Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
Twila
“Okay you won’t believe this when I tell you, but you know the hot mountain man I told you about that lives next door?
” I dipped my chip in salsa and popped it in my mouth, my sister, Mel, on speaker phone.
It was our weekly chat, catching each other up like we used to do when I lived in the city.
We’d meet up and have brunch or lunch sometimes depending on the night before.
Now we met on the phone, and I missed seeing her in person.
“Yes, you seem to mention him every time we talk. Does someone have a crush?” Mel giggled into the phone, and I rolled my eyes, but who was I kidding. I had a serious crush. Especially now with all the notes.
“We’ve been exchanging notes by way of his cat.” I ignored her question and dropped the bomb of information.
“Wait what?” Mel shot back. “Run that by me one more time.”
“His cat has been coming into my yard. I loved on him and gave him treats and got the idea to scribble a note to my neighbor and tuck it in the cat's collar. He wrote back and so it continued.”
“Hold on, let me get this straight. You used his cat as your wingman?”
I laughed before popping another chip in my mouth. “Basically.”
“So are you going to meet? You’re next door! Go get him!”
“Oh my God I’d simply pass away on his doorstep.”
Mel dissolved into a fit of contagious laughter, and I laughed until my sides ached.
“No seriously though. One of you needs to make a move.”
“I did with the first note. It’s his turn.”
“You better tell me if he does. This is the most excitement I’ve had in days.”
“Damn lady stop studying so much and go have some fun.”
“I’m trying. But work is hectic. And my classes don’t stop with the work. One more semester and I’m free. I can’t wait to just work.”
“I hear you.” We continued our conversation for a while more before ending it. “Good luck with everything. Love you sis.”
We hung up and I finished my lunch of chips and dip before heading outside. I planned on spending the afternoon with a book, maybe a nap under the sun. I loved the slow pace of Sundays, no time constraints or pressures of a schedule to adhere to.
With my book and sunglasses, I climbed onto the hammock and read for a while before dozing off.
I hadn’t realized I’d fallen asleep until a loud knocking noise startled me awake. Jumping off the hammock I followed the noise and as I got closer to the house, the sound became louder. Someone was knocking on the door.
Who could be here? In the middle of nowhere?
My stomach dropped and my heart picked up speed as I moved through the cabin to the front door. Another knock and the doorbell rang through the house.
“Hold on! I’m coming!” I called.
One look through the peephole and I no longer had to wonder.
Holy shit it’s him.
It’s my neighbor.
Maybe I could pretend to not be home. Pretend like I had no idea he was here.
But did I really want to turn the man away? He was the most handsome guy I’d ever seen, and we had been exchanging notes.
Before I could contemplate further and he could knock again, I yanked the door open and there he stood, a smile on his face.
“Hi.” I said shyly. My cheeks burned and my breath caught in my throat.
“Hi. Twila, is it?”
I nodded and licked my lips, my mouth suddenly very dry.
“I thought it was time I met the woman sending notes in my cat's collar.” His mouth lifted in a teasing smile, and it shot through me like a bullet leaving me horny and desperate for more of his attention. How did he do it?
How did he look so damn irresistible?
I brushed my hair down as a ripple of panic shot through me. I probably looked a mess after waking for a nap. “Well come in then. Would you like a drink? I could use one. I kind of fell asleep outside while reading.”
Baylor laughed. “It’s hard not to. The warm sun, the peaceful quiet. I’ve fallen asleep myself quiet a few times.”
God this man was hot and sweet? I was about to melt like an ice cream cone on a hot summer day.
I led him to my kitchen after inviting him inside. “What would you like to drink? I’ve got water, wine, beer, milk, the usual.”
“A beer is great, thanks.”
I grabbed two from the fridge and popped off the tops with the opener magnet I kept on the fridge.
Baylor took a long pull from his beer, and I watched the liquid move down his muscular throat. I shifted in my seat.
Damn did everything this man do turn me on?
“So did you move here from the city? It looks great in here. The company that bought it did a nice job fixing it up.”
“Yes, and yes, they did. I was impressed after seeing some of the before pictures. It’s not big but it’s perfect for me.”
“Do you miss the city?”
“Yes and no. I miss my family, my sister the most. But I love it here. I’m hoping she’ll come join me but she’s young and having fun.”
“I get that. I’ve lived here my whole life. It’s all I’ve ever known. I’m not sure I’d survive in the city.”
“A true mountain man, hmm?” I finished off my beer, the alcohol buzzing through my blood stream. It was making me bolder.
“That I am. Just me and my cat against the world.” He chuckled before finishing his beer.
“Your cat is the best.”
Baylor grinned. “He picks good company, too.”
My stomach spun in five different directions. Was he flirting with me?
“Would you like to stay for another drink? Maybe dinner?” I asked, boldened by the beer.
“I’d love to.”