Page 7 of Claimed By The Mountain Man

I jerk in the seat, twisting the steering wheel when I realize I’m about to steer into a tree.

Great, he’s going to think I’m an idiot now.

My body feels like it’s on fire, half from the embarrassing blush, and half from watching his feat of strength.

I climb out of the car once we get it hidden in the garage, glaring at the poofy skirt as I slam the door shut.

“Come on, let’s get you a change of clothes.”

“And maybe a shower?” I mumble hopefully.

Carter nods. “Sure. Whatever you need. You can make yourself at home here, Scout.”

I will my body under control as I follow Carter up the porch steps to the front door. I need to get my head on straight, or I’ll do something embarrassing like fall for the kind man who rescued me.

It might be too late, I think as I follow him inside.

4

Carter

I’m so happy she agreed to stay. I don’t know what I would’ve done if she’d refused. I always thought I was above kidnapping or anything like that, but I’m realizing I’d do anything to have Scout.

“So, this is my place. I’ll give you a tour, and then you can make yourself at home,” I tell Scout as she steps inside.

“It’s nice. Very… minimalist,” she says.

I laugh. “Yeah, I don’t have much. I meant to go furniture shopping but never got around to making the drive over to Maple Creek. Maybe we can go in a few days. You can help me pick out some stuff.”

“Maybe,” she says softly.

I know she’s worried about being spotted. I hate that she’s scared. I hate that her dad, someone who’s supposed to protect her and keep her safe, is the one who’s put her in this position. If those men were here right now, I’d snap all of their necks.

I need to show her that I’ll always be there to keep her safe. I want her to feel secure and relaxed when she’s with me. She doesn’t need to worry about a thing because I’ll take care of everything. I’ll keep her protected.

“So, we have the living room,” I say, waving my hand toward the couch as Scout toes off her heels. “There’s a bathroom here and then the kitchen. Back here is a room I’m using for storage right now.”

Scout follows me silently as I head for the stairs.

“Here’s a bedroom, another bedroom, a bathroom, and then my room.” I push open my bedroom door.

She steps inside, and my chest eases. It feels so right to have her here. It feels like she’s the missing piece I’ve been looking for. Suddenly, I want to make plans for the future instead of remaining in limbo.

“Will I be in one of the guest rooms?” she asks.

I give her a sheepish look. “There’s no furniture in them yet. You can take the bed. I can sleep on the couch downstairs.”

She eyes me skeptically. “You won’t fit on the couch downstairs.”

I grin. “I can squeeze in.”

“I don’t want to steal your bed. You’re already being so generous with fixing my car and letting me stay here.”

“I think that you’d be safer up here. If they were to track you down, they’d get to you faster down there in the living room. I mean, the couch is right next to the front door, and those big windows. It’s a tactical nightmare.”

She pales at my words, and I hate that I’ve scared her.

“We can share. It’s a big bed. I’ll stick to my side,” I promise.