2. Brewer
two
Brewer
"Hey, Brewer, it's Aspen from Forever Yours," Aspen says when I answer the phone. "I have some bad news. The mail-order bride you were matched with actually ran away. We haven't been able to locate her since the first correspondence after you two were matched."
A wave of relief washes over me. I only signed up for the mail-order bride program because I was feeling a little lonely one night a few weeks ago. It was an impulse decision. When daylight hit, it seemed like a very bad idea. But I was too far in to back out.
My plan was to let the mail-order bride down gently if and when she arrived. Don't get me wrong. From her picture, she's a real beauty, but I'm just not attracted to her. Having her run away is a blessing in disguise.
"It's no big deal." I shrug, trying to sound casual, not wanting Aspen to feel bad about the situation.
"Thanks for being so understanding, Brewer." Relief is clear in her voice. "But there's one more thing." She pauses. "I have a new employee who started today. Her first assignment is to break the news to you in person. I wasn't sure how you would take it, so I wanted to give you a heads-up."
"Understandable." I think of the poor young woman who has to tell me that my mail-order bride ran away and decide to let her practice breaking bad news on me. What else do I have to do today?
There’s enough wood chopped to supply the whole town next winter—I should probably start selling some of it or at least give it away.
I’ve already cleaned the cabin, washed my clothes, and pulled the weeds from my garden—there isn’t anything else pressing to do today.
Helping Aspen’s new employee would at least pass the time.
When I stop moving, the memories come flooding back—memories best forgotten.
“You’re a lifesaver, Brewer. Her name is Josie. She’s twenty-two, just finished college, and moved to Temptation Ridge last week. She should be there any minute.” As if on cue, a loud, firm knock comes from the other side of my front door.
“I think she’s here. I’d better let you go.
” We say our goodbyes. I end the call, toss my phone onto the coffee table, and head for the door.
“Can I help you?” The words stick in my throat, making me sound like I’m chewing on a wet sponge as I open the door and get my first look at Josie.
The sight in front of me takes my breath away.
Josie has dark brown hair that falls in waves down her back, making my hands itch to bury themselves in it.
Her aquamarine blue eyes blink up at me as her plump lips part in surprise.
I don’t want to be disrespectful and drop my gaze any lower, but I can’t stop myself from letting it drop, taking in the swell of her large breasts as they push against the fabric of her white button-down dress shirt, until it lands on the indent of her waist that flares out to her curvy hips, encased in a tight black knee-length skirt.
I swallow hard, snapping my gaze back to her beautiful face.
“Hi. I’m here.” She pauses, her eyes locked on mine. “I’m here because...” She starts again. “I’m your mail-order bride.” Before I can react to her lie, she launches herself into my arms. On instinct, I grab her hips to steady her as she wraps her arms around my neck and presses her lips to mine.
This is the reaction I expected from my original mail-order bride. When I didn’t get it from her picture, I wasn’t sure I would ever feel this way about anyone. But now that my little liar has thrown herself into my arms, I’m never letting her go.
“Mine.” I moan against her mouth, running my tongue along her lips until she parts for me. My hand glides behind her head, cupping the back of her neck to draw her closer.
She’s all mine.