Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22539 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22539 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
He’s so hot that it’s hard to focus on his words. I keep catching myself getting lost in his beautiful green eyes or getting mesmerized by his sexy lips. I feel like a teenager again in math class trying to pay attention.
“We patrol protected areas and take down any poachers,” he tells me. “We also protect the wildlife, and enforce rules and regulations.”
“So, you must be outside most of the time? That must be so nice out here.”
He nods as he smiles at me. “I think I’d go nuts behind a desk. I’m much more suited to working in the mountains.”
I find out that he’s lived here all his life and he knows the area better than anyone. There’s a question I have that’s been bugging me. I’m not sure if I want to know the answer, but I’m going to ask it anyway.
“So, are there like wolves and bears in these mountains?”
“Of course. Lots of them.”
I shiver from just thinking about being so vulnerable last night. He must see the look on my face because he quickly continues.
“They don’t hunt during thunderstorms,” he says in a soft comforting voice. “You weren’t in that much danger.”
“Really?”
I can’t tell if he’s lying for my benefit. “I’m just glad I got there in time. I’ll look out for you for the rest of the trip. How does that sound?”
It sounds like paradise. “Thanks, I’ll call you if I wander into a grizzly bear den or fall into a river full of piranhas.”
We’re in a cute restaurant in town called McArthur’s, sitting in a quiet booth beside the windows that look out onto Greene Mountain Town.
I love it here. The town is so gorgeous with the adorable shops and stunning view of the mountains in the background. All of the people look so safe and happy as they walk along the cobblestone sidewalks. I smile when I see a young couple patiently waiting for their toddler to come along. She’s fascinated by a pigeon eating an ice cream cone. They might be there for a while.
Greene Mountain Town looks like such a nice place to start a new life and raise a family. I’m so happy for my sister that she gets to do that here with her soul mate.
“Your sister got married?” he asks. “How was the wedding?”
“It was fun,” I say with a smile. “I had a few too many drinks. I think you saw that part.”
He smiles as he watches me. “You looked radiant dancing out there.”
“Then how come you left?”
It just shoots out of me. I guess it’s part of my new bold adventurous personality. Apparently, the new and improved Megan has no filter.
Noah takes a few seconds to collect his thoughts. I lean forward as he takes a sip of his iced tea and begins to speak.
“I wanted to stay,” he says as he slowly looks up at me. “But I didn’t… trust myself.”
“Trust yourself?” I ask with a tilt of my head. “Why, are you like an alcoholic or something?”
“No, no,” he says. “Nothing like that.” He takes a deep breath. “I didn’t trust myself around you.”
Okay, now I’m really confused.
“When I know what I want, Megan, I want it. I’m not really good at self-restraint.”
“Okay… But what did you want?”
He stares at me until it clicks. Oh. Oh!
“You. I wanted you.”
My mouth drops open, but no words come out. What do you say to that? How do you respond when the sexiest man you’ve ever seen (by far) tells you he wants you so badly that he worries about self-control?
Luckily, I don’t have to figure that out because the waitress arrives with our food.
“Thanks, April,” Noah says as she slides the burgers in front of us and pulls the bottle of ketchup out of her apron.
“Enjoy,” she says in a curt tone before leaving. She doesn’t look very friendly.
My stomach is still fluttering with butterflies over that last topic, so I switch it up. This Megan is bolder and more adventurous than ever, but even the new and improved Megan has her limits. I’m not sure if I’m ready to go there just yet.
“Is your dog okay?” I say, remembering how soaked he was. The poor guy was probably freezing his tail off.
“Charlie?” he says as he spreads his napkin on his lap. “He’s not mine.”
“Oh no? He seemed to listen to you so well. I thought for sure he was yours.”
“He’s just a good boy,” he says with a smile. “His owner is Colin. He works in search and rescue with two other guys. Oh, that reminds me. What are you doing after this?”
I shrug. “Nothing.”
“I had to break Colin’s window last night to get Charlie, so I want to go drop off the money to replace it. Want to come with me? You can see your furry friend again and give him a proper thank you.”