Page 2

Okay Mia, I tell myself, you came for inspiration. I think you found it. I’ll just put him in my fictional world while trying to avoid him in real life.

Chapter 2

Mia

A rural escape to a small town in fall seemed like such a good idea on paper. It’s the thing that I imagine real writers do. But now that I’m here, I’m thinking that maybe rural isn’t for me. I was freezing last night, despite some very hot dreams about the naked sexy guy. I tried to light a fire using the basket of wood, but it just burned out quickly, no matter how much wood I piled in there. Thankfully there were extra blankets on the bed.

It was pretty waking up this morning to see all the trees just outside, in all different fall colors. And there was a beautiful mist over the place before the sun broke through. The cabin itself is perfect. The desk looks handmade. The kitchen cabins too. Like someone old craftsman who cares about his work made these things. It was all so inspiring that I sat down and wrote several pages.

But now, I need to get up and stretch. Walking outside I take a deep breath of the fresh country air. The sun is up and it looks to be a warm day. And then, seeing the wood pile, I decide I’m not freezing through another night again.

Putting down my coffee on a tree stump, I pick up the axe. Heavier than I thought, but surely I can do this. Placing a bit of wood on the wood block, I raise my arms, take aim and swing down.

Missed the bit of wood.

Almost missed the chopping block.

Okay. Take two.

By my fifth go I think I almost have the hang of this. And that’s when sexy, naked guy appears to the left of me. A big smile on his face. Carrying an axe. Bare chested again. Looking hot and sweaty. At least he is wearing pants this time. Thank God for small favors.

“Want some help?” He offers.

I can’t keep eye contact with him. Not after the dreams I had of him last night.

“No thanks.” I reply. Lining up another bit of wood and taking aim. I raise my arms and swing down hard. Determined to prove to him that I can do this.

I miss the bit of wood and bury the axe deep into the chopping block. And despite all my effort, the damn thing won’t budge.

“Now do you want my help?” He is grinning at me.

I move away, trying to hide the fact that I am breathing hard from the effort. I take a seat on a nearby log.

“Do you just walk around with your own axe?” I ask.

He dislodges my axe from the chopping block with ease. “I’m a competitive lumberjack.” He picks up a huge chunk of wood, raises his arms and swings down. Splitting the wood perfectly into two even pieces. And he looks damn good doing it too. He grins at me again. “I’m competing in the festival tomorrow.”

He slices through the remaining wood. “What about you? Are you in town for the festival?”

“I’m a writer.” I tell him. “I was just planning to lock myself away and work on my book.”

“Oh you should come watch the competition.” He swings the axe again. Easily cutting through the wood. I sip from my coffee, watching all those muscles work together as he raises his arms and brings the axe down. My whole body is buzzing as I sit there pretending that I am totally unaffected by this display. But inside, my pulse is racing. I feel flushed. And again, there is something about all those hard muscles and ridges that make my hands want to touch. His tanned skin looks warm and inviting. He reaches up and wipes some sweat from his forehead. I feel like I’m at some erotic peep show.

He looks at me and smiles. It’s not fair for him to have that body and be this handsome. And once again, I feel the need to flee. Looking at him is nice. But I want to get away so he isn’t looking at me. In my head, in my imaginary world, I can be the goddess he can’t take his eyes off. But in real life, I’m thinking about how large my ass is and the fact that all my tummy rolls are obvious when I sit like this.

A more confident girl might flirt with this guy. At least return his friendly smiles. But I am not a confident girl. Especially around men. I’ve only had one boyfriend. He was always acting like he was doing me a favor by going out with me. I asked him once if he thought I was pretty. He told me I am the kind of girl you would hook up with at a wedding if all the other girls were taken. And added that I could lose some weight.

The words hurt. They also explained why he didn’t like being seen with me. I ended that relationship then and there. But his words have stayed with me. Enough to have me want to hide myself away from the world. I don’t want to be anybody's last option. I would rather be alone.

I get up, holding my coffee cup, avoiding looking at Ronan, I carefully pick up a few of the bits of wood. It’s not enough, but I need to get out of there. “Thanks for the help.” I say. And then I race back to my cabin.

Chapter 3

Ronan

I wish she would look at me. In truth, I wish she would look at me like she had last night. With her big hazel eyes full of hunger and yearning. I know women find me attractive. I’m thankful for the looks passed on from my father. And I like to keep fit, I work as a carpenter and I’m a competitive lumberjack. Let’s just say that I’m not worried about taking my shirt off in public. And I probably should have put something on to answer the door last night. But I had just stepped out of the shower.

The way Mia had looked at me, openly admiring me like I was there just for her viewing pleasure, passion mixed with innocence….it had set a fire in me that had me thinking about her all night. Picturing those eyes. The way she had nervously bitten her lower lip. The blush that spread across her cheeks. Wanting to know who she is and why she is here. Hoping she was okay in the cabin. Wondering what she was wearing to bed. Pajamas? Maybe something made of satin and lace? Or would she sleep in nothing at all?