake. Will I scare him off?

He looks so...intimidating, standing there with his massive, hard cock in his hand. But he doesn't look angry or scared. Instead, there's a softness in his eyes that I've never seen before.

"Charlie," he says, his voice gentle. "You don't have to do this. Not if you're not ready."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. I want this. I want him. "I'm ready," I say, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach. "I want you, Rust."

"Then I'll make sure it's good for you, Charlie. I promise."