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See,I think to myself.I can do this!
Feeling a spring in my step as I head out of Mountain Brew, sipping my coffee, I take a moment to look around at the adorable mountain town where I’m about to start working. I was so full of doubts when I left Oklahoma, but so far, luck has been on my side. My parents feel further away than ever, and I let out a happy sigh as I walk slowly back to my car.
It takes me a second to register the truck. It’s still there, parked a few vehicles away from me, and I can see a shadowy figure in the driver’s seat. Curiosity gets the better of me, and I discreetly try to reposition myself so I can see more clearly. My heart thumps hard as I crane my neck and see the telltale sign of a hulking figure with a dark beard and broad shoulders filling the space behind the windshield.
Gunner?
I stare at the truck for a few moments, gawking stupidly before I feel my feet start to carry me automatically toward it.
Was he…following me? Has he been sitting out here waiting for me?
The idea seems crazy even as I think it. Why would Gunner be following the clumsy city girl who fell in a creek? The girl he had to carry back home because she couldn’t even take a simple walk in the forest without injuring herself? It doesn’t make any sense, but still, something about the idea sends a shiver of pleasure up my spine. Somehow the thought of Gunner following me makes me feel safe, not fearful.
But no, this is ridiculous.
Of course he’s not following me…paranoid…delusional…
I take a deep breath as I reach the truck, my stomach somersaulting as Gunner meets my gaze. I tentatively wave at him, and he immediately rolls down his window.
“Hi,” I say brightly, my voice sounding a little weak.
Gunner nods at me, something flickering in his eyes. “Hey.”
“Uh…” I begin, quietly wondering what to say.
Are you following me?
Have you been thinking about me the same way I’ve been thinking about you?
“What…what brings you into Winterdale this early?”
I try to sound like it’s just a casual question, but my voice sounds weirdly high and squeaky.
Gunner frowns slightly. “Just running some errands…” His voice falters before he adds, “What about you?”
“Oh, I had an interview. Mountain Brew, you know?” I point back toward the coffee shop. “They just gave me a job, so that’s a big weight off my shoulders.”
“Nice.” Gunner flashes me a rare smile. “I’m happy for you. They do the best coffee in town. Awesome espressos.”
“Cool! Well then, I’ll make sure you get free espressos for life for rescuing me yesterday,” I say a little too enthusiastically. “Or uh…actually thinking about it, I’m probably not allowed to do that, but uh…” I blush, tapering off, but Gunner just chuckles softly.
“Don’t worry about it,” he says. “I told you it was no problem.”
There’s a brief pause, and I stare at my shoes, heat blooming in my cheeks as I feel those intense green eyes lingering on me. I’m scared to meet his gaze. I’m convinced that he’ll be able to see everything that I’ve been thinking about him written in my expression. I never was good at keeping a poker face. It must be so obvious.
“What do you have planned for the rest of the day?” Gunner asks eventually, breaking the silence.
“Nothing much.” I still don’t look at him, but I keep my voice light. “Just watching TV. I’ll probably end up binge-watching the season I started last night.”
“Well, if you’re not busy later,” Gunner begins, and the uncertainty in his voice makes my gaze snap to him immediately. “I figured, if you want, you could come over for dinner?”
For the first time, he looks almost nervous. My heart is in my throat as his invitation hangs in the air between us, and I have to hold myself back from squealing out my answer.
“That sounds good,” I say, forcing calm. “I’d like that…though thinking about it, it should really be me inviting you,” I add, frowning. “I mean, you’re the one who did me the favor. I’m sorry again for…”
“Hey, no more apologizing, okay?” Gunner says, his voice firm as he cuts me off. “You’re the one who’s new in town, and I want to invite you.”
I shiver with delight at his words, at how intense he sounds, but I try not to show just how crazy this sexy mountain man is making me.
