Page 109 of Mountain Daddy

She might not be into fishing and the outdoor shit I do, but that day—sitting in the two-person chair—we talked about so much. Movies, music, politics, food, space travel, houseplants. We talked about her job, her ideas, and I fell even more…

My throat dries up.

I feel my spine stiffen.

Oh fuck.

“What?” Jessie steps closer to me. “What just happened?”

I love her.

I lift my hand and rub it against my chest.

“Are you having a heart attack? Oh my god!” Jessie reaches into her apron like she’s going for her phone.

“I’m not having a heart attack.” My voice is a little croaky.

“You sure?”

It feels like I am. But it’s not a heart attack.

It’s fucking love.

The front door opens, and we both look over.

It’s Jessie’s replacement.

Jessie lifts her hand in a wave but speaks to me. “If you want me to stay…”

I shake my head.

I don’t remember why she needed to leave work early tonight, but my misery doesn’t need company.

“You sure?” She’s looking at me warily.

“I’m sure.”

Then my phone notifies me of a text.

I take it out of my pocket.

Baby Doll: My dad just left. For the night.

Me: As in overnight?

My blood starts to sizzle.

And oh, how quickly my guilt can turn into lust.

Baby Doll: Overnight.

Me: Pack a bag. I’m leaving the Inn now.

Baby Doll: A bag?

Me: I’m bringing you to my house.

Sliding my phone back in my pocket, I take a step back. “See you Saturday.”