Page 3 of Protective Mountain Man (Cold Mountain Nights #13)

Ariel

The last twenty-four hours has been a series of mistakes. It was a mistake to tell my parents I’m dropping out of college. It was a mistake to tell them right in the middle of a lecture about my future. And it was probably a mistake to run away from home.

Walking into that bar last night was a mistake and deciding to sleep in my car was a mistake.

But isn’t that the point? All my life I’ve done what I was told. Studied hard. Been on the path to success. But never once have I tried something different. Had an adventure. Never made my own choices about what I want to do.

So I’m off on an adventure. And sure, I’m going to make a few mistakes.

And I love it. It was stupid to go to that bar last night.

But if I hadn’t gone there, I wouldn’t have met Falan.

I wouldn’t have known that just looking at a man could set my heart racing, let alone when he put his hands on me. And I was able to defend myself.

The look on his face when I zapped him! Sure I’d been scared at the time but later I couldn’t help grinning over his surprise.

It feels good being out here on my own. Knowing I can look after myself if I need to.

Sure, I spent all night hugging that stun gun and jumping at every rush of wind or distant howl.

But this morning I feel full of confidence. I’m going out to discover the world! I don’t know where I’m going to go, no plan, no map. And it feels damn good.

Before heading off to the next town I decide to take a hike up to the highest point. From here I can see down over the town of Starfall Valley. It looks so small from up here. I love my town, but surely there must be more for me in life.

Taking out my phone, I send off a quick text to my parents, letting them know that I’m okay and I’ll be back in a few days. A few days will give me some space to figure out who I want to be and what life I want for myself. And if it doesn’t then maybe I’ll tell them it will be a little longer.

Putting the phone away I take a deep breath of fresh, mountain air. I could live up here. I understand the appeal of living in the wilds. No traffic. No people. Sure there are dangers. And men like Falan. Dangerously sexy men like Falan.

“I hope you're not thinking of jumping.” I turn at the sound of that deep voice. But before I see him I know it’s Falan. As if my thoughts had conjured him up, to see him standing there, wind blowing through his wavy hair, looking even better than he did last night.

“I’m not going to jump.”

“Good, if you did I’d have to go after you.” He gives me a wry smile. “And I’m still recovering from the last time I saved you.” He says it while stretching his hand and I feel a little bit of guilt for hurting him.

He holds out his hand towards me. “Let’s get your sweet ass home.”

I take a step back. Squaring off my shoulders I fold my arms so I’m not tempted to take the hand he is offering. “Excuse me?”

He drops his hand with a sigh. “Look, it’s Ariel, right?”

I nod and he continues. “I ride with your brother Kaden. The poor kid is out of his mind with worry so I’ve sent him home to see his folks. We’ve got the whole club out looking for you. And, now I’ve found you, I’m taking you home to your family.”

Dark clouds roll over us as he talks. Like Mother Nature objects to his words as much as I do.

I’m on a grand adventure. I’m sorry to have worried my family but they’ll be okay now I’ve sent a text message and they know I’m safe.

So I’m not about to stand here and let another man tell me what to do.

“I’m not going home.”

This time his sigh is long and drawn out and an indication that he is losing patience. “You’re being unreasonable.”

“I’m not unreasonable. You’re being bossy. Who do you think you are bossing me around?”

His frown is serious. His beautiful green eyes alight with a fiery heat. His anger should have me running home. But instead, I feel alive. It’s exhilarating telling him no. And just to be standing so near him, he really is beautiful, but angry, he is the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.

“Look, lady. This is a dangerous place.” And as if to emphasize the point, those dark clouds open up and it starts to rain.

Falan swears under his breath. The roads up here get nasty in the rain, especially if you’re on a motorbike. It would be almost impossible to get me back to town if this rain keeps coming down.

“Let’s get you to your car.” He’s holding out his hand again.

“I can’t remember where I left it.” I try to keep a serious face but I can’t help the grin, especially when he swears again.

In my life I don’t argue. I don’t speak up for myself.

For all too long I have done as other people told me to do.

And he is damn right sexy with his dark frown and bossy manner.

It’s just too exciting to argue with him.

I have a feeling he won’t hurt me. There is something about him that I just know it.

This time he reaches out and grabs my hand, pulling me along behind him till we reach his bike.

There is only one helmet and he hands it to me without a word.

Shoves it at me would be more accurate. He hops on the bike and gives me a hard stare.

I hop on the back and wrap my arms around his waist. I hope he is not taking me home.

But at this point I’ll do anything to feel the warmth of his body against mine. Getting to put my hands on him.

He roars the motorcycle engine to life and I can feel it vibrate through me. It’s raining hard now and I hug my body against Falan’s. His big body protecting me from the wind and the rain.

I’ve not been on a motorbike before. It’s amazing, feeling more a part of the road, a part of the forest we’re traveling through.

In a car you are so sheltered. Out here, on the back of a bike, it feels like flying.

I don’t know where we are going. I don’t know what will happen next.

But right now I feel wild and happy and free.