by Kate Tilney
JONAH
Camp Mountain Man: Bunkmates #2
Kate Tilney
Copyright © 2020 by Kate Tilney
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.
Cover Photos by
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Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Epilogue
1
JONAH
Silas has to repeat himself twice before his request fully registers. Still, I parrot it back to him.
“You want your cousin to crash on my boat for the next few days?”
We’re into our second round of beers at the Alaskan lodge where he works and lives. I have a long-term lease on one of the cabins that I use when I’m not out on the water. While he and the lodge owners are transplants, I’m a third-generation Alaskan. This country, and everything around it, is in my blood.
“It’s not just crashing,” he says. “She’s doing a big write-up on Camp Mountain Man and some of our favorite vendors for some big magazine. She says she needs to live and breathe everything to make it happen.”
“Why would she need to take more than one of our afternoon excursions out?”
“Lily says she needs to see everything you have to offer. Afternoon cruises. Overnight stays. The whole works.”
In addition to being a third-generation Alaskan, I’m also the third generation to run the family business. We’ve done whale tours out of Anchorage for more than fifty years. My dad retired last year, now it’s all mine.
And while business has been good, I won’t deny it could be better. A magazine write-up would go a long way toward helping that.
“Couldn’t she just get all of the information in an interview?”
“Lily said going out on the water would help her better understand the subject matter she was writing about. Whatever the hell that means.” He raises his pint glass at me. “In truth, even when we were kids she was the most curious person I ever knew.”
I’m tempted to ask for some examples, but I’m still reeling from the request. On the one hand, it’s not a huge ask when you consider the publicity my company would get. Plus, Silas is a buddy. And he and the guys here at the lodge have given me a really good deal on my cabin and workshop space.
On the other, I’ve never had a woman as my guest on the boat. I’m reminded of something my grandpa used to say to drive my grandma nuts.
“It’s bad luck for a woman to be on board.”
Silas snorts. “You don’t believe that any more than I do.”
He’s right. Still, what am I going to do with a woman on the boat for two nights? I’m not exactly set up to be the Ritz.
“We don’t have a place where she could stay privately.” It’s just my cabin and the big area for the crew. We have a few cabins for the other guests, but they’ve been booked for weeks. I suppose I could be a gentleman. “I guess she can bunk in my room.”
“Great.” Silas claps his hands together. “Let's go make the introductions. If we’re lucky, we’ll get there in time.”
I frown. “In time for what?”
He cocks an eyebrow. “To watch Lily immerse herself in the wild and exciting world of ax throwing.”
“Does she know what she’s doing?”
“Not yet.” He snickers. “But that isn’t going to stop her from trying.”
Finishing the last of our beers, we head out the door toward the area now designated for ax throwing. I’ve lived on the property for about five years now, but in the past year, the guys have done a lot to spruce up the place. There’s an adventure course. An archery field. A spa, not to mention a handful of other amenities. Of course, a lot of this is thanks to the guys’ wives. They all have backgrounds in marketing, publicity, or hospitality. They knew just what it would take to draw in more business.
And a lot of that business is now female. For decades, this place has been focused on hunting and fishing. But now, there’s plenty else to do. Which is why Silas’s cousin is here, I guess. To share the story of this place—and their new ridiculously dubbed Camp Mountain Man.
We reach the ax-throwing area and I stop short. There, surrounded by a bunch of city slickers in flannel, is the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen. With long dark hair piled on top of her head, and skin smoother than silk, she’s a knockout. And that’s just above her shoulders.
Underneath her denim shirt, it’s impossible not to notice two full tits that would easily overflow my hands if I were to cup them. Then there are those hips and thighs. A man would have to be crazy not to want to grip onto those hips while settled between those thighs.
Silas nudges me in the ribs. I catch his gaze and his shit-eating grin. He knows I’m affedted.
“You’re sure you don’t mind your cousin coming out on a boat with me?”
“You’re a good man.” He cuffs my shoulder. “Besides, you might like the look of her. But she’s going to drive you crazy.”
That may be so, but the more I look at her—and the harder my dick strains against my jeans—the more I think I might be willing to go a little crazy for a night or two with her.
LILY
So, this is a lot harder than it looks. I watched at least twenty videos on ax-throwing before I even set foot in Alaska. But now that I have an ax in my hands, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to hit the target let alone the bullseye.
Of course, it doesn’t help that I have an audience. Right now about ten bearded men are standing around with their hands on their hips. I’m not sure if they’re here to cheer me on or watch me epically fail.
“Okay, Lily. You’ve got this. Just throw the ax. Forward. And don’t kill anyone.”
As far as pep talks go, it isn’t my best work. But, dear God, I am on the spot here. Still, I said I was going to completely immerse myself in this world to write my article. That means experiencing everything Camp Mountain Man and its vendors have to offer. That’s why the magazine I freelance for pays me. It’s why I’m here now. I’ve never shirked on an assignment before. I’m not about to start now, just because there’s a little weaponry involved.
Taking in a deep breath, my sweaty palms grip the handle. Angling my hips like I saw them do on the videos, I release my breath and pull back my arm. Through gritted teeth, I launch the ax forward.
It flies forward several yards and then—like a boomerang that’s caught air—it spirals back toward me. Dumbstruck, I stand there, unable to move or duck.
A large hand suddenly reaches out and grabs the flying ax. My jaw drops and I turn to see who the hand belongs to, so I can drop down on my knees to thank them.
Instead, I’m speechless. Like the wind has been knocked out of me. There, standing in front of me is perhaps the most perfect specimen of a man I’ve ever seen. With a flannel shirt hugging the muscles of his broad shoulders and chest, he looks every inch the part of a fantasy mountain man. And with a jaw I’d like to bite, and a five o’clock shadow I’d like to touch, he’s just about irresistible.
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. I came here to write an article about Camp Mountain Man, a new marketing campaign developed by my cousin’s wife
and her friends. Basically, after their own experiences being pleasantly surprised by the hotties who visit the lodge and call it home, they developed the Camp to appeal to single women looking for a week or two of fantasy with mountain men in the Alaskan wilderness.
I’ve only been here a few days, and already, I can personally attest that this place doesn’t disappoint. Aside from the owners and employees, who are the very definition of modern mountain men, most of the guests who are here to stay are ridiculously burly and sexy.
Case in point, the super sexy man standing in front of me right this very second.
He arches an eyebrow over his dazzling hazel eyes. “You okay?”
I nod dumbly, finally coming to my senses. “Yes, thank you. I can’t believe you were able to catch that.”
“To be honest”—he leans forward, his mouth inches from my ear—“I can’t believe I caught it either.”
I give a strangled laugh, and his lips curve up. If possible, he looks even more handsome. Handing me the ax, he shoves his hands in his pockets.
“I’m Jonah, by the way. Your cousin asked if I’d take you out on my next whale watching tour.”
“I’m Lily.” I rub my free hand on my jeans and thrust it out to shake his. “I appreciate your help—just now, and coming up.”
His warm, hard hand covers mine. For the first time in my adult life, I feel almost small and delicate. At five-foot-seven and more pounds than I care to admit, that’s no easy feat. Of course, Jonah here is easily six-foot-three, and he looks like he could bench press my body and then some.
My belly flutters at the thought of being bench pressed by this man. A delicious shiver runs up and down my spine as I flash him an even brighter grin.
“Wait, you’re Jonah? And you run a whale watching company?”
The gold sparks in his eyes flicker. “Yeah.”
“Like Jonah and the whale?” I shake my head. “That can’t be a coincidence.”
Those eyes narrow. “No, it’s not.”
He drops my hand, and I immediately have regrets.
“I’m sorry, I meant no offense. I just think it’s . . . cute.”
Based on the way the vein in his neck pulses, I’d guess I chose the wrong word.
“Not cute, just clever,” I correct. “Is it a family business then?”
“Something like that.” Clearing his throat, he takes a step back. “We leave in the morning. Silas can fill you in on what you’ll need to bring along for the trip. And Lily?”
I swallow hard. “Yeah?”
“I’d suggest you leave the ax behind and pack some good pajamas.”
That’s a strange command. “Oh yeah?”
“For the next couple of nights, it sounds like you and I will be bunkmates. Unless that’s an issue.”
“No, it’s not an issue.” Though, now that I’ve said the words, I’m not completely sure. “I know you’re all booked up. I’m glad for any room you have.”
Even if it means spending my nights only a few feet away from this man.
As he turns away he winks, sending a fresh flutter through my belly. The moment he’s gone, I fan myself with my fan.
Violet, my new cousin-in-law, appears at my side. “Jonah isn’t too bad on the eyes, is he?”
“Not bad at all.” I drop my hand. “Quick, tell me. Is he single?”
“That man is married to the ocean.” She wiggles her eyebrows. “But based on the way he was just looking at you, I’d say he might have room in his heart for one more.”
2
JONAH
The moment Lily sets foot on the gangplank, I immediately regret my decision to let her come aboard. I shift myself so my cock doesn’t give us away by giving her a welcoming salute.
Was she this fucking gorgeous yesterday? Forcing a scowl on my face to hide my arousal, I prepare myself to make a smartass comment about how much she’s packed along. Only, she’s carrying two small bags—an overnight suitcase and one of the waterproof bags I’ve seen in the lodge’s new outdoor gear store.
Catching my stare, she halts at the top of the gangplank. Feet together, back straight, she raises her right hand to her forehead in a salute.
“Permission to come aboard, Captain.”
I roll my eyes and reach for her suitcase. “Come on. I’ll show you to the room.”
As I lead her through the throng of people, I glance over my shoulder and find she’s looking anywhere but where she’s walking. I nearly roll my eyes again but don’t. I was kidding before when I said women were bad luck on ships. But this one just might be. In the short time I’ve known her, she’s nearly taken an ax to the face and she’s in very real danger of walking into a pole.
Sighing, I grab one of her hands and ignore the spark that shoots through me.
“Come on. I’ll give you the tour later.”
Passing through the bridge, I lead her to the door that connects to my room. Though I took a little time to clean up the room, I can’t help but feel it’s sorely lacking in amenities now that we’re here.
Setting her suitcase in one of the corners, I motion for her to enter.
“You can take whichever bunk you like,” I gesture to the iron bunk bed attached to the wall. “There’s a mini-fridge over there and a microwave. We’ll have a couple of meals every day for the overnighters. But you might want something in between.”
She nods as she turns her attention over every part of the room. Her studious stare gives nothing away.
Feeling awkward in my own space, I shove my hands in my pockets. “I know it’s not much.”
“It’s great.” She flashes me a smile that lights up her pale blue eyes, leaving me breathless. “So this is where you live.”
I clear my throat. “When I’m not at the lodge.”
“You rent a cabin and some workshop space, right?”
I nod. I wonder if that information was volunteered by one of the guys. Or did she ask about me? I kind of like the idea of her asking about me, though damn it all, I can’t say just why. If she did ask, it’s probably only because she’s a reporter. And that’s what reporters do. They ask questions.
As if on cue, she starts to ask, “When do you—”
The heel of her boot catches on the edge of her suitcase and she goes flying forward. She falls straight into my arms. With one hand on her hip, the other on her upper back, it’s impossible to ignore the feel of her soft curves against my body. She takes a shallow breath, and visions of making her call my name fly through my head.
Which is not the right thought to be having about a woman I’ll be sharing a cabin with for the next two evenings. Helping her up to her feet, I take a step back once she’s independently vertical.
“As I said, it’s not much. But you’re welcome to anything in the fridge.”
Then, before she can say anything else—and before I can lose my self-control and push her back up against a wall to see if she tastes as good as she looks and feels—I step back out onto the bridge, closing the door behind me.
Mark, the second in command, arches an eyebrow. “That’s the travel journalist?”
“In the flesh.” Which I now wish I hadn’t said, because all I can think about is her flesh. “What were you expecting?”
“I don’t know, maybe something more like a librarian.”
“Is that what you think journalists look like?”
“I don’t know. I always got a naughty librarian vibe off of Erin Burnett and Soledad O’Brien.” He closes his eyes like he’s thinking about them now. “And I like that look.”
“You need help.” I give him a light nudge with my elbow. “And whether or not you think Lily fits the part of whatever naughty librarian vision you have in your head, keep your hands off.”
“So you’re calling dibs then?”
My eyes narrow. “I don’t call dibs on a lady.”
Though, as I walk out onto the deck to greet our passengers, I suppose I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted to call di
bs on this one. It’s not my style, and wrong on so many levels, but I can’t stand the thought of anyone else’s hands on her.
LILY
“Are you trying to set my boat on fire.”
I spin around to face Jonah, who is standing in the doorway of the cabin. Smoke billows around me as I hold up the culprit. A bag of popcorn I’d forgotten was in the microwave while I re-read my notes from earlier.
“I can explain.”
Shaking his head, he pushes past me to open the tiny window.
“That won’t do for the smell.” He sighs. “But at least it’ll keep us from choking to death on the smoke.”
If possible, he’s somehow even sexier in this state—annoyed, on the brink of anger.
“I’m totally sorry.” And while I am, I want to kick myself for how pitiful that sounded.
His shoulders slump. “You don’t have to be sorry. Just be careful. We have a lot of people on board, and—“
Jonah breaks off and cranes his neck like he’s listening for something. His expression softens as he reaches for my hand and tugs me toward the window.
“Take a look at that.”
Following his instructions, I glance out the window at the sun setting low over the water. It takes me a moment to see the spout of water shoot up as a humpback pops up just feet from the boat. I gasp.
“I didn’t realize they’d get so close.” Grinning, I lean forward, pressing my face against the circular window. Until a thought pops into my head and sends a shiver down my spine. “Wait, could one of those whales flip us over?”
He shakes his head. “Most of the whales out here are used to boats.”
“But they might do it by accident. They’re the biggest animals on the planet.”