The Mountain Man’s Secret Santa

Chapter 1

one

Icelyn

On a Hot Summer Night in Late July

“You’re up.” My sister Autum nudges my hip with hers as Granger, the temporary food inspector, walks through the front door of our family bakery and heads straight for the cash register where I stand. “I’m going home.”

Granger, the bane of my professional life. My sisters and I opened our bakery, Mountain Morsel, just over three months ago. Everything was going smoothly until he showed up at our door with his paper and pen to inspect our bakery.

We passed, but not without grumpy scowls and rolled eyes from him over our unicorn cookies. What person doesn’t like unicorn cookies? A crabby old grouch like Granger, that’s who.

Okay, so he’s not exactly old. He looks like he’s a few years older than me, probably in his early to mid-thirties.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t lie awake at night fantasizing about his muscular body and bushy beard.

Which doesn't make sense because he’s bossy and arrogant—everything I don’t like in a man. Or at least I think I don’t like it.

I’ve been so focused on our family business that I haven’t thought about dating.

And before that, I was busy with school and life in general, so I didn’t date.

A twenty-seven-year-old virgin might not be the best person to decide what makes a perfect man.

It must be the heat making me think such crazy thoughts about Granger.

It's the hottest part of July, and our air conditioning has been out for three hours.

The heating and cooling technician promised to arrive by ten tonight.

Autumn and I drew the short straw by having to stay in the bakery in the heat, waiting for someone to fix the AC.

We decided to close early to escape the heat, but our customers love our baked goods so much they keep coming back, even in the heat.

They don't even mind that the icing is melting on the pastries.

“Alright, everyone. We are officially sold out.” Autumn ushers the customers out of the bakery, leaving only me and Granger as she grabs her purse, follows the crowd out the front door, and locks it behind her.

Dealing with Granger and his health code violations is the last thing I want to do tonight.

I saved two chunky chocolate chip cookies for myself in that kitchen that are calling my name.

Instead of enjoying the cookies, I give Granger my best fake smile and say, “Isn’t it a little late for an inspection? "

“You were open when I walked in.” He shrugs as if that’s enough explanation. This man only has to breathe, and I’m ready to choke him.

“Well, we’re closed now, so...” He doesn’t even let me get the words out before pushing past me into the kitchen.

"Really, Granger, is this necessary? I’m just getting ready to clean up for the night—there's nothing to inspect.” I follow him into the kitchen, the swinging door almost hitting me in the face because of my slow response.

“It’s the perfect time. You can walk me through how you clean everything.” He pulls a small notebook and a pen out of his shirt pocket. “You never know when a code violation will pop up.” He clicks his pen—the obnoxious sound echoes in the small space.

My gaze shifts to the two chocolate chip cookies sitting on the baking counter, their sweetness calling me.

The sooner we get this over with, the better.

“Fine. What do you want to start with?” I brush my suddenly damp hands on the skirt of my sundress, realizing my hands aren’t the only damp things.

My panties are completely soaked just thinking about the fantasies I have about Granger.

What is it about this man that makes me so angry one minute and then makes me want to rip his clothes off the next?

“Why don’t you talk me through how you would clean the baking table after rolling out dough with eggs?" Granger leans against the counter behind him, crossing his legs at the ankles and flipping open his notebook with a ghost of a smile crossing his handsome, bearded face.

I don’t know if it’s the heat from the pent-up lust I’ve been feeling for Granger over the last three months or the fact that he’s been driving me crazy with his surprise inspections, but something inside me breaks free.

“How dirty is it?” I ask in my most seductive voice as I run my hand over his bicep.

It’s the first time I’ve ever touched him, and I’m hungry for more.

“Is it only a little dirty?” I say as my fingers dance across his shoulder and down his chest, “or is it so dirty I’m going to have to use both hands to clean it?

” I look into his eyes, watching as they cloud over with lust. Good.

I’m not the only one affected by whatever this is happening between us.

“Icelyn.” He cautions, triggering me even more.

I spin around, turning my back to him as I slowly sway my hips side to side on my way to the baking counter. “Or is it sticky.” I glance over my shoulder, his eyes locked on my ass.

The air is thick with the heat of the night and our lust all blended together. The feeling clouds my mind, and I push my luck, testing Granger's limits.