Pretending with the Mountain Man (Forbidden In Fall Mountain Man #2)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

MELODY

T here are few things more intimidating than being the only stranger in a small town. At this moment, that unwelcome honor belongs exclusively to me.

Crimson Hollow is beautiful with crimson maples lining Main Street, their leaves blazing orange and red against the mountain backdrop.

The charming shops nestled between these autumn sentinels would be picturesque if everyone wasn't watching me as I walk by, making my skin prickle.

I adjust my oversized sweater, pulling it lower over my curves as I continue my determined march toward Bean & Bloom Café.

"You got this, Melody Washington," I mutter to myself, forcing my chin up. "New town, new job, new life."

The café bell jingles as I push through the door, immediately enveloped by the scent of coffee and something sweetly spiced. The space buzzes with morning conversation, every table filled with locals starting their day. And just like outside, everyone turns to stare.

Great. So much for blending in.

"Melody!" A familiar frame with gorgeous natural hair and flour-dusted hands hurries from behind the counter, her smile wide and genuine. "You made it!"

"Sage!" Relief washes over me as we embrace. My best friend from college, the one person I know in this mountain town, looks exactly the same despite the years since graduation. "God, it's good to see you."

"Let me look at you." She holds me at arm's length, assessing. "Still gorgeous, but you look exhausted. Rough drive?"

"Long," I admit. "Beautiful once I hit the mountains, though."

I don't mention the three panic attacks I had along the way, or how many times I almost turned back. Sage already knows too much about why I'm really here – one of the few people who understands I'm not just moving for a teaching job.

"Coffee first, then we'll get you settled." She guides me to the counter. "First one's on the house for my favorite city girl turned small-town teacher."

I order a honey-cinnamon latte from a menu that's clearly gone full autumn mode—pumpkin spice everything, which makes me smile despite my nerves.

While Sage works her magic, I scan the café.

The locals have mostly returned to their conversations, though I still catch curious glances.

A group of older women at the corner table aren't even pretending not to stare.

Small towns. I've never lived in one before. Toronto has always been home, anonymous and sprawling. Here, I might as well be wearing a neon sign saying OUTSIDER .

"So you start at the high school next week?" Sage asks, sliding a ceramic mug adorned with painted mountain peaks across the counter.

I nod, taking a sip of the latte. It's delicious, rich with honey and spice. "Taking over Mrs. Holloway's English lit classes. Jordyn Kane McCrae helped arrange it all through the school board when I mentioned needing a change."

"Mrs. Holloway had twins last month," Sage explains, leaning against the counter. "And Jordyn's amazing. Her family basically runs half this town since her father passed. The Kane brothers own Club Crimson, and Iron Vine Estate supplies all our local restaurants with wine."

"Speaking of living arrangements," I lower my voice slightly, "you're sure your dad's okay with me staying in his cabin until I find my own place? I don't want to impose."

"He's hardly ever there," Sage assures me. "He spends most nights at his main place deeper in the mountains. The guest cabin is just where he crashes when he's working late at Club Crimson. Trust me, he was happy to offer it when I explained the situation."

The situation. Such a bland euphemism for fleeing an abusive ex-boyfriend whose family connections make restraining orders nothing but paper shields.

"I appreciate it," I say, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. "I didn't know where else to go."

Sage's expression softens. "That's what best friends are for. And don't worry, we haven't told anyone about... you know." She glances around before lowering her voice. "As far as Crimson Hollow is concerned, you're just here for the teaching job."

Relief floods through me. The last thing I need is for my humiliation to follow me here. "Thank you."

"Dad said he'll make sure the cabin's security system is updated before you move in." Sage's mouth quirks into a half-smile. "He's a bit intense about protection, but after what happened with Jason, that's probably not a bad thing."

The mention of Jason's name sends a familiar cold spike through my chest. I force a deep breath. "I didn't come here for protection, Sage. I came here for a fresh start."

"I know." She reaches across the counter to squeeze my hand. "And you'll get one. But just between us, if that bastard ever shows his face around here, my dad would happily show him the nearest cliff."

"Sage!"

"I'm just saying." She shrugs, unrepentant. "Dad's got a protective streak a mile wide, especially when it comes to people I care about. And you, Melody Washington, have been family since sophomore year when you held my hair back after too many tequila shots."

Before I can respond, the bell above the door jingles. Sage glances up, her expression shifting subtly. "Speaking of Dad..."

I turn, and my breath catches in my throat.

The man entering Bean & Bloom commands attention without effort.

Tall with broad shoulders encased in a flannel shirt that does nothing to hide his muscular build.

His dark skin contrasts with the silver streaks in his close-cropped hair, and his presence fills the space with quiet authority.

He moves with purpose, acknowledging locals with brief nods as he approaches the counter.

"Dad." Sage greets him with a warm smile. "Perfect timing. This is Melody, my college roommate I've told you about." She turns to me. "Mel, this is my father, Malik Harris."

Malik's dark eyes find mine, intense and assessing in a way that makes my skin tingle. "Melody." He extends a hand across the counter. "Welcome to Crimson Hollow."

I take his offered hand, and an unexpected jolt races up my arm at the contact. His palm is warm, calloused, his grip firm but gentle.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Harris," I manage, finding my voice. "Thank you for letting me use your cabin. It's incredibly generous."

"Malik, please." His voice is deep, resonant. "And it's no trouble. The cabin sits empty most nights. Might as well be useful."

He studies me with an intensity that should be uncomfortable but somehow isn't. I feel evaluated, assessed, but not judged. It's an odd sensation.

"Coffee, Dad?" Sage asks, already reaching for a mug.

"Please." He settles onto a stool at the counter, one seat away from mine, close enough for conversation but maintaining a respectful distance. "Black."

"Always black," Sage teases, rolling her eyes before sliding him a steaming mug. "One day I'll convert you to something with actual flavor."

"Coffee is meant to be coffee," he replies with the air of a long-standing debate. "Not dessert."

His eyes return to me. "Sage mentioned you're starting at the high school. English literature?"

"Yes." I wrap my hands around my mug, anchoring myself. "Taking over Mrs. Holloway's senior classes for the rest of the year."

"Brave woman," he comments with a hint of a smile. "Those seniors can smell fresh blood."

"I'll manage," I reply, straightening my spine. "I did my student teaching in downtown Toronto. Crimson Hollow teens don't scare me."

"Don't underestimate small town kids," he says, taking a sip of his coffee. "They have fewer distractions and more time to devise trouble."

"Speaking from experience, Malik?" The question slips out before I can stop it, more familiar than I intended.

Something flickers in his eyes, surprise, perhaps, at my boldness. "My experience spans many contexts," he answers carefully. "Including teenage troublemaking many years ago."

"Dad was apparently quite the rebel before military service straightened him out," Sage supplies, wiping down the counter. "Or so Grandma claims."

"Your grandmother exaggerates," Malik says dryly, though affection warms his tone. "And that was a lifetime ago."

I study him surreptitiously over my coffee. He doesn't look like a former rebel. He radiates control, discipline, a commanding presence that makes it hard to imagine him ever being wild or reckless. Yet something in the set of his jaw suggests a man accustomed to getting his way.

He's nothing like the boys my age I've dated. Nothing like Jason with his polished corporate veneer hiding manipulative cruelty. Malik Harris feels... authentic. Solid. Dangerous in an entirely different way.

"The cabin should be ready by tonight," he says, redirecting the conversation. "Security system updated, basic supplies stocked. I assume Sage is giving you the tour of town first?"

"That's the plan," Sage confirms. "Show her the school, introduce her around, then get her settled."

"Good." He finishes his coffee in one long swallow and stands. "I have business at Club Crimson. Melody, the cabin access codes will be texted to your phone. If you need anything, Sage has my number."

"Thank you again," I say, meeting his gaze directly. "I won't be imposing for long. Just until I find my own place."

Something unreadable crosses his expression. "Take your time. The cabin is yours for as long as you need it."

With a nod to Sage and a last lingering look at me, he turns and leaves, his broad back and confident stride drawing my eyes until the door closes behind him.

"So that's your dad," I say, trying to sound casual as I turn back to Sage.

"That's him." She studies me with a knowing look that makes me uncomfortable. "Mountain man extraordinaire. Security specialist at Club Crimson, wilderness guide when he feels like it, and overprotective father always."

"He seems... intense."

"You have no idea." Sage laughs. "Wait until you see him in full protective mode. It's both terrifying and heartwarming."

I take another sip of my latte, trying to process my unexpected reaction to Malik Harris. The electric awareness that sparked between us felt inappropriate given he's Sage's father, yet undeniably present.

"Ready for the grand tour?" Sage asks, untying her apron. "Luna at Chapter & Curse is dying to meet you, and I promised to bring you by Tangled Roots so Venus can fuss over your hair."

"Lead the way," I say, grateful for the distraction. "Show me everything Crimson Hollow has to offer."

As we leave Bean & Bloom, I can't help glancing down the street toward where Malik disappeared. Something about him lingers in my mind, a puzzle I can't quite solve. He's Sage's father. Twice my age. Completely off-limits.

So why can't I stop thinking about the warmth of his hand around mine, or the intensity in his dark eyes when they met my own?

This is fine, I tell myself. I'm just nervous about starting over. That's all this flutter in my stomach is. Nothing to do with the ridiculously attractive mountain man who happens to be my best friend's father.

I square my shoulders and follow Sage down Main Street, into my new life. Whatever happens next, it has to be better than what I left behind in Toronto.