Page 44 of Yours Truly, Fall

“Is that why you chose to build there? Isolated from everyone?”

“I’m not isolated.” I chuckle, knowing I’m the luckiest man alive to live where I do. “I built there for the view and privacy. I run the trails at dawn and stare up at the stars from my deck at night. I’m down on the water quite a bit with a small boat I bought a few years back, but I’ve always been a mountain guy. What about you?”

“I love the water, always have.” An ache of disappointment pings in my chest. “I always dreamed of having a place to call mine. Here you are, doing it all on your own.” Slowing down, she glances at me, and adds, “It’s been really nice being at your house. I can see the appeal.”

She’s not wrong. I’m one of the few who returned home after graduation. And of those few, most live in their childhood homes. Makes sense for whatever reason suits them—saving money, taking care of family, or they enjoy generational living. I see my mom several times a week, but I don’t want to move back home. It’s nice to have the independence to spread my wings under my roof. “Where would you live if you could live anywhere?”

“Anywhere?” She grins, but it’s the hint of pink on her cheeks that captivates me. “Is it bad to say Mountain Laurel Cove?”

“No. I built my home here for a reason.”

“There’s something special about it. I just wish—” She slams on the brakes for a family of raccoons crossing in front of us. Exhaling, she says, “That’s so cute.”

With my hand pressed to the dash, I say, “If this road had been wet, you’d be on the side of it.”

“Worth it.” She’s still grinning when she begins driving again, reaching the main road. She’s a nurse. I expect nothing less than a soft heart for people and creatures, even at her own expense. “We really don’t live that far apart. Fifteen minutes on a good dirt road day.” She takes a left while her breathing regulates as she drives on solid pavement.

“No, not that far.” She and her family live just a few miles up the road. The mountain is across the street, but it’s a nice backdrop to the town and the properties along the waterfront when out on the boat. I’ve also been there, and to the house next door, many times over the past few years. It’s good to see Daniel when he’s in town, to kick back with a friend and have some laughs. “What’s the first stop?”

“My house.”

I like a plan and anything that gets me closer to that reward she mentioned.

She runs her hand in front of her chest. My gaze follows the movement as she says, “I’m out of clothes, for one.” My college shirt doesn’t fit her in the slightest, but the seat belt pins it to her chest, highlighting her great tits. I got a solid preview in the shower yesterday and haven’t been able to stop thinking about them, or her ass, since. It’s been hard not to stare at her. The boxer shorts can’t be seen at all. But she hasn’t complained once. Every indicator suggests she’s planning to return to the house with me after grabbing a fresh set of clothes, but I’ve tiptoed around the reason she’s brought me with her. It’s going to suck if she drops me off later and waves goodbye, leaving me wrong about her intentions.

“And for two?”

She giggles. I cock an eyebrow, dropping my head forward. Just when I think I understand how she operates, she goes and throws a curveball, sending me back to the dugout to start all over again.

“You’ve had a shower. I haven’t. And I really need one.”

“You could have taken one at my house.”

A temperate grin crept into her features. “Thanks. I’ll take you up on that next time.” Turning onto the road, she rolls down both of our windows to let the wind blow through the car. “The water is so blue today.”

The wind whips her hair away from her neck, revealing a small freckle. My eyes focus in on that gem, imagining pressing my lips against the small mark. My gaze trails to another and then one more as if the god of stars himself positioned the constellation.

When she glances over at me, she says, “It’s a bit rough out there, though.”

My chest tightens as we near the pink Victorian that everyone in town knows as the Season house. She delivered her game plan, but as we approach the house, I still can’t help but wonder why I’m here. “Yeah, rough.”

She parks next to another vehicle under the trees and grabs her bag from the back seat while I come around. “Whoa!” She leans back when she sees me. “I almost didn’t recognize you with a shirt on.”

I restrain my grin the best I can. “I can take it off if you prefer?”

With a laugh, she shuts the car door and flicks the sleeve of my shirt. “It’s probably best if you leave it on around here. Don’t want to send the women into a frenzy.”

“Are you worried ‘the women’ will want me?”

“Might be. What if I am?”

Following her, I say, “I didn’t take you for the jealous type, Nurse Season.”

“I’ve never had a reason.” She turns around, latching her eyes onto mine and walking backward. “Are you going to change that?”

From the time I met her to now, I couldn’t say this is the same woman. From her laughter to the brightness of her eyes, she’s changed since she left the hospital. And I want to see more of this side of the beautiful woman. “Is that the type of guy you’re into?”

“No. Lately, I’m thinking I might be into the firefighting type who risk their life to save dogs from burning buildings.”