Page 3 of Falling for my Mountain Man

I couldn't resist her adorable smile. As soon as I saw it, the ice in my bloodstream melted. The coldness turned warm, the darkness lifted and suddenly, I wanted, no needed her near me.

But that was unrealistic.

I didn't know the curvy younger woman. She wasn't from around here.

So I helped her out and went on my way.

As I walked back towards my Caddy, the dark cloud settled above me once more. I'd give anything to have my dad here with me.

After a year of blood, sweat, and tears, I finally got the Caddy running and restored. I immediately added her to the roster of old classic cars at the yearly fall festival.

Out of all the cars we restored together, the Caddy had taken us the longest.

Cars came and went but the Caddy stayed, year after year, my father’s ultimate dream car.

And when he got sick, I made it my priority to finish its restoration. I'd spent all my free time on it, late nights at the shop, and no time for a social life as I grieved the life with my dad.

When he passed, I promised him I'd get it running and into the fall festival show, his favorite show of the year.

And this year I finally did it.

Bittersweet. So much so. I was here, finally, with the Caddy, but without him.

My mind drifted back to Rogue. A beautiful woman, unique in her own way. I wanted to know more.

When I reached the lot of classic cars, I'd made up my mind. I'd find her later. Before she could get away.

I just had to.

“You did a great job Hutch!” Ruby, the head baker in town, and her husband Austin, greeted me as they walked by the Caddy.

One of many who'd stopped by to say hi, tell me how proud they were of the work I did, and how happy my dad would be.

I basked in the glow, thankful for the brief break in grief for once.

The time flew as conversations filled the air and when the car show ended, I set off toward the vendors. I stopped by a food tent and grabbed two caramel apples and two hot chocolates before looking for Rogue.

When her booth came into view, I saw her talking to a couple of women, chatting away happily as she held up some of her hats.

I admired her from afar, curious about the younger, cute curvy woman. She couldn’t drive worth shit, but that was okay, I could teach her.

What was I even doing?

I looked down at the tray of goodies. This wasn’t me. I didn’t go chasing after women with treats.

I’d be home binging a Netflix series by now.

But her…

I wanted her.

She was adorable and sweet, with her freckles and dimples. I wanted to kiss each one. I wanted to tuck her under my arm and keep her as mine. For all time.

Damn, it was all going too fast.

Just start with a conversation.

After the women left her booth and she was alone, I moseyed over to her, a smile on my face.