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A muscular thigh that strains the seams of his worn jeans. Mmm. I have no trouble admitting I’m a sucker for man thighs. A shiver runs over my skin.

“Cold?” he asks. “Come on then. Let’s get inside. I’ll get the chili warmed up. And, if you’d like, I can start a fire.”

Oh boy, could he. The direction of my thoughts shock me. I’d been waiting and looking for any physical reaction to the man I’d come here to marry. There’d been nothing. Nothing good, and nothing bad. Three days of nothing.

With Hayden? Knight? I’m not sure what to call him. Both names seem right. Knight is the man who shows his face to the world. Hayden, that feels private, for whispered moments. No matter which name, in less than half an hour I’ve felt and experienced more with this man than anyone else in the man desert of my past.

I need more.

His expression is questioning and expectant. I rush to cover my awkward silence. “A fire sounds delightful.”

About five minutes later we step out from under the dense trees into a small clearing. Two buildings fill half of the area. One is a sturdy cabin that looks like it’s been part of this environment ever since the first settlers came to these mountains. Lived in and comfortable. The other is newer although still built of heavy logs chinked with white. It looks more like a garage or workshop. I start toward the cabin.

“I wasn’t expecting company,” Knight says, an apology evident in his hesitant tone.

“Then don’t consider me company. Besides, I’m only here until tomorrow when hopefully you can give me a ride into town.”

“Uh, about that.” He rubs the back of his neck.

I mount the three steps to the porch and stop, turning to look at him. “What?”

“My truck’s dead. Battery gave out.”

“Oh. I assumed that…” I wait to feel disappointed. Nope, I’m feeling relieved. That can’t be right, can it? “Sorry about your truck. Is there anyone I can call? To get a ride, I mean.”

“There’s only one ride share I know about that comes out this far from town. The fee is high. I’m not sure it’s a good option, under the circumstances.”

“Why not?”

“Driver’s name is Pete.”

“Oh. Ohhh. Yeah, no. Not going to call him. For anything.”

“There is a possible option.” He pauses and seems to reconsider what he’s about to say before continuing. “The mechanic is bringing out a new battery in five days. You’re welcome to stay until then. I’m sure she’d be happy to give you a ride back to town.”

“She?”

“Best mechanic in town is a woman. Keeps busy. That’s why it takes so long for her out of town work. Unless there’s an emergency, of course. I suppose we could call the sheriff and apprise him of the situation. He might⁠—”

I shake my head. That would be too much attention and focus on the mistake I made in hoping to find a mountain man to love me. The fewer people who know I chickened out, the better. That leaves only one real option. “No, I don’t want to cause any trouble. If the offer is still open, I’d like to stay here.”

The possibilities simmering between us when our gazes lock for a brief moment cements my decision. But I still provide him with an out. “If that’s really okay with you.”

The tense lines around his eyes ease to smile crinkles. “It won’t be four star accommodations here. No Michelin restaurant style meals.”

“And I sure don’t need those. Just a place to take my shoes off and relax. That’s all I really need. I’m perfectly able to entertain myself. And I’m a fair cook. Maybe I can barter that during my time here.”

“I wouldn’t mind eating someone else’s cooking for a change.”

“Good. Then it’s settled.”

He moves past me and opens the door. “Welcome, then, Clover. Come on in.”

four

Knight

Although I’ve never seen the inside, I’ve heard rumors about the modern features of Pete Henderson’s cabin. My place is an ancient shack by comparison. How will my unexpected guest view my humble home? Her opinion shouldn’t make any difference yet for some reason her approval is important. After opening the door, I step back and watch her expression.