Page 2 of Sweet Treat for the Mountain Man

“Anytime. He's an older guy like my husband and I, kind of a nerdy loner, but he'd give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.”

“I always forget you’re fifteen years older than me. You don't look a day over twenty-five.”

Colleen blushed. “Thank you. I needed that. I've been feeling my age lately. Thirty-eight is no joke.”

“Give yourself some credit! You just had twins last year. I'd be exhausted too.”

Colleen smiled warmly. “They sure are tiring but I love them to pieces. Anyway, I'll have Coast reach out. If he can't help, I'll let you know.”

“Great thank you. Lunch is on me today.”

Colleens eyes lit up. “You're the best.”

“No, that's you. For saving my ass.”

After a long day at the office, my favorite thing to do when I got home was take a shower, put on comfy clothes, and make an iced coffee with my deluxe espresso machine.

But just like the rest of the week, today I couldn't. I had a party to make happen.

I drove over to city hall, the party taking place in their banquet room. I'd been solo all week but today I had a few volunteers coming in to help. We had tables and food areas to set up, along with the games and costume contest. It needed to run smooth which meant being prepared.

As I was knee deep in tablecloths, my phone buzzed with a text.

Coast: Hi Amora. I got your number from Colleen. She says you were looking for some help with a Halloween display?

Me: Yes, I do. I run the towns Halloween party and the guy I used backed out on me. I know it's last minute, but I need a skeleton display by Saturday.

Coast: I'd love to help. Since it's already Thursday night, do you want me to come by in the morning?

Me: Actually, are you free tonight? I'm at town hall now setting up and I could show you what I had in mind?

Coast: Sure. I'll head over now.

Me: Perfect.

I released a loud sigh. Let's hope he can help.

Not even fifteen minutes later, Coast walked through the door.

And with his entrance, the energy in the room shifted.

All heads turned in his direction as his eyes scanned the room.

How could I not notice him?

We all were.

He was a tall drink of water, at least six foot two, maybe three if I had to guess, with a muscular build and wide shoulders. A reddish-brown beard covered the bottom half of his face, neatly trimmed yet adding to his gruff appeal. He had buzzed the rest of his hair short, only slightly longer on top, and his deep-set brown eyes grazed over the room as he took it all in.

“Coast?” I asked as I walked over to him.

“Yep, that's me.” He said with a half-smile, one corner of his lip turned upwards. He rubbed at his chin. “Nice to meet you, Amora.” He held out his hand and I swallowed hard.

As soon as my fingers slid around his, shivers ran down my spine. I jumped at the unexpected feeling.

But how—? Focus. I had to focus.

Yet his scent…the sexy, cologne, woodsy and full of pine with a touch of leather, fuck, it scrambled my brain. “You as well. Colleen said you loved Halloween.” I nearly choked on the words.