Page 7 of Picked By the Mountain Man (Fall for a Mountain Man #6)
Becca
Keaton, true to his word, brings me back to his place and sets me up in the guest room. Then we watch an action movie while cuddling together, which surprises me because he doesn’t seem like the cuddling type. But it’s amazing being wrapped up in big arms, so completely cozy.
After the movie, he leaves me with another toe-curling kiss at my door when we go to bed.
I try to tell myself it’s a good thing. He’s being a gentleman, and I don’t need to go falling at his feet, but I’m more disappointed than I should be.
It also leaves me thrumming with desire, which leads to a long, restless night of little sleep.
After breakfast, which he makes, we go straight over to the farmhouse.
He’s been looking things over and assessing what needs to be done to make the place livable, as he puts it, ever since.
While he inspects what feels like every board and nail, I’ve been busy using the opportunity to study him instead, watching his muscles flex as he tests the integrity of the structure.
He is all man, a salt of the earth kind of guy, nothing pretentious about him.
One who knows how to work with his hands, fixing things and taking care of not only himself but others too.
I’ve got to say there’s more than a little appeal in it, especially after my ex who wouldn’t know an axe from a hoe.
I have a feeling there isn’t anything Keaton couldn’t take on. He’s now scrutinizing the plumbing, looking for the reason there isn’t any water. He starts with the small shed, which is the pump house apparently, explaining it contains the pump which draws water from a well.
Satisfied the device is in working order and the well is not dry, he moves on to following the underground trail of pipe, which should be carrying water to the house.
We’re almost to the house when he stops, pointing to a spot on the ground. “Look, see how the ground is wet here.” I nod, and he continues. “This might be the problem. You probably have a leak. Do you have a shovel?”
“Yes, there are some in the equipment shed,” I confirm and head to the nearby red metal barn, which houses tools and equipment. I grab two from the wall where they hang. He raises an eyebrow at me. “What?”
“You planning on digging?”
I shrug. “Why wouldn’t I? It’s my property. I’m not going to stand back and let someone else do all the work.”
“It’s hard work, just thought you might want to let other people handle it.”
My chin raises and my eyes narrow. “I’m not afraid of hard work.”
“I’ve noticed, and I’ll say you’ve impressed and surprised me.”
My cheeks heat at his approval, not that I need it. I’m doing this for me and to stand on my own two feet for once, but the praise leaves me with butterflies.
We begin digging at the spot he thought might have a leak. Keaton shovels two scoops to my every one as I keep up the best I can.
We’ve dug almost four feet when he says, “You’ll want to be careful now. We’re probably getting close to the pipe.”
But the warning comes too late as I stab the head of the shovel into the dirt with all my might to break through the hard-packed earth. There’s a crack as the blade sinks into the soil, and a funnel of water sprays upwards.
I squeal with surprise as I’m doused.
“Shit!” Keaton exclaims, running toward the pump house.
A moment later the water stops, but the damage is done. A significant amount of water covers the ground around the hole, which is filled to the top. Keaton returns and is dripping as much water as I am.
“Well, if there wasn’t a leak before, there sure as hell is now.” He shakes his head with a smirk.
Giggles overtake me at the situation because if I don’t laugh, I just might cry.
His rough chuckle sobers me up, sending goosebumps over my flesh from the sexy sound.
His wet clothes are plastered to his body, leaving little to the imagination.
A growl from him drags my gaze from where it’s locked on his mammoth pecs.
The heat in his eyes when mine meet his has me inhaling sharply with a whimper.
He reaches out, taking my hand, tugging me from the worst of the mess into his hold. His mouth slams to mine as he devours me. His hands run down my back to my butt where they cup the flesh and pull me into him.
Our tongues entwine as my hands reach up to tangle in the wet strands of his dark shaggy hair. My body heats from head to toe as he works my mouth, seemingly intent on exploring every last inch. My nipples tighten to hard peaks aching to be touched.
Every nerve ending is at attention as Keaton surrounds me with all he is.
His earthy, musky scent with each inhale.
The rough glide of his hands on my flesh where they’ve worked their way under my shirt.
His groans I can just hear above the buzzing in my ears.
The faint taste of mint and coffee on his tongue.
His hands leave trails of sparks as they explore my bare skin. Each brush of his lips against my flesh, each slide of his fingers has me climbing higher and higher. We’re both still fully clothed, yet my body is primed for a climax, which I’m positive will leave me reeling.