Page 9 of Picked By the Mountain Man (Fall for a Mountain Man #6)

Becca

The next day we drive into Coyote Creek to get supplies to fix the busted water line. I’m smiling so much it probably looks like I have a coat hanger in my mouth. After we got back to Keaton’s, we didn’t leave the house again until now.

There’s a hitch in my step from our marathon sexcapades event. The man is insatiable, but I’m here for it and absolutely not going to complain, seeing how I had more mind-blowing orgasms than I can count.

I never imagined a panty-meltingly hot mountain of a man would be interested in me, especially with the extra weight I have on me and given the fact I couldn’t keep an accountant satisfied. Keaton has proven beyond a doubt he finds me sexy with how he worshiped every part of me.

He’s holding my hand with our fingers clasped together while he drives, making me as giddy as a schoolgirl with her first crush.

When he absently sweeps his thumb over my knuckles, a million butterflies tickle my stomach.

I’m rapidly falling for this amazing man, something I would’ve laughed hysterically about just a week ago.

My eye catches on the sign outside of Darcie’s Drip, the infamous local coffee shop. “Yum, caramel apple latte. I could use one of those after someone kept me up half the night.”

Keaton smirks, winking at me. “I didn’t hear any complaints last night.”

Grinning back at him, I shake my head. “Not complaining, just thinking I could use some caffeine in the form of a delicious treat.”

He pulls into the parking lot of Manning’s Hardware Store a few blocks down.

“Well, if you’re getting treats, better get a couple of the apple bars and pumpkin snickerdoodle bars as well.

She only makes those during the fall, so we gotta get ’em while we can.

I’ll start getting our order together in here. ”

Before I can jump out, he pulls me to him, planting a kiss on me that leaves me with damp panties. I’m sure my cheeks are beet red as I make my way over to the coffee shop.

The bell on the door jingles when I open it. The short line moves quickly, and I place my order with the older red-headed woman behind the counter. After swiping my card, I step off to the side to wait.

“Becca?”

My eyes shoot to the voice behind me, narrowing as I attempt to place the brunette with long wavy hair behind me. She looks somewhat familiar, but I’m not sure from where. “Do I know you?”

She smiles. “Kayla Johnson, we used to play together when you stayed at your grandparents’ during the summer. My grandma had the flower shop and was friends with your grandma.”

My eyes widen. “Oh my gosh, Kayla, yes, I remember. How are you?”

She shrugs. “It’s been rough lately. My grandma passed recently.”

“I’m sorry. My grandfather passed not too long ago as well.”

She snaps her fingers. “That’s right. Are you here to sell the orchard?”

I shake my head. “No, I’m going to take it over. I have some plans for it.”

“Good for you. I’m running Blooms now too. We’ll have to catch up sometime soon.”

“That’d be great,” I tell her as I grab my order and she turns to place hers. “See you soon.” I wave before heading back out into the crisp fall air.

It’s amazing how quick the weather turns here. I can’t wait to tell Keaton about running into Kayla. I used to love playing with her when I stayed here. It’ll be nice to have a friend in town.

I wander into the hardware store looking for him down each aisle. As I near the back of the store, I hear someone call his name and head in that direction. Rounding the corner, I see Keaton next to another thick-muscled, dark-haired, bearded man.

“You romance that sexy neighbor of yours into selling to you yet?”

I can’t help the involuntary gasp at the man’s words. There’s a splat as my cup slips from grip, falling to the ground along with the sack of treats I just purchased.

Keaton whirls around, wide eyes locking with mine. “Becca!”

I spin, running back through the store. Bursting through the front door, my head whips back and forth, tears dripping as I try to decide where to run.

I know no one here and am stuck with the man who was apparently only using me.

I should’ve known better. A guy like him who could have any woman he wants? Of course, he wouldn’t want me.

How could I have been so stupid?

Kayla!

I veer left to head to Blooms, but my arm is clamped in a large hand, stopping me in my tracks.

“Becca, wait. Please listen,” Keaton pleads.

“How could you use me like that?” I choke out.

His head shakes. “It wasn’t like that. I mean, yeah, I wanted to buy the land from you, but not like that. Finn was joking, I swear. After what we’ve shared, I don’t want you to leave. I would rather have you than the property. I’ll pick you every time.”

The vehemence in his voice gives me pause. My eyes lock with his as I chew on my thumbnail, attempting to discern his sincerity.

“Please believe me. Why would I be helping you if I wanted you to sell and leave?” he implores.

I heave a deep sigh. I can’t really argue with that logic. “So you don’t really mind that I’m going to put tents in and have people stay at the orchard?”

“Well, I mean I don’t love the idea, but if it’s what you want, I’ll help you build the damn things myself.” He brushes his knuckles against my cheeks, wiping away the tears. “Are we good?”

I nod. “Yeah, sorry I ran out.”

He grimaces. “Well, it was understandable considering what you heard. I’m sorry.”

My heart twists at the hangdog look on his face, and it’s clear he really is sorry. “It’s okay. I’m sure we’ll laugh about it someday.”

He grins at that. “Someday far in the future when we have lots of kids running around the orchard.”

I bark out a laugh. “Lots of kids, huh? How many is a lot?”

“As many as you’ll let me put inside you,” he whispers before capturing my lips with his.

I could be in trouble if that’s the case because it won’t take much to convince me with the way he kisses.