Page 7 of Mountain Reawakening

Now it seems like, thanks to Maisie, we might not be strangers for much longer.

Ella narrows her eyes at her daughter. “You can ask Tanner if he would like to come over for dinner, but he might not be available so you will not throw a fit if he has to decline. Alright?”

Maisie squeals, nodding. Her pleading eyes whip to mine. “Prince Hero Tanner, are you abailble to come to deener?”

Even if I wasn’t available, there’s no way I’d be able to say no to this child. I’d cancel whatever plans I had just so I wouldn’t have to tell her no and I could spend time with both her and her mother.

“It just so happens I am free for dinner, and spaghetti is one of my favorites too,” I confirm with a wink.

Another squeal pierces my ears as she throws her arms around my neck, squeezing with all she’s got. My eyes meet Ella’s, and my dick twitches at the heat I find in hers. Which has me flustered because I’m still holding Maisie and that feels all sorts of wrong.

“Well, we need to be going then, so we can finish our errands and have dinner ready. We usually eat at 5:30 if that works for you. I know it’s a little early, but Maisie’s bedtime is 7 o’clock.”

“That’s fine. I’ll see you both then.” I set Maisie down and watch as they proceed across the shop, hand in hand. Maisie chatters nonstop about all her plans for this evening, pausing to holler over her shoulder as they exit, “Bye Prince Hero Tanner!”

I shuffle up to the counter where the shop’s owner and namesake is leaning and has apparently been watching the interaction play out. Her eyes crinkle at the corners as she smirks. “Your usual Prince Hero Tanner?”

My eyes roll of their own volition. I’m never going to hear the end of that name now. My crew wasted no time in their torment of me by calling me that ever since Maisie first said it. “You better make it a double. Though I doubt it’ll help. At this point I need to head over to Linc and get a double with a little more kick,” I grumble in defeat.

That had been my original dinner plan, to grab a burger and a couple of beers at the Coyote Creek Bar and Grill—the other undisputed institution of the town. Between Linc and Darcie, they’ve got all your culinary needs covered, each with their own specialties. Pastries and caffeine at Darcie’s until noon and then burgers and brew at Linc’s.

Darcie chuckles, enjoying my dismay as she gets started on my order. “Aww come now, it’s not all that bad. Besides, I’m happy to see our newest residents are finding people to connect with. Those two could use someone in their corner. You’re a good man for stepping up for them, Tanner.”

I scrub my hand over my head. “Yeah, well, I’m not sure I’m the man for the job, but that little girl burrowed under my skin faster than a tick. I get the feeling things haven’t been easy for them, and I couldn’t be another person letting them down.”

She tips her chin, setting my drink on the counter. “Like I said, good man.” She shakes her head with a wink when I try to hand her my card. “It’s on the house today. Not every day do I get to serve a Prince Hero.”

I know better than to argue with the woman, but I do pull what little cash I have in my wallet out and stuff it in the tip jar. “I don’t care what anyone else says, you’re a good egg, Darcie.”

She laughs, waving me off. “Better get back to work saving lives.”

With a wave, I head out, making a stop to grab a few items for tonight before heading back to the office and what will no doubt be more ribbing.

Chapter Seven

Ella

Nerves buzz in my belly like a swarm of bees, while giddiness simmers in the rest of me. Maisie’s chattering is a hum in the background as we work together to make the meatballs for dinner. It makes me feel like a horrible mother, but as much as I love my baby girl, her constant talking takes its toll now and again.

Luckily, she doesn’t have a need for another person to have a conversation and doesn’t notice I’m not following her story currently. My mind is stuck on the man who stole my daughter’s heart the minute he found her and is doing his damn best to snatch mine as well.

Watching him indulge her has been fascinating. It does things to me I didn’t know were even possible. Like wishing for things I shouldn’t be.

And the whole ovary exploding thing that keeps happening seeing him with her? That’s certainly a new development. I always thought it was just something women liked to joke about, but I swear I can feel my eggs dropping watching Tanner with Maisie.

He certainly has the power to send all sorts of tingles, chills, and fireworks erupting with the force of a volcano from just a touch. And the way he looks at me, like he actually sees me, and dare I say might even want me, leaves me with hard nipples and a throbbing core.

It’s hard to imagine that a handsome virile man like him would want an overweight single mother, especially since my own husband didn’t even want me, but he certainly has been giving off interested vibes.

My battery operated boyfriend has definitely gotten a workout these last few nights as I struggle to fall asleep. On top of all the sweet things he’s done for my baby girl, I’ve been plagued by visions of him doing unspeakable things to me. The combination is more than I can handle.

I was mortified when Maisie shouted asking if I was okay last night when I cried out from coming so hard. I was able to convince her I had a bad dream. She insisted on sleeping with me for the rest of the night so I wouldn’t be afraid. My girl has the kindest heart.

The doorbell rings just as the timer from the oven starts screeching.

Maisie adds to the noise, screaming, “He’s here!”

She barrels toward the front door before I can stop her. “Maisie, wait!”