Page 7 of Moonstruck by the Mountain Man

I sighed and walked back to my own table. Grimm came with me.

After that, I didn’t have a chance to do much besides answer questions about my products and make change. It was busy and getting busier as the day went on. I knew I was making more money here than I would have keeping my shop open. June had been right. I’d have to thank her somehow. Maybe a gift basket. She was my friend, but she still deserved something nice for helping me.

Grimm, for his part, spent the rest of the morning traveling between my booth and Wilder’s. Wilder came over once to get him. When the dog didn’t immediately answer the command, Wilder simply stood over him and said, “Grimm. This is not your spot.” His tone suggested he knew he would lose the argument before it even began.

“He likes it here,” I said, unhelpfully, wrapping my hands around the tea June had brought me.

“He likes you,” Wilder said, and then looked like he wished he hadn’t said it that plainly.

The words warmed me up faster than the hot tea. I smiled as he walked away, remembering the feel of his hand.

By last light I’d nearly sold out of the black cat soap. His ornaments were almost gone and the donation bucket was mostly full. The square started emptying, and the vendors started packing up. It was time to turn the night over to the other activities.

Once I had my car packed, I took a deep breath and walked over to Wilder. “It looks like you had a good day.”

I studied him, seeing the lines around his mouth. I knew the day had been a strain for him. Grimm leaned against his legs as if giving him support.

When Wilder didn’t speak, I took the hint. He’d had enough of people today. “Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I didn’t wait for a response and started walking away. I’d leave my car here and walk back to the shop. That was better than packing and unpacking everything. When I left, Grimm followed me.

Wilder’s jaw flexed. He scanned the street, the darkness falling. I watched him gather the information and make a decision — bear still in the area, woman walking alone.

“I’ll walk you.”

Not a question, which was something I wasn’t used to. Someone thinking about me first. “I didn’t ask.”

“I know.”

We didn’t talk on the way. We didn’t need to. Grimm trotted ahead and then dropped back to herd us like livestock. At the shop’s back door, I unlocked it, then pushed it open. Grimm walked in first. Wilder stopped on the threshold.

Warm air rolled out along with the scents — cedar, beeswax, pumpkin chai.

“I’ll get him,” he said.

“Thanks.” I motioned him inside. And just like that the Ghost of Lone Mountain was in my shop, hoodie still up, scar still hidden.

“Coffee,” I said. “Or tea. You’re not collecting your dog and disappearing into the dark twice in two nights. That’s rude.”

From any other man, I would have expected a smile at my not-so-subtle way of keeping him with me.

“Coffee.” He said it as if he were placing an order at the local diner.

“Coming right up.” I had no idea what I was doing, inviting him inside. To stay. But I did know exactly what I wanted.

To get to know the Ghost of Lone Mountain a little bit better.

CHAPTER FOUR

Wilder

Her shop had a homey feel that made you want to stay. Just like being in her presence. I realized it smelled like her too. The air was thick with the scent of cedar and beeswax and that pumpkin chai smell that had been coming off her skin all day. After hours on a cold street, the warmth of the place felt good. I was used to being outside, in the cold.

And this, being here with her, was a whole other type of feeling.

I took in the back room like I did every new place I went. Watching. Observing. Noting. A ladder left leaning against the wall. Inventory boxes stacked high. A shelf bracket pulled half out of the wall under too much weight. There was a workbench that had seen better days, as well as a small couch with a rug in front of it. It looked like she spent most of her spare time here.

As if to confirm my observations, she said, “Sorry for the mess. I spend most of my free time here, making products to sell. Make yourself at home.”