Hot Mountain Daddy: A Mountain Man Romance

by Claire Angel

  I looked over to see that he was lost in thought in the moonlight. Penny was right. He did look happy. I just wasn’t sure of the reason.

  “I did that with Hal at either house. We’d pitch a tent sometimes and sleep out there. I miss being little sometimes.” I looked back to the house with the warm light spilling out of the windows. “Lindsay is lucky.”

  “Is she?” He asked as I moved my eyes to him. Mark wasn’t smiling. “Her dad doesn’t take care of her and her mom left. She lives with her grandma, Bri. How is she lucky?” I sensed that he hated himself for this situation sometimes and squeezed his hand.

  “You’re doing the best you can. She’s here all the time with your mom while you’re working for her. You are working towards her future, Mark. Otherwise, she’d be in the care of a sitter or something in town. This way, she’s with family. Everything will work out.” I smiled at him in support as he gazed at me. “Her mom is an asshole. Even Penny thinks so.” Mark laughed as he threw his head back.

  “She always did.” He pulled me to the bench and sat down, slipping his arms around my waist. I was nearly face-to-face with him and I stared into his eyes, getting lost in them. “They both like you.” I leaned in to kiss him softly, closing my eyes as heat washed through my body.

  I slipped my hands into his hair, slipping out the band before dropping it to the ground. I stroked it back from his face as his tongue teased my lower lip, asking for entrance. I had an image of us out here under a tree, naked and needy for each other.

  I calmed down, reminding myself that we were at his mother’s house. Still, I kissed him hungrily as our mouths molded together easily. I moaned against him as he pulled me closer, wondering when bedtime was.

  When we finally returned to the living room, the women smiled knowingly at us. I blushed.

  We enjoyed some cake and a movie with Lindsay, discussing a trip for ice cream the following evening. When the movie was over, Lindsay was asleep and Penny offered to take her to her room with her. She saw the look Mark gave her and reminded him how little she saw her niece. When she suggested that he could sleep in a bit with a wink, I watched his face as he gave in.

  “She has a point,” Mark mumbled as he leaned back.

  We chatted with Nancy for a while as she watched the news, knitting as she frowned at a story.

  “The world is such a sad place now. I don’t know if I will let Lindsay out of my sight.” I smiled at her words, knowing I’d feel the same way if I had a little girl in my life.

  I was already in love with his daughter and I looked up at him as he stared at the floor. Was his guilt still haunting him?

  “She has a big, strong daddy to protect her. She’ll hate it later, but it’ll be good.” He said.

  “I feel sorry for any boy coming over to take her out.” I giggled as Nancy joined me, trying to picture Mark having a civilized conversation with the faceless date in his daughter’s future.

  He rolled his eyes, but I knew he was picturing the same thing.

  We talked a bit longer before Nancy told us she was going to bed. Mark found a movie and we moved closer on the couch as I breathed in the outdoor scent that clung to him. I found his mouth once the house settled into silence and he slipped his hand around my waist, gripping me hard.

  “Let’s take this to the bedroom,” Mark suggested as I smiled against his lips.

  He walked around to lock the doors and windows as I shut the TV off.

  He led me by the hand to the bedroom and closed the door behind us as I shivered in excitement. Mark took my hair and pushed it up with his hand, leaning in to kiss my neck as I closed my eyes.

  “Every time you kiss me like that, I want to make you mine all over again. I can’t get enough of you.” I yearned for him.

  I dropped my head to the side and felt him sucking gently on my skin, smiling at his words.

  “Anytime you want me.” He kissed all my soft skin before turning me in his arms to kiss my lips.

  I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled myself up again to taste all of him. Tonight wasn’t slow. We quietly stripped and I dropped to the bed to take him into my mouth eagerly as he held my head. I loved going down on him and didn’t want to think about the nights I’d be spending alone soon.

  I’d miss him so much.

  We moved from that position before he came and he pushed me to my back before entering me. I gasped as he slid inside, well past the point of taking it slow with me. We remained quiet as we fucked hard, keeping it private between us. I suspected that both women knew what was happening but I wasn’t one to make it obvious.

  The following day, we had a picnic by the pond and fed the ducks. It was a lazy day filled with laughter.

  We cooked fried chicken for dinner with several sides and went for ice cream after we ate.

  I looked around, uncertain if I’d ever be back here. We were returning to his cabin for one more night tomorrow and then I was catching a night flight home.

  I needed a day to do laundry and settle in before returning to work. After that, I might never see Mark again.

  We sat in the ice cream parlor together, enjoying cones and sundaes as I memorized every moment. I probably lost bits of the conversation focusing on everything and noticed Nancy looking at me with a worried expression.

  I bought a few small things before we went back to the house. I felt like I needed reminders of this trip and looked for family and friends. I knew I was being ridiculous and stalling going home, deciding to calm down when I realized that Lindsay was beginning to look tired. Mark told me that they could take the car and we’d walk home if I wasn’t ready to leave yet, but I assured him I was ready.

  Chapter 14

  Mark

  I had one more night and then a night at my cabin. I’d be back to being alone after that and I knew I should be happy about that. I loved my solitude. I’d have my family with or without Bri in my life.

  When we went home and got Lindsay in bed, we sat outside at the table with wine for the ladies and a beer for me. Mom asked me about my schedule over the next few weeks and I told her I should be back for a weekend in a couple of weeks.

  Brianne sipped her wine, listening quietly as she gazed off into the distance.

  Penny and Mom both looked at me throughout the conversation. I had no idea what to say to them since I wasn’t sure what was going to happen here. Brianne excused herself to go inside and get ready for bed and they stared me down.

  “I hope you have plans to keep her in your life, Mark.”

  “I don’t know, Mom. We live far away from each other and I have Lindsay that I need to worry about. Bri works in Chester during the week and she has a life there.” I shot down her idea immediately and Penny sighed.

  “You’re in the same state, Mark. You can visit each other, and she can even come back here. It’s a quick flight and you can do weekends,” Penny argued as I finished my bottle.

  “It was a fun vacation but I’m not looking for anything serious. I don’t have room for that in my life,” I snapped, knowing that my anger was rising.

  “She isn’t Nina. Don’t let that woman have any more control over your life or else you’ll end up alone. You’ll be making a mistake ending things with her,” Mom said as I nodded.

  “I’m going to bed. I’ll take you to breakfast tomorrow before we leave,” I told them both, standing up.

  They jumped up and hugged me warmly, not saying a word.

  Mom and Penny knew that I would make my own decisions. They didn’t nag me, having learned not to when I was younger. Back then, I rebelled against their advice.

  I entered the house, dropping my bottle into the recycling bin before heading to my bedroom. The light was still on as I tapped on the door, opening it when I heard Brianne’s voice.

  She was dressed in pajamas with roses on them and I smiled at her as she gave me a reflective look.

  “Those are very cute. Too bad I am just taking them off,” I said as she flushed pink. �
��What?”

  “I feel like we should slow down. This is coming to an end soon after all,” Brianne told me as she pulled her hair into a messy bun.

  “That’s all the more reason to enjoy this while we can,” I insisted, going into the bathroom to get ready for bed.

  When I walked into the room, Brianne was sitting on the edge of the mattress on her phone. I could see that she was texting someone and moved to the other side as she jumped.

  “Hallie?” I asked as she ducked her head and finished a message.

  “She’s just checking in.” Brianne set her phone down on the table and pushed the covers back.

  I reached for her and pulled her face to mine for a kiss, hearing her moan against me.

  “Give me these next two nights, Bri. We both need them,” I whispered before kissing her again.

  She gave in and I unbuttoned her shirt, slipping it off before I stroked her nipples. We touched until we couldn’t stand it and Brianne rolled me to my back to ride me.

  I watched her in the light of the moon through the blinds, taking in her gorgeous pink nipples and creamy skin. I was going to miss her and I gripped her hips as she moved, tightening around me before I shot deep inside of her. She dropped beside me and we fell asleep together without saying another word.

  The morning came too soon. We got up and everyone dressed for breakfast. I didn’t let go of Lindsay at all that morning, holding her hand and sitting beside her as we ate. I took pictures of her since she seemed to grow every time I saw her.

  Everyone quietly watched me and I told them we’d be at the car in just a minute before leading my daughter down the street.

  We entered a store that Brianne had visited twice and Lindsay picked out a small necklace with a duck on it since they were her favorite animal at the moment.

  I picked out one more thing before we left, paying for both as Lindsay decided what to name her new friend. She didn’t even notice the extra purchase.

  I glanced at the sky on the way to the car, realizing that a storm was coming. I should hit the road soon, so we’d be back before things got ugly. I got in to drive us back to the house and held back the idea as the car fell silent.

  We drove home and I parked in the driveway, watching as the women headed inside. I picked Lindsay up and told her how much I loved her as we went inside. I managed to pull her necklace out, securing it around her small neck as I reminded her to be careful with it.

  Once inside, I watched as Brianne went back to the room. I followed, suggesting we leave soon due to the incoming storm and she nodded quietly. She looked emotional.

  “Are you okay?” I asked her as she folded clothes into her suitcase.

  “It’s hard watching you with Lindsay knowing you’re leaving. I don’t think I could,” She spoke softly as if she was afraid to anger me.

  “I know it isn’t forever. I know we’ll be together soon, but I need to be able to give her everything. I know this isn’t my fault, but I have to keep it together for her,” I told her as she sniffled. “That being said, I hate pulling out of that driveway every single fucking time I do it.” I watched as she zipped her case closed. “I just want to get home safe. You have a life to return to.” Bri’s face fell, but she looked around the room to check for stuff that she might have missed.

  “I need to check the bathroom.” Brianne left the room.

  I ran a hand through my hair before getting my own stuff together. I carried both bags into the living room and set them down as Mom looked up from her knitting.

  “Leaving so soon?” She asked as I looked at my daughter for a long moment.

  “There’s a storm coming. I don’t want to be on the road for the worst of it,” I told her as she nodded gently.

  “You’ve always been amazing predicting that stuff with just one look at the sky,” Mom said softly as I heard footsteps behind me.

  Brianne came out and glanced at us and I swore that it looked like she’d been crying.

  “It was wonderful meeting you, Brianne. I hope to see you again.” Bri shot me a quick look before she smiled.

  “I hope for the same. I had a great time.” She smiled brightly as Mom stood to hug her.

  Penny popped into the room from outside and scowled as she noted what was going on.

  “You have to go?” She asked as I nodded.

  She came to hug me and then Brianne, telling her that she’d text her soon. I wasn’t aware they got that close, but the thought made me smile. If I didn’t keep in touch with Bri, I could hound my sister about her. I was certain that she’d yell at me every time I did and possibly withhold information from me.

  I hugged Mom and then sat with Lindsay, holding her for several moments.

  She was familiar with my leaving but always sounded so sad. I promised that I’d see her soon and take enough time off to bring her to my cabin for a few days. We made our way to the front door.

  I loaded the cases into the car before hugging everyone again.

  Bri settled into the seat and I started the car, backing up slowly. I waved before heading down the road to the main highway, both of us silent. I always needed to recover from leaving Lindsay though I normally did it alone. Brianne reached over to cover my free hand with hers, squeezing lightly.

  The rain started beating against the windshield halfway home. By then, we’d turned on the radio and talked a bit. I gripped the steering wheel tightly as I drove, confident in my skills but needing to keep us both safe.

  Brianne shrunk back as she looked forward through the glass, clearly nervous.

  “I’ve got this, Bri. I have driven in all kinds of weather doing the tours.”

  “I know,” She murmured as she kept looking forward.

  I think it started coming down harder as the miles passed by and I glanced at Brianne.

  “Want to take a break and get some coffee? There’s a drive-through ahead and we can decompress.” I asked as she bit her lip.

  “That sounds great,” Brianne replied as I nodded.

  “Would you rather find a coffee shop?” I asked her as she laughed.

  “I’m fine sitting in the car in the rain. It’s the driving part that bothers me,” Brianne admitted as I nodded and peered ahead.

  The restaurant had an awning all the way around so I could order coffee and some fries to share. I parked under the same awning and turned the engine off, watching as she sipped her drink.

  “Do you feel better?”

  “Better?” I asked as I looked at her.

  “I know it’s not easy leaving,” Brianne pressed as I nodded.

  “It is what it is,” I told her, sipping my own cup. “I get more used to it with every trip.”

  “Things will change.” She promised me as she gazed out at the rain.

  We nibbled on the fries and finished our coffee before I pulled out to keep driving. The weather had gotten better, so we enjoyed the drive a bit more than before. When I pulled into my driveway, I let out a long breath. I felt like I was going to be here five minutes before taking her to the airport. We walked inside, and I set the bags down as Brianne walked to the bathroom.

  I fixed us dinner and started a fire to warm up the cabin. We ate on the couch and there was something heavy in the air. When we were done, I set the plates in a pile on the table and turned to Brianne. She looked at me as she took a sip of wine before putting the glass down.

  “Are you okay?” I stroked her cheek as she smiled.

  “Just thinking about everything I need to do before going back to reality on Monday.” She smiled faintly, and I held her face before leaning in for a kiss.

  At that moment, I knew that I didn’t want her to walk away from me tomorrow. I wanted to try to make this work because I hadn’t been attracted to a woman like this for a long time. Brianne kissed me back, and we moved together as I pushed her down on her back.

  The first time was on the couch as I took her hard, memorizing the way she felt around me. After that, I carried her to my be
d and lowered her to her knees first, pressing into her slick heat with a groan.

  We moved together until she came again before I told her to ride me. I loved watching her tits bounce as she moved, moaning my name loudly. I loved the sound after having to be so quiet the last few nights. I decided to fuck her all night to make her say my name in every octave that she could.

  Eventually, we fell asleep and I didn’t wake up until the sun was shining through the blinds.

  Damn it. I had to take her to catch her flight in three hours. I looked at her as she slept peacefully beside me. I wanted to let her sleep and keep her here, but I got up soundlessly, before leaving her in bed.

  I walked into the living room for some water and stared out of the window into the trees.

  Chapter 15

  Brianne

  I woke with a jerk, yelling out into the room. Footsteps sounded from somewhere and someone was on the bed beside me. I knew it wasn’t my bed and gasped as hands cupped my face.

  “Baby? Are you okay?” It was Mark’s husky voice in the dim room and I melted against him.

  “I had a dream,” I murmured as I wrapped my arms around him.

  “I’m here. Everything is fine,” He assured me as I closed my eyes.

  His hands stroked my bare back and he kissed my messy hair softly.

  “I have to go home today,” I blurted out as it hit me. “I’ve had a great time.”

  “I have too.” His lips brushed against mine as he tilted my head back to kiss me.

  There was something different about this time. Last night, we were like animals as we fucked as many times as we could. Today, he moved slowly. He kissed every inch of my body and I felt like he was getting as much of me as he could before I left. When he pressed me to my back and entered me, I felt like we were making love.

  I clawed at his back as he moved, moaning his name. We moved together as we both grew closer to an intense orgasm. I let go first and then he followed in the heat of the moment.