Contracting with the Mountain Man (Heroes of Apple Falls #5)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

Maverick

“Hey man, what’s up?” I answered my phone and shut the front door to my cabin, stopping in the entryway to kick off my boots. It was already after nine, having worked a second job after my first one, and I needed a shower and a hot meal, stat.

“Hey, sorry to bug you, especially at this hour, but I’ve got a bit of a situation at my girl’s bakery, and I was hoping you could help.” Steeler said.

“Oh no, what happened? Is she okay?”

“Mar’s fine, thankfully. Small electric issue with the lights in the display cases. Would you mind checking it out?”

“Sure, no problem.” I run over the schedule for tomorrow in my head. “I already have a job booked for six, a quick rewiring job. I should be able to swing by around eight thirty. Or is that too late?”

“No, that’s a perfect time, actually. Genevieve will be there baking for the next morning and since they close at seven, there won’t be any foot traffic.”

“Good. Shouldn’t take me too long unless there’s a bigger issue going on.”

“I hope not. That’s the last thing they need. I swear, everything that could go wrong has. Guess it’s to be expected, right? Still can’t help feeling bad for them.”

“Yeah, I get it. Owning a business is no easy feat. So many moving parts. I’m sure they’ll do great. The more you screw up, the more you know, right?”

“You should know, old man.”

I chuckled. “Watch it.”

“At least you’re not the oldest of the crew. Cullen takes that spot.”

“You say that every time and every time I tell you to shut the hell up.”

Steeler laughed. “Have a good night, man. Talk to you tomorrow.”

“Later.” I clicked off the phone and headed upstairs for a shower before cooking myself a quick dinner.

I was used to throwing something together with enough left over for lunch the next day.

I had to learn how to fend for myself since day one, so I’d gotten pretty good at it, I’d say.

And being thirty-five wasn’t old. I might not be in my twenties anymore, but I didn’t feel old. That’s what mattered most.

After grilling up some chicken breasts, I let the meat rest, while I popped in a bag of quick cooking rice and sautéed some sliced zucchini I had in the fridge, using the same pan as I did for the chicken. Delicious.

I cleaned up when I was done and grabbed my sourdough starter from the cabinet, needing to feed it before turning in for the night. That way, it would be ready to go in the morning when I baked a loaf.

Yes, a grown man like me could have a sourdough starter. Why not? She was my little baby, and damn, did I bake up some crusty loaves. I even brought a loaf over to Steeler and Marlowe and somehow, I impressed her. If I impressed a trained baker, then my bread had to be good.

Several minutes later, I shut off the light in the kitchen and retreated to the living room. Old western movies and being in my space were my favorite ways to relax. I channel surfed until I landed on one and leaned back in my recliner, settling in for the night.

I’d fall asleep within an hour and drag myself to bed later after a stop in the bathroom, my usual nightly routine, just to get up in the morning and do it all over again.

Maverick: I’m sorry, I ran behind at my other job. I just pulled into the bakery. Is it okay to still go in?

I sent the text message to Steeler as I waited in my idling truck, having parked in a front row spot. All the spots were empty except one which I imagined was Genevieve’s car.

My heckles went up as I looked around the dark parking lot. Was she safe here alone? I’d have to check they had a proper alarm. Not that much happened in this small town, but you could never be too careful. I’m sure Steeler was taking care of it, though.

Steeler: All good. Head on in. Thanks again man, I really appreciate it.

Maverick: Anytime

I shoved my phone in my pocket, grabbed my tool belt from the passenger seat, and hopped out of my truck. I walked up the pathway and stopped in front of the door, knocking a couple times.

When the door opened, two things hit me. The woman standing in front of me was the most beautiful woman I’d ever laid eyes on, and the bakery smelled amazing. Sweet, tantalizing scents filled my nose and made my mouth water. And so did she.

“Hi, Maverick, right?”

A lump lodged itself in my throat and a few seconds passed as I composed myself.

“Yep. Genevieve, I take it?”

“You got it. C’mon in. I just pulled a few pies from the oven, and it smells amazing, doesn’t it?” She gushed as she took a step back and I walked in, closing the door behind me. “There’s nothing like fresh bakery treats from the oven.”

“I’d have to agree. It can’t be beat.” I smiled as I tried so hard not to drag my eyes down her body and fully take her in like how I wanted to. She must be younger than, considering she was best friends with Marlowe and grew up here together. But what was age if but a number?

“A man who knows what he’s talking about. I love it. Follow me, I’ll show you what needs to be fixed.”

I like her. I like her a lot.

Shut up, idiot.

I followed her to the display cases, my eyes landing on her sexy as fuck ass. Perfectly plump, her curves had me going crazy, my mind running a mile a minute.

Even in her chef pants and jacket, her curves looked amazing, and I wanted to sink my teeth into her, have my way with her, and then let her have her way with me. Only fair, right?

Fuck. I needed to stop. This was a job .

I couldn’t go around doing electrical work with a raging hard on.

I tore my eyes away from her and directed my attention to the display cases as she described what’s been going on.

“Sounds like a blown fuse, but I’ll check it out and let you know.”

“Great, thanks. I’ll be out back in the kitchen. If you need anything, don’t be afraid to shout.” Genevieve smiled and her whole face crinkled with it in the most adorable way.

Shit. I’d met the woman less than five minutes ago and already, I had it bad.

But who could blame me?

Genevieve was as hot as the ovens in the back. And for some reason, I didn’t want to cool off.

I wanted her.