4. Ashleigh

CHAPTER 4

Ashleigh

“ R eese?” I whisper, my voice raspy. I’ve been hollering for what feels like hours.

But nobody came. Until now. And now I’m face to face with the mountain man I was coming here to meet. And just from what I can see of him, he’s a damn god. He’s what it would look like if Captain America and Wonder Woman had a baby. Too damn beautiful to look upon without shielding your eyes from the perfection glowing off of them.

I clear my throat and manage a little stronger, “Reese?”

“Yeah.” He smiles so damn big that it looks like a Cheshire-cat grin. “I wasn’t sure you’d make it.”

I chuckle happily now that I know I’m not about to die out here. “I almost didn’t.”

He sobers up immediately. “That’s all my fault. I should have looked at the damn weather before I suggested this meeting. And right before Christmas? I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“You were thinking you wanted to not be lonely this holiday. I get it. I don’t want to be either.”

He holds out a big hand and I slip my own inside it, almost flinching at the warmth of his gloves on my cold skin. I lost my gloves somewhere in a grove of trees that caught on my coat.

He groans and then glares at me. “Where the hell are your gloves, woman?”

I stand up straight and glare right back. “Excuse me, I’ve been lost in the woods and I lost them somewhere in a bunch of trees.”

He shakes his head and mumbles something under his breath that I’m pretty sure I don’t want to know what it was. Then he hands me his gloves. “Here. Put these on. You’re gonna get frostbite.”

I shake my head stubbornly. “No way. They’re yours. I don’t want you to get frostbite either.”

“I’m not getting anything. But we need to get back to my place. You were kinda going into the exact wrong direction. So we’re gonna have to backtrack.”

I shove them back at him. “I’m not wearing your gloves. You wear them!” I cringe inside and wonder what the hell is going on! I’ve never talked to a man like this. I can’t believe I’m doing it now.

But I’m not scared of him for some reason and I don’t want him to think I’m weak or something. Or an idiot that can’t take care of herself.

He towers over me, a dark, forbidding shape in the hellscape of snow, ice and wind.

“Take the gloves, Ash. I don’t need them. I tend to run a little hot. I’ll be fine. I’m more worried about you and I’ll feel better if you wear them. Please.”

Dammit! Why does he have to sound so damn sweet and gentle and kind.

I expected a rough, rugged mountain man like the ones in the books. A man’s man. A man who would throw me over his shoulder and then across a bed to take what he wants.

A man that makes my breath puff out heavier when I read the naughty bits of my favorite books. My favorite author writes the most deliciously naughty men in her books and I’ve devoured them like they’re fine wine or the finest of steaks.

I’ve been half in love with quite a few of them except for the fact that they don’t exist. But that’s also why I decided to do this thing.

I take the gloves and nod my head. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you to say.”

He nods his head that’s at least a foot higher than my head. “That’s fine. Just follow behind me. And make sure you step where I step. There are some pretty deep holes out here. I don’t want you to get hurt.” He pauses and then says quickly. “Maybe I should carry you.”

I shake my head vigorously. If he puts his fingers onto my skin I’m gonna combust.

“I can walk. Let’s go though. I’d really like to get the hell out of this mess. I feel like I’ve been out here for hours.”

He nods his head in the dark beanie. “You got it.” Then he turns away and abruptly turns back towards me. “I’m really happy you’re alright and you’re here. I’m just sorry that your holiday is gonna be all messed up.”

“What do you mean?” But he turns back around and the only reply I get is the howling of the wind.

I follow along behind him, a little startled when he reaches out his hand again. But I slip mine inside his bigger hand, swallowing when I realize how big he really is.

I’m not a shrinking violet but this guy is so big. I feel dainty next to him and normally I’ve got too much padding on my body to feel tiny compared to any man.

But this guy is huge. And I feel safe with him.

So safe that I don’t even realize that we’re passing wild animals the whole way home.

I don’t realize a blinking thing except that my hand feels right in his and I’ve never felt safer and more happy than I do right at this moment with this giant shadow of a man leading me to his home. The snow whirls around us and I don’t give a damn.

I think that I’d do anything or go anywhere with this guy and not even second-guess the overwhelming urge to stay with him.

I’m starting to think that there’s more going on here than just a date. And that takes my breath away more than the ice-cold air freezing my lungs on each breath.

I’m not sure I’m ready for whatever comes next but I’m gonna enjoy whatever ride I’m on.

I don’t get the happily ever afters but happy for now? Maybe that I can have.

Just a little taste of something good. That’s not too much to ask.