3. CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER THREE
Huxton
Istand at the edge of my cabin’s porch, overlooking the retreat nestled way down in the valley below. The rain cleared quickly, leaving behind the sound of raindrops falling from the leaves in the forest.
Leaving Elise at the office was tough. She’s in good hands, of course, Tracy will get her up and running in the office in no time. She will be a good employee, I have no doubts about that.
But letting her out of my sight felt like letting go of a part of myself.
I scrub a hand over my face, slapping my cheeks to snap myself out of this funk. Man. How is it possible for one woman to unhinge a man so quickly?
The walk back up the mountain was exactly what I needed to clear my mind. I’ve got so much shit to do, but even after trudging up the muddy path, trying everything to get my thoughts together, nothing is working.
There’s a twist in my chest that I’ve never felt before. I know exactly what it is, but I can’t afford to think about it. To think about her. Everything I have worked for, all the dreams, the long hard days of work and sacrifices… it’s all coming to fruition. I’m so damn close.
Grabbing my coat, I head straight down to the woodpile. Chopping wood is always a sure way to clear my mind, and the moment I grip the axe, I feel lighter.
I get to work, lining up a log on the chopping block. One enormous swing splits the wood, the satisfying crack echoing in the trees behind me. I set another log on the block, hitting it harder. I do it again, and again, and again.
My breathing becomes heavy as I toss the split logs into a pile and keep chopping. Rolling my sleeves up, the wood splits easily, but my mind won’t stop drifting. It’s like she’s imprinted in my brain. A constant distraction that I can’t fucking afford right now.
Not only that, but today, he’s there too.
Dad.
I swing the axe down hard, taking the emotion stirring in my belly out on the timber. He’s the reason I can’t afford distractions. Not now. The grand opening is two weeks away, and everything needs to be fucking perfect.
This retreat is more than my passion project. This is a tribute, a promise to a man who dedicated his life to helping others find peace and solace in nature. This was his land, our family’s land. I grew up here, exploring with him by my side until his very last breath.
And getting involved with an employee would derail everything we dreamed of.
A breeze whisks across my face, cooling the sweat beading across my brow. Splitting wood is hardly clearing my mind, so I set the axe back in the log and step back.
I need to get back to work.
As I regain my breath, my hands dive into my pockets. There’s something in there - soft, silky. My cock twitches and I pluck out Elise’s lacey panties, bringing them straight to my nose.
A smile tilts my lips and I’m racing straight up the steps of my cabin. I slam the door behind me and head straight to my bedroom, unbuckling myself the moment my back hits the mattress.
“So fucking sweet, my precious girl,” I groan, rubbing the soft fabric against my face.
Propped up against the bedhead, I set myself free. My dripping cock throbs painfully the moment I grip it and I begin stroking quickly. The scent of my girl swarms my head, and my hand moves faster.
Mine. I must have her.
This is dangerous. This is wrong. But it’s my only option. I can’t fuck this up. I can’t go back on my promise to fulfill my father’s dying wish.
I need to stay away from Elise, the temptation is too much. So fuck it. If I can’t have her, this is the next best damn thing.
Images of the woodshed flash through my mind. The memory of her soft body pressed against mine. She was so close, so tempting. I wanted to kiss her so fucking bad.
I breath in her scent, velvety smooth as I remember how gorgeous her lips were up close. Soft, pink and so damn temping. It only takes a few more tugs and I’m releasing with a scream into my hand.
It’s not enough. But it will have to do.
I have a retreat to run. A dream to fulfill.
And now, with a clear mind, I can get back to work.