Hot Mountain Daddy: A Mountain Man Romance

by Claire Angel

  “I am in the yard at his mother’s house. There’s this pond, and the sun feels so good,” I told her, crossing my legs, and smiling. “We were at his cabin last night.”

  “How are things going?” Hallie asked curiously as I sighed.

  “I get why you were so dopey when you first met Colton now.”

  She giggled. “He’s so…much an alpha. He’s such a presence and makes me want to do anything that he wants at any given time.”

  I glanced around, finding myself alone.

  “I think I’d let him have me out here where anyone could see if we weren’t at his mom’s place.” I was always this honest while Hallie was more on the shy side.

  I knew that she was wildly attracted to Colton, but we didn’t discuss the details.

  “Oh, my God. Please don’t,” Hallie begged me as I laughed. “Are you coming home?”

  “Hallie. This is more than likely just a fling,” I assured her, feeling a little sadness filling me at the idea of this ending. “I have an entire life in Chester. I’m going to be an aunt!”

  “He does live in Montana, Bri.” We chatted for a bit before she got a customer and I smiled at the description of how happy her dad was about the baby.

  I ended the call, and the air changed as I set the phone on the grass. I glanced up to see Mark approaching me, slipping something into his pocket.

  “Hey, you. Is she sleeping?”

  “Out like a light. I know that she got Mom up early since I saw her sleeping in the den.” He smiled and glanced back towards the house. “They’re safe in there. I locked the house up.”

  “You don’t have faith in small-town safety?” I asked as he narrowed his eyes, staring at the pond.

  “Not when it comes to the ones I care about.” His voice was gruff, and I wondered if something happened to him at some time in his life. “You can never be too safe.”

  “I suppose not. I always lock my door.” I said as he nodded, gazing intently at me. I smiled, and he leaned in towards me, brushing his lips against mine. “I like them. A lot.”

  “Mom’s good for her. I miss Lin like crazy, but she needs a woman in her life. I just get here as much as possible and eventually, I’ll be able to live with her. I just need to put away some money.” Mark sounded like he had a plan as he scooted closer to me.

  We both took in the warmth of the sun and the blue water of the pond as Mark told me how much Lindsay enjoyed feeding the ducks. She was a bit scared of the aggressive geese. I giggled.

  “She asked about you. Lindsay thinks you’re pretty, and she’s right.” I bit my lower lip at the words, trying not to smile too big. “You’ll get to know her once she’s up. I’m sure we will be up late watching a movie or something.”

  “That sounds great.” I told him, “It’s so relaxing here.”

  “Is it better than my cabin?” Mark asked as I tilted my head.

  “Different. This reminds me of Chester a bit. I want to wander around and take it all in.” I spoke before I thought and glanced at him, hoping I wasn’t being too presumptuous.

  I wasn’t one to do what others wanted me to, but I normally didn’t have to worry about it.

  “I’m sure that you’ll have time for that. This is your vacation, too. There are some good places to eat around here. Lindsay loves an ice cream parlor around the corner.” Mark didn’t seem to mind my musing. I breathed in deeply. “We’ll go one evening after dinner, all of us.”

  He was making plans. I didn’t know what to think about that.

  We talked by the pond for a while before he stood and held his hand out to me. I took it and allowed him to pull me up as if I weighed nothing. I brushed off my jeans, and we made our way back to the house where he led me around the front to unlock the door. We walked inside, and Mark set the keys on the counter before going to check on Lindsay.

  I took a seat on the couch and looked around at the pictures of Mark at various ages. He was always big, even as a toddler.

  I heard voices and glanced up to see Mark and Lindsay coming down the hall. She still looked sleepy and Mark was carrying her in his arms. He sat down beside me and I gazed at her angelic face for a moment. She was beautiful. Lindsay rested her head against his chest as he stroked her wavy hair, so gentle in this moment.

  I liked this version of him.

  Nancy woke up after that and joined us as we planned dinner. She was going to make a roast with vegetables and we’d eat in tonight. Lindsay wanted us to watch The Princess and The Frog. It was her favorite movie at the moment. I loved the idea.

  I helped Nancy with dinner and gave Mark some time with Lindsay in the den.

  Nancy told me about Mark as a kid, telling me that he was always giving her a heart attack. He was a brave boy and kept his parents on their toes. I asked if his father was tall and she blinked for a moment, leading me to reach out and touch her arm.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  “No, it’s fine. I just miss him to this day. He was a big man and Mark takes after him so much. They were both so strong, both physically as well as their minds. Mark was broken when James passed away.” Nancy smiled. “I was broken but Mark was my rock.”

  “I can see that,” I told her as she got the vegetables into the baking dish.

  She sprinkled some herbs over them once she drizzled olive oil over the surface, placing a big roast on top of them. We waited for the oven to beep and set it inside as she got us some lemonade.

  Nancy asked about my family and I told her about my stable, happy parents in Chester. They’d given me a great upbringing.

  “They sound wonderful. Mark and Penelope were so close growing up and I think they were happy as well. She’s in college at Great Falls. She’ll be here tomorrow once her class ends. She can’t wait to see Mark.” Nancy smiled, and I realized that I hadn’t heard too much about Penelope.

  Mark mentioned her in passing a time or two, but I didn’t push for more.

  “Was he protective?” I asked as Nancy laughed loudly.

  “Penny hated that about him,” Nancy assured me as I laughed with her.

  Mark and Lindsay joined us and the little girl sat between me and her dad as she looked up at me.

  “You’re pretty. You have yellow hair like I do.” Her voice was sweet and matter-of-fact, and I smiled.

  “I do. Isn’t it fun?” I lowered my voice to a whispered tone and she giggled.

  We chatted about her favorite things and I found myself charmed by her immediately.

  Lindsay insisted on sitting between me and Mark at dinner and near me on the couch after dinner. I felt him watching us as I stroked Lindsay’s hair as she rested her head on my leg and her feet on Mark.

  She fell asleep there and Mark carried her to bed. Nancy excused herself to bed and hugged both of us, telling Mark that Penelope would be here in the afternoon the following day.

  He secured the house and we walked down the hall as I asked where we were sleeping in a whisper. He told me there was a guest room for us and I was surprised to hear that we’d be sleeping together.

  Mark took me into the room and pointed out the bathroom to me. I took my pajamas in and changed after washing my face and brushing my teeth. When I returned to the bedroom, Mark got ready in the bathroom and then joined me. He closed the door, and I smiled at him, feeling strange for being in here with him.

  “This is okay with your mom?”

  Chapter 12

  Mark

  I looked into Brianne’s face as she asked if it was okay to sleep in here together. I wanted to laugh at her but moved towards her, pressing Bri against the wall.

  “I am a grown man, Bri. She’s fine with anything I do.” I leaned down to kiss her and she molded her body against mine. “I can even fuck you in here if you promise to be quiet.”

  I kissed her senseless before we moved to the bed. I worshiped her body tonight, taking it slow. I slipped inside of her once she was weak with a strong release, moving slo
w and deep.

  It felt good and I braced myself on my arms as I moved. I was kissing her face and mouth when she started to get too loud. There was something so taboo about having to stay quiet when I knew how loud she could scream my name.

  When we were done, Brianne insisted on putting on clothes in case Lindsay woke up looking for me. I allowed it and put boxers on, pulling her into my arms.

  She felt good in my arms.

  I woke up to Lindsay crawling on me, giggling wildly. I grabbed her and hugged her to me, closing my eyes as I breathed her in. I ended up lifting her up, pulling on some lounge pants and a shirt before taking her to the kitchen for some cereal. I knew that Brianne was stirring but gave her the chance to relax by herself for a while.

  I got Lindsay cereal and juice before joining Mom for coffee at the table. I couldn’t wait to see my sister again. We both met here as often as possible to spend time together. She was the perfect aunt to Lindsay as well.

  Brianne joined us after some time and Mom got her some coffee. She looked adorable in her leggings and oversized t-shirt as she sat down. Her eyes were still sleepy and her hair was pulled into a messy bun.

  Mom offered to cook us breakfast, but I told her I’d take them to breakfast. We could have something for dinner when we were all together. The women agreed and went to get ready as I watched Lindsay.

  Once they were done, I changed into jeans and a Henley that made Brianne stare at me for a long moment. I loved that she looked at me like that.

  We headed into town in my car to the diner on the corner. I’d known the owners since I was a little boy and they called my name when I walked through the door. There were hugs and kisses on the cheek before they ushered us to a large booth and got coffee and orange juice.

  I introduced Mabel to Brianne and the woman’s eyes lit up when she saw the pretty blonde. It didn’t hurt that Lindsay was snuggled up beside Brianne. They chatted for a moment and we ordered breakfast, planning to share with Lindsay since she grazed more than she ate.

  Brianne looked around with a curious expression during the meal, taking small bites of her food. I watched her as I talked to Mom and the residents that were in the dining room.

  We left and Mom checked her cell phone before asking Brianne if she wanted to walk around a bit.

  We all headed down the sidewalk, window shopping and popping into some of the stores to look closer. Brianne grabbed a few small things that I insisted on paying for to her protests. Mom just watched with a smile.

  When we got home, Penelope was pulling up in her older SUV. I parked and Mom and Lindsay rushed out to hug my tiny brunette sister with squeals of joy.

  I sat with Brianne in the car, reaching out to touch her leg as she smiled at me. I could see my sister looking at us and got out to hug her, spinning her around. She asked me about the girl in the car and I laughed at her, telling her not to be so nosy. I brought her over to Bri, introducing them as Penny shook her hand.

  We went inside, and Penny caught me up on her life, trying to brush past the fact she was seeing someone in the city.

  “Wait a minute. Who is this guy?” I asked as my sister rolled her blue eyes.

  “Slow down, Mark. I’m a big girl,” She told me as Brianne laughed.

  They got along well. The women all went into the kitchen to make dinner together. I watched as Lindsay trailed after them. I could see that she was entranced by them as the group of strong role models and leaned back on the couch. I imagined a future where Brianne came here with me again and shook my head slowly.

  I liked this girl more than I should but fuck it. She was fun.

  We had lasagna for dinner and sat around the table, laughing and talking. Brianne was comfortable and acting like her usual sarcastic self by now and I couldn’t help but watch her.

  She had a beautiful smile and was in her element here. I wanted her to come back, but I didn’t know if it would happen. I had no idea what the fuck I was doing here as I watched Lindsay climb onto Brianne’s back.

  “Be careful, Lind,” I warned her as Penny reached back to grab her, pulling her into her lap to tickle her.

  After dinner, I excused myself to go for a walk. I needed some fresh air and time alone. I knew that they would like Brianne, but this was almost too much. I was glad that Lindsay was little and didn’t think about what Brianne was to me.

  “Mark.” I heard my mother behind me and paused on my walk to the pond. “Wait for me.” She approached me and took my arm as we kept walking together. “Is everything alright?”

  “Fine, Mom. I just needed some fresh air. The house is crowded for us tonight.” I kept my tone light but felt her eyes on me. They had been throughout the day and night. “Too many women.”

  “Just you hush,” Mom gently reprimanded me as I chuckled. “I like Bri. She’s a sweet girl and I think that she’ll keep up with you just fine.”

  “It’s not serious with us. We just wanted to hang out for another week,” I assured her weakly, hearing the doubt in my own voice.

  “You don’t hang out with women at all, Mark. All I’ve seen you do since your divorce is work and spend time with Lindsay. Even before that, you didn’t get involved with anybody. It’s okay to be happy.”

  “Mom, she lives on the other side of the state. She’s flying home after this. It would never work,” I argued with her as we stopped in front of the water, watching the ducks in the dim evening light.

  “Just take it slow. Visit each other. Get to know her. You aren’t locked into this life, Mark. You never were and you told me that from the beginning.” I looked at Mom, remembering my promise to be in their lives more when Lindsay moved in with her.

  “Yeah, I did.” We sat down on the bench and I stared across the water into the lights of the town quietly.

  I was biting off more than I could chew here but there was no turning back.

  Chapter 13

  Brianne

  I finished the dishes with Penny as Lindsay watched a show in the living room.

  “So, what’s with you and my brother?” Penny began as I gave her the side eye.

  “It’s casual,” I told her as I forced a laugh. “It’s just a vacation.”

  “I haven’t seen him with anyone since that bitch wife of his,” Penny told me softly as I looked at her with wide eyes. “I hated her. I’m not shy about that. However, I like you. I like that he’s smiling around you.”

  “Is he?” I asked as I played back the day in my mind.

  He did have a small smile on his face. I knew how much he loved his family. The look in his eyes when he looked at Lindsay was the sexiest, most heartwarming sight I’d ever seen. I don’t think that he was looking at me that way. We were having a good time and that was it.

  Wasn’t it?

  “I like that Lindsay likes you as well. She’s been sheltered here from adults. I love that Mom took her in when Mark needed her to. Don’t get me wrong. I just like seeing her with a new person. I can’t believe that Nina gave her up like that. She’s an amazing kid.” Penny shook her head as she glanced down at the empty sink.

  We were done washing with the dishes drying on the rack.

  “I agree. She’s so sweet and smart. Isn’t she in school soon?” I asked.

  I had no idea because I didn’t have to think about kids at all in my life. People I knew had kids and I heard them talk about the issues surrounding them.

  “Kindy starts in a year and a half for Lindsay. I think there might be ten kids in the class.” Penny laughed. “Is it like this in your town? Small?”

  “Chester is small like this. Every student knew every other student and while we got along, there were moments that it was hard. There were cliques and the usual disagreements.” I thought about Micah and that whole mess and frowned. “In some ways, things never die down there. But as adults, we just work through it and some people don’t talk a lot.”

  “Yep. It’s the same way around here. There are girls in high school that I still detest
. I wonder if I should move back in with Mom after school sometimes.” Penny laughed as we walked into the living room.

  Lindsay was watching some cartoon on the screen with loud voices and bright colors. I blinked slowly.

  “My best friend is pregnant. Is this her future?” I asked softly as Penny laughed.

  “That it is. When is she due?” Penny asked as I smiled.

  “It’s new, so she has several months to go. I can’t wait.” I sat down next to the little girl and leaned back. “Where did Nancy and Mark go?”

  “I think he took a walk and Mom followed. I am sure that she wanted to talk about you,” Penny told me as I blushed. “We all see it, Bri. Where is this going?”

  “I don’t know.”

  I looked at Lindsay, relieved that she was lost in her show and shot Penny a look to tell her to be quiet. We sat in silence until we heard voices in the kitchen.

  Nancy led Mark into the room, thanking us for washing the dishes. I avoided Mark’s gaze to look out of the window.

  “I made a cake for tonight. It’s in the fridge when y’all are ready,” Nancy offered as I forced a smile to my mouth.

  “How is it outside? Can you see the sky and stars from here?” I asked as I stood quickly.

  I walked to the front door and over to the pond, wrapping my arms around my body.

  “Bri,” Mark was behind me and I sighed. “I don’t want you out here on your own.”

  “You came out here on your own,” I reminded him as I felt his arms wrap around my small frame.

  He made me feel so safe.

  “Nobody will fuck with me anywhere.” His voice was rough, and I felt his lips against my hair. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m great. It’s fun here with all of you,” I assured him as he took my hand to lead me to the pond. I glanced up and saw the beginnings of stars in the sky. I couldn’t imagine living in a place without these skies. What did people in the cities do? “I love the stars.”

  “I used to get a blanket and sit out here with Pen to watch them on the weekends. When there was a meteor shower, it was a wild night with the whole family out here.”