Page 14 of Claimed By The Mountain Man

“Will do.”

“I’ll let you go. Good luck tonight. Call me tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I will.”

“Later, Carter.”

“Later,” I echo, and we hang up.

A second later, I hear Scout’s steps coming down the stairs. I straighten, and my breath stalls in my lungs when I see her.

I went into town earlier today and picked up a few things for her. I wanted her to be comfortable here. I also wanted to show her that I could take care of her and think about what she needs. I want her to see that I’m a good partner, that I could be a good match for her.

“Thanks for the clothes,” Scout says, brushing her hands over the soft fabric of her shirt.

“It was my pleasure. You look amazing.”

“Thanks. You’re looking pretty handsome yourself,” she says shyly.

“Thanks, Scout.”

I reach out, offering her my hand, and she blushes as our palms slide together. I lead her towards the front door and will my heart rate to slow down as we step outside.

The sun is starting to set as I close and lock the door behind us. Crickets chirp in the nearby trees, and I take a deep breath as I scan the road and treeline. It’s all quiet; no cars are driving by, and I don’t see any suspicious footprints or tire tracks. I relax, leading Scout over to my car.

Tonight has to be perfect. The last thing I want is for her father or one of those loan shark guys to show up. My murdering someone in front of her might put a stain on our first date.

I open the door for Scout and smile as I look down at her. That smile drops when I see the look on her face.

“Hey, if you’re not okay with this, we can do something else,” I say when I see the nervous way her eyes dart around. “I can cook for us, or we can order takeout or something.”

“No, I’m okay,” she assures me, squeezing my hand.

I open the passenger door for her and give her a comforting smile as she climbs in.

“We’ll swing by the auto shop before dinner. We can try to order that part for your car,” I say, trying to distract her.

“Sounds good,” Scout says softly.

I close the door and walk around the hood. As I climb behind the wheel, I reach over, threading my fingers with hers.

“I feel bad,” Scout says as we head into town.

“About what?”

“I can’t afford to pay you back for all of this. Not right now anyway. Once I get a new job and get settled, I can send you the money for⁠—”

“I’m not asking for money,” I interrupt her. “I’m happy to buy you clothes and fix your car. You deserve to have someone looking out for you, Scout. I’m sorry you haven’t had anyone doing that so far in your life.”

“I’m not used to it,” she says. “I like to make my own way in life.”

“I know, but there’s no reason you can’t accept a little help from time to time.”

“I guess…”

“If it makes you feel better, you can pay me back whenever. But I don’t want you to think I’m keeping track or that I mind.”

“Thanks, Carter.”