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“You’re kidding me,” I say in disgust.
“I wish.” Emma sighs moodily, then takes another huge bite of meat. “He’s a dumb frat boy. I thought he was cute, but now I don’t like him. I couldn’t like anyone who would do something so cruel.”
“It’s Dane.”
“What?” Emma cocks her head to the side and gives me a confused look. “Who is?”
“I am. My name is Dane Lowe. And that frat boy was a fucking idiot.”
A slow smile spreads across Emma’s face and she blushes.
3
Emma
Dane is turning out to be a real mystery man. When I first saw him chopping wood, he looked like a beast. He’s got a big black beard and long black hair tied in a knot, with bright blue eyes that remind me of sapphires. His muscles are huge. And his voice is gruff and stern, like he’s cross with me for merely daring to exist.
But when he speaks, I can tell he’s well-educated. There’s something about him under the surface that’s polished and refined, something that I can sense but can’t quite make out.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I say finally. “Why do you live out here all by yourself?”
Dane gets up from the table and takes his empty plate to the sink. He sets it down, then starts pacing about the cabin like a caged animal. Now that I’ve noticed how handsome he is, it’s like I can’t make myself look away. I’ve never seen a man like him before. Dane makes Travis look like a little kid.
“Can I have some more stew?” I turn to Dane and hold out my bowl. He nods gruffly and takes the bowl from my hands before refilling it and passing it back.
It’s crazy – I’ve never eaten anything as delicious as the stew in front of me. I’m used to fine dining, but something about this is just heavenly. I don’t know what’s in it, and part of me doesn’t want to, but it’s almost like Dane drugged it and I can’t stop slurping it down.
“Where do you live?”
“Umm, you know. With my parents. I’m a college student, but my father didn’t want me living in the dorms by myself.”
Dane comes back to the table and sits down. “And will they be worried about you?”
I shake my head. “No,” I say. “We’re not close. To be honest, they probably don’t even know that I’m gone.”
Dane frowns. “When you’re done eating, I’ll take you to the main road and show you the way back to town.”
I blink at him. “What about my ankle?”
“You’ll be fine,” Dane says. “It’s not sprained, and the way back to town isn’t as long as you think it is. I know a shortcut.”
“Thank you,” I say quietly as I take another bite of stew. It’s funny – I’ve only known Dane for a few minutes and yet he’s been so incredibly kind to me.
Dane doesn’t reply. I sneak another glance at him and when I see his eyes, I feel my cheeks blush bright red. They’re the deepest blue I’ve ever seen, like pure ocean water. And despite the beard, he’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever met. He carries himself with a strong purpose, like he isn’t afraid of anyone or anything.
I like that. Despite Dane’s gruff manners, it makes me feel safe and protected.
“This is the best stew that I’ve ever eaten,” I say honestly as I scrape the bottom of the bowl with my spoon.
Dane gives me a strange look.
“What?” I ask nervously. “Why are you looking at me like that? Does this have squirrel in it or something?”
“No,” Dane says slowly. He shakes his head. “It’s just that, well…” He trails off, then narrows his eyes and frowns.
“Tell me,” I say. “You’re making me nervous!”
Dane clears his throat. “You’re obviously a wealthy girl,” he says. “I know that’s the new iPhone you have. And your clothes are designer.”
I give him a skeptical look. “Yes, and?” He’s right, but I almost don’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing that. To be honest, it’s very unsettling that he was able to glean so much from me after only a few minutes.
“So, it’s likely that you’re used to fine dining. And my stew is certainly not fine dining.”
I flush hotly. Everything Dane says is so intense, and I can feel his bright blue eyes boring two holes right into my brain.
“Well, I love it,” I say quietly. “It’s really good.”
“Thanks,” Dane says. He smirks at me and my heart leaps into my throat. God, he’s so handsome when he’s not scowling! “I appreciate that. Even if you’re just saying it to flatter me.”
My flush deepens and I shake my head. “No,” I say. “I don’t do that – I don’t lie.”
“So, what do you do?”
A tingle of excitement worms it way through my body and I shiver. Somehow, Dane’s question sounded almost flirtatious. Suddenly, an image pops into my head of myself and Dane, tangled up together. A shiver runs down my spine and I bite my lip, forcing myself to look up and meet his intense blue gaze.
