Page 5 of Claimed By The Mountain Man

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Scout

I’m screwed.

That’s all I can think as I stare at the smoke billowing from my engine. I’m afraid to do anything besides watch it. It’s not like I would know how to fix the issues, anyway. I know nothing about cars or engines.

So screwed.

Heavy footsteps crunch on the dirt road behind me, and I let out a yip as I turn around. I’m not sure if I was expecting to see one of Leonard’s men there or my dad, but luckily for me, it’s neither of them.

I lock eyes with the handsomest, tallest man I’ve ever seen. My body reacts to the attraction instantly, my core tightening and my cheeks flushing.

“Hey there. Car trouble?” he asks, giving me an easy smile that has me relaxing slightly.

“Uh, yeah,” I mumble.

“Want me to take a look?”

“That would be great.”

Maybe he can fix it, and I can get back on the road again. I need to put some more distance between me and those men.

“I’m Carter,” the guy says, holding his hand out to me to shake.

“Scout,” I say, shivering as his big hand engulfs mine.

“Nice to meet you, Scout.”

“You too.”

He releases his hold on me almost reluctantly. I turn and watch as he looks over the engine. He frowns, and my stomach sinks.

“Bad news?”

He glances at me. “Maybe. I need to check something first.”

I nod, trying to hold back the tears. I need to get out of here. I can’t let them find me.

“So, what’s with the getup?” Carter asks with an easy grin.

I burst into tears.

I can’t remember the last time I cried. I’m embarrassed to be doing it now in front of this hot stranger, but I can’t stop now that I’ve started.

“Whoa!” Carter says, looking alarmed. “I’m sorry, I⁠—”

“No, it’s not you. It’s been the worst day,” I sniffle.

He nods, still looking worried as I continue to sob. I cover my face with my hands, trying to get it together, but it’s no use. A second later, a pair of strong arms wrap around me, and I’m tugged into a sturdy chest.

“It’s okay,” Carter whispers. “Let it out.”

I drop my hands, wrapping them around his waist, clinging to him as I cry. It takes me a few minutes to get all the tears out. I grab one of the ruffles on the wedding dress and wipe my eyes and nose on the fabric.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Carter asks gently.

“It’s a really long story,” I warn him.