Page 13 of Claimed By The Mountain Man

It’s the happiest and most relaxed I’ve been in a long, long time, maybe ever.

By the time the sun is setting, I’m ready for bed. It’s strange how natural it feels to head up the stairs with Carter. He lets me borrow a new shirt, and I shower and brush my teeth before I join him in bed.

My body heats as I slide in next to him under the blankets, and I hope that he can’t see my nipples against the front of his shirt as I lie back.

“You know,” he starts, sounding nervous, “maybe tomorrow we can get takeout for dinner or go somewhere private.”

“Are you asking me out?” I blurt in shock.

He turns his head, smiling at me. “Yeah, I am.”

My mind blanks. I can only stare at him in shock.

How is it possible that this strong, handsome soldier could be into me? I mean, I’m plus size, and I obviously have more than a little baggage. So, why would he want to date me?

Who cares? my subconscious screams at me. Don’t let this opportunity pass!

“Okay,” I say shyly. “I’d like that.”

“Good.”

I roll over onto my side, facing away from him so he can’t see my wide, excited grin. I’m practically giddy, and for the first time in forever, I’m looking forward to tomorrow.

My smile doesn’t fade as I drift off to sleep, dreaming about Carter and me together and in love.

6

Carter

“Hey, how’s it going?” Hudson asks.

I look at the stairs, making sure Scout is still up in our room getting ready before I answer him. “It’s good. I’m taking Scout out for dinner soon.”

“Where?”

“Palmer’s Steakhouse in town.”

“Nice. First date, huh? Are you nervous?”

“Yeah,” I admit. “I want tonight to go well.”

“It will. I mean, she said yes, so that’s a good sign.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Any sign of her dad or those other guys?” Hudson asks.

I tense. “No. I’ve hidden her car, and I checked it for any sign of trackers. It was clean. Her phone was too. I’ve been keeping an eye out, and I haven’t seen suspicious cars or people around my place.”

“Us too,” Hudson says. “Hazel found some old pictures of Scout’s dad and has shown them to all the security guards at our place and here at work.”

“Any sign so far?”

“No, not yet. Scout’s dad has been calling, though. He sounds pretty desperate, man. You guys need to be careful. There’s no telling what he’ll do if he finds her.”

“I won’t let that happen,” I promise.

“Good. Let me know if you need anything on that front.”