Chapter 4
CHAPTER FOUR
Kaiden
I didn’t go back to sleep after laying down on the couch. How could I?
All I kept thinking about was the gorgeous woman in my bed and how I wasn’t in it with her. For the first time in I don’t know how long, a woman was actually in between my sheets, and I was down here so far away.
And that kiss…holy shit.
I stared at the ceiling, replaying it over and over in my head. Was this really happening?
Less than twenty-four hours ago, I had no idea this woman even existed and suddenly, now it was like I couldn’t imagine a day without her.
My lonely, peaceful existence seemed dull and boring now that she shined her light and lit up all the dark parts of me.
What brought her here to Misty Mountain? What from her past was she trying to escape if anything?
I wanted to learn the ins and outs of her, every part I could get my greedy little hands on.
After an hour of my mind racing, I gave up on sleep and threw the covers to the side. I busied myself with making a pot of coffee, getting Junie outside, and clearing the snow off the back porch enough to make a pathway, along with the stairs leading down to the yard.
Only a few flurries fell from the sky now, but a good foot and a half of snow dropped overnight, blanketing everything in the pretty white stuff. Usually, I’d be out all night trying to get ahead of the storm, keeping my customers lots clean, but I’d get it all done today even if it meant being out for hours.
It was worth it to have Harper in my arms. If given the choice, I’d do it all over again.
Back inside, Junie and I warmed up by the fire I lit in the living room, her chewing her bone and me sipping my coffee. Knowing there was a beautiful woman in my bed drove me crazy knowing how it easy it would be to slip inside under the covers and make her mine for good.
There was no way I was letting her go now. Not with the way she made me feel like I could accomplish the world.
The clock rolled over to seven and I figured I’d give her one more hour of sleep. Just as I stood to refill my cup, footfalls sounded on the stairs and there Harper was, looking more gorgeous than ever.
“Hi.” She said shyly as Junie ran over to her to say hello. Harper laughed and petted Junie, my dog lapping up the attention like I never gave her any.
“Hey there. Would you like a cup of coffee?”
Harper beamed at me, and I liked how she was in good spirits first thing in the morning. “I’d love one.”
She followed me into the kitchen, Junie trailing behind and I shot her a grin over my shoulder. “Manage to get anymore sleep?”
“Not really, you?”
I chucked. “Not a wink. Kind of hard knowing there was a sexy woman in my bed.”
Harper’s cheeks colored red as she slid onto a stool. “You should’ve joined me then.” She bit down on her bottom lip and my dick, having suffered from blue balls all night, jerked to life.
“I’m a gentleman. You know with manners and shit.” I grinned as I handed her a cup of coffee and took a seat at the shorter edge of the kitchen island next to her yet able to look her in the eyes.
“Can’t keep the fantasies away though?” She buried her nose in her coffee, and I loved how she flirted in a shy way. It was so damn adorable.
“Definitely not.” I winked and watched her face redden again, loving the effect I had on her.
“So how long have you lived in misty mountain for?”
“I moved here when I was eighteen. Right after high school. I’m thirty-five now.”
“Thirty-five? Wow you’re older than I thought.”
I laughed. “I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad one.”
“Well, you certainly don’t look your age. I would’ve thought late twenties. I’m twenty-three.”
“I’m an old guy compared to you.” I teased.
Harper laughed and patted my arm with her shoulder. “Only a little.” She teased back.
“I couldn’t wait to leave home. My childhood wasn’t great, so I was out as soon as I graduated high school. My mom walked out when I was only ten and my dad acted like it was my fault. He’s an asshole, sad to say, but it’s the truth. Something about this town appealed to me. I just wanted a peaceful existence after my chaotic home life. I started working for a local landscaping company that plowed in the winter and by the time I was twenty-two, I bought this cabin and started my own business after the guy I worked for retired. Some people in town might think I’m lonely, but I’m not. And after adopting Junie a couple years back, she keeps me great company.”
“Animals are always perfect companions. My cat, Mr. Waffles, has been there for me when most people haven’t.”
“They often are. Mr. Waffles is a pretty unique name, where did you come up with that?” I smiled at her over the rim of my mug.
“One of my favorite foods is waffles.” Harper giggled and the sound was so fucking cute, my insides melted.
“Waffles are amazing, especially with strawberries and whipped cream. Yum.”
“Right? Since you’ve lived here so long, you’ll have to give me a tour of all the best places in town, any good food spots, especially those that serve breakfast.”
“I’d love to. You picked a good place to come to. What brought you here?” I desperately wanted her to confide in me as I had her, fill me in on her worries and troubles so I could do my best to make them all go away.
“Like you, something about Misty Mountain captivated me. I visited the town back when I was small child with my parents and I still remember that day, as I was so excited to visit a new place. My hometown is only an hour and a half away, so I knew I’d come back here eventually. I just didn’t think it would be so soon. But life happens when we’re making plans, so it seems.”
“It does. Do your parents still live in the same town you grew up in?”
A sad expression crossed her face, and her shoulders slumped forward.
“I’m sorry, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. I know the past can be shitty to deal with. But if you ever do want to talk, I’m here.”
Harper closed her eyes briefly and when she reopened them, they glistened with tears. “My parents died unexpectedly when I was in my junior year of high school. Car accident took both of them in an instant when they were out at a work event for the company my dad worked for.”
I immediately stood up, my coffee mug forgotten, and wrapped my arms around her, pulling her tight against me. “I’m so sorry, Harper. That must’ve been devastating.”
Harper got to her feet and hugged me back, tucking her head under my chin like a perfect fit. “Oh, it was. I was in a dark place for a while. I went and lived with my aunt and uncle and barely made it through my senior year. I tried sticking around, but the memories were everywhere. Their favorite restaurant, their favorite park, it was too much. So, I moved to the city for a few years, hoping the hustle and bustle would distract me but I came to realize it wasn’t for me. And then I remembered Misty Mountain. I found a cottage to rent, packed all my stuff and my cat, and here I am. I’m so thankful Miss Lila took a chance on me and gave me a job at her store. Otherwise, I’d be begging on the streets.” She lifted her head, looked up at me, and cracked a grin through her tears.
I brushed the tears on her cheeks away with the back of my thumbs, being careful not to touch her glasses. “I’d never let you beg on the streets, sweetheart.”
“You’re too kind to me.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet.” I winked and kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry you went through all that. It must’ve been painful. But look at you now, strong and beautiful.”
“Kaiden…” Harper breathed my name as her eyes searched mine.
“It’s true. Now c’mon, let’s get these streets plowed, and I’ll get you home to your cat, I’m sure he’s hungry by now.”
“He’s good. My landlord stopped by and filled his dish.”
“You mean, I don’t have to rush you home then?”
“As long as Miss Lila doesn’t open the bookstore, I’m free.”
“She won’t. Snow like this shuts down the entire town. You’re mine for the day.”
“Yours for the day, hmm?”
“Yes. All mine.” I took her hand and kissed the back of it. “Let’s go.”