Cabin Fever: A Mountain Man Romance

by Rye Hart

  “So will you and Monk still come on Friday?”

  “I’ll try my best, but I can’t promise for Monk.” She smiled at my answer and gave me a fist bump.

  ***

  Thirty minutes, after I dropped her off at school. I stopped back off at home for my bike and drove into work. When I arrived, I found that Monk had beaten me in. “You’re here early.”

  “Yeah, I figured I’d get the coffee brewing.” He poured himself a cup and turned to lean against the counter in our break area. “The place next door was open. They have donuts.”

  He held up a classic glazed and took a bite while offering me one from a pink box. I shook my head. “I didn’t know they were opening so soon. I’m not sure if they are going to like us much with our noise and the shady looking fuckers that hang around. I hope not because the sooner they leave the better.”

  “She didn’t seem to mind me and I’m a shady looking fucker myself. Besides, we eat like anyone else.”

  “She? You mean the owner?”

  “Hell yeah, you should see the body on that one. She’s bangin’.” He gulped his coffee to wash down his bite. “Beautiful too.”

  I thought about the sexy woman who was washing the windows compared to the one I’d seen out back. Both were pretty women, but only one was what I’d consider banging - with a big rack. I gave him a sideways glance and went to the window as if she’d still be there washing in my fantasized bikini.

  “She said her name was Sarah, like the shop’s sign. You should go on over and say hello.”

  Sarah. “I’ve got enough problems with the women in my life. Tani wants to me scare some punk named Danny, Heather was around again on Friday, and I don’t have to remind you of Satan’s twin, Nancy and her trick of the week.” I walked out to the shop and he followed. I had left the mess of tools scattered on the floor from Heather’s little fit, so I went to work putting things back in their place.

  “Your temper must have gotten pretty bad to make such a mess.” Monk leaned over and picked up a wrench.

  “You mean Heather’s. She doesn’t take rejection well.” His hand came up to my forehead – as if to check my temperature. He was a damned comedian, and a good one.

  “Were you ill, man? You actually turned her down?” He knew all about mine and Heather’s association and even had the misfortune of walking in on us once.

  “She’s got to stop coming around.”

  “So, go say hello to sweet Sarah next door. Maybe she’ll run her off for you.” His eyes met mine with a challenging glare. “I dare you.”

  “I would like to meet a nice girl for a change. Someone Tani could meet, even.” I took one last swig of my coffee and headed to the door. I also never lost a dare in my life and I wasn’t about to let this be the first. “Challenge accepted.”

  I pulled the door closed behind me and stopped to see what was going on over at the bakery. I walked over and looked up at the sign on the front window I’d seen her washing. Sarah’s Sweet Shoppe.

  The bells on the door chimed as I walked in and Sarah was busy bent over behind the counter serving some old timer an eyeful of cleavage with his order. I cleared my throat and the old man looked away as if waking from a trance.

  “I’ll be with you in a moment, sir.” The tag on her shirt confirmed that she was indeed Sarah and my cock even stood up a little to say hello.

  “No rush.” We exchanged smiles and she rang up the old man, who wished us both good day and hurried out.

  The place was decked out in pink and black and the front counter was filled with trays of the prettiest pastries I’d ever seen. Atop the counter were several different pies under glass domes and there was a large section of cookies and cakes. Tani would love it. I made a mental note to bring her by sometime.

  “What can I get for you?” She leaned against the counter and I took a moment to slide my gaze downward. She was wearing a pink, fitted top and tight, black jeans that matched the rest of her theme. Across her front her shirt read: Sarah’s Sweet Shoppe, the sweetest spot in town.

  I couldn’t help but wonder what Sarah’s sweet spot was like and with any luck she’d let me find out. “I’ll have a slice of apple pie.”

  She smiled up at me with her big brown eyes sparkling. “I was wondering who would be the first to try my pie.” As I let that comment sink in, she pulled off the dome and took the pie to another counter. “For here or to go?”

  I glanced over to the empty tables and decided to stick around a minute while she was alone. “Here’s fine. I actually wanted to come introduce myself. I’m Hunter Miller. I own the shop next door.” I nodded toward my place as she slid the pie onto a plate and grabbed a fork.

  “Oh…hi Hunter. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Sarah Tillerman. Would you like a free cup of coffee? It’s my opening week special.” I nodded and she grabbed a cup and served me. After I paid and settled into one of the dainty chairs at her little round tables, she came around and glanced out the front window.

  I took a bite of the pie and made a sound of approval. “This is some good pie.” I was really impressed.

  “Thank you. It’s my grandmother’s recipe. She won awards for it at the South Texas State Fair years ago, back when they still had competitions for baking.”

  “I bet she’s proud of you.”

  “She’s gone now, but I like to think so. You own the motorcycle shop? I met one of your employees earlier. He said his name was Monk?” She gave me a sideward look as if she weren’t so sure about the name.

  “Yeah, he’s my only employee right now and we stay pretty busy. I’m sure you’ll get an overflow of hungry bikers popping in pretty often.” I thought again about my expansion project and tried not to sound so bitter.

  A noise rang out from the kitchen and she hurried around the counter. The buzzer kept going off and finally it stopped but I heard her curse and the sound of metal crashing to the floor. It was loud enough to make me worry and I hurried around her counter and to the back.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, but my oven’s falling apart.” Her brows were furrowed and she held what appeared to be the handle to the oven door in her hand.

  CHAPTER THREE - SARAH

  I stood there feeling like an idiot with my oven door handle in my hand, trying hard not to burst into tears. At least there wasn’t anything inside and I didn’t have to pry the thing open from the top.

  As if things couldn’t get any worse, my hot next door neighbor was there to witness the whole thing. As if I wasn’t already sweating bullets from all the pressure of my grand opening, his deep gaze on me this whole time had my cheeks blazing. He had the

  Next, I heard my damned front door bells chimed out as three new customers came piling in. I’d had no time to fix anything just yet and regretted buying third generation ovens from the used supply store.

  I hurried out to tend to my customers leaving Hunter Miller standing in my kitchen and by the time I rang up the last person’s order, he was gone. I could only imagine he thought I was a complete loser. It was better this way. It wasn’t like I had time for another bad boy in my life. The minute he walked in my heart had been racing and my head had been telling me ‘no’.

  He was tall with broad shoulders and the kind of muscles men get from hard work and sweat. His eyes were a piercing blue. I’d noticed them right away because they were so stunning that anyone would be captivated by them. Maybe it was the way they contrasted off his dark hair and beard which were both trimmed short.

  He was just the kind I fell for, so I breathed a sigh of relief that he was gone.

  A moment later, when I’d gone back into the kitchen to try and figure out my oven issues, I heard the bells chime and wondered for a moment if I should think of a better warning system. I walked out to find Hunter standing on the other side of the counter with a tool box in hand.

  He shifted on his feet and held up the red metal box. “I thought I could lend a hand with that door. It should be an easy fi
x.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “Well, I’m already here and unless you’ve got a tool box disguised as a pie somewhere in here, what are your other options?” His smile was warm and friendly so I let out a long breath and nodded.

  “Sure, I’d appreciate it, as long as it’s no trouble. I would hate to take you from your work.” Surely he had some kind project or repair he was doing next door.

  “Monk can cover the shop for a minute. I told him what’s up.” He walked around the counter and then back into the kitchen where he opened the oven which had now cooled down enough to work on.

  “Are you going to need anything?” I should have been doing more than standing around staring, but I didn’t want to get in his way.

  “Nothing that’s not in this box.” He gestured toward it, seeming more than capable. I wondered what else he could do with his hands - and scolded myself for the thought.

  As he tinkered I watched, not missing a moment of his flexing muscles or the focused expression on his face. And then he opened the box and started work as I went out to wait on my next customer.

  There was a good influx of customers so it was about twenty minutes before I could check on him again. When I returned he was opening and closing the oven to see his handiwork.

  “You’re already done?” The door looked good as new or at least as good as used, like I’d bought it. I was beyond impressed. Again, the thought of what else he could do with his broad hands overcame me.

  Don’t be stupid, Sarah. Screw your next door neighbor and you’ll definitely screw things up for yourself.

  He turned, flashing me a smile as he bent down to close his toolbox. “I told you it was an easy fix. I had to take off the front panel, but it’s all back in place, even tighter than before.”

  “It’s such a relief. Every time I get one thing done, something else falls apart.” I’d made it through the weekend with the inspector and that was after the busiest Saturday of my life. Luckily I knew how to bake in bulk.

  He laughed and the sound was sexy too.

  Damn this man.

  He was delicious.

  Then he stepped forward and brushed my cheek. For a moment, my heart stopped. “You had a little powdered sugar there, sorry.”

  “Oh, yeah I’m always covered in powdered sugar, batter, or something sticky.” I realized how suggestive that was and felt my cheeks flush. “It’s a messy job.”

  “I bet.” He gave me a wink. “I was wondering, I have a few things to do today and tomorrow, but maybe you’d like to go out after work one day and have a drink, say. . . Wednesday?”

  The invitation caught me by surprise and though my hormones where saying yes, I had to refuse. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” I hated turning him down considering he’d fixed my oven, but if he did it on the chance I’d say yes, he wasted his own time.

  “Are you in a relationship?” Apparently, he didn’t seem to think it possible someone might not want to date him for any other reason.

  Sexy and that confidence. I’ll really have to keep my distance from this one.

  “Well, no actually. Not for some time now and I don’t want one.” The look on his face, the way his brows turned quizzical told me that he wasn’t either and he might think I’m jumping to major conclusions.

  He shrugged. “Had to try, but hey, the offer stands, if you decide otherwise.”

  The sentiment was friendly and genuine so I hated to be so short with him. “I appreciate that and I’ll keep it in mind. It was nice to meet you and I appreciate your help.” He gave me another reassuring grin and then headed out; the abruptness of his leaving had me wondering if I’d been rude.

  It wasn’t like he could just waltz in and fix something and earn my time, though there wasn’t anyone else wanting to spend time with me. Angie had her own life with Barney, and even if she could ditch him to make time for the two of us, her companionship wasn’t comparable.

  As I watched him go I took a deep, calming breath. He’d gotten me so worked up and I knew it was time to shake him off and go back to work, but it was hard. I kept imagining what it would be like to kiss him or better yet, be beneath him or on top of him.

  Geez woman. Stop it right now Sarah.

  He’s a bad idea, and at one point in my life I liked bad ideas. I lived for them. I enjoyed getting into trouble and having no worries. Now, I knew where that would leave me: Heart broken and broke. Not again.

  I waited on my next customer and felt good knowing that the day had seemed successful with many of my new customers happy that I was open.

  I knew every time I opened that oven I was going to see those eyes of his. He seemed like a nice guy, totally my type, but that was the problem. I kept reminding myself of my promise and why I’d made it.

  That type was all the same, never wanting to grow up and be responsible. They were only concerned about their toys and I’d come in second to a motorcycle once already. The damned thing had almost ruined me. I’d been so foolish to buy the bike for him, but his own credit hadn’t been good enough. Now I knew why. He’d blamed it on his ex, so I guess he figured he’d pass along the misfortune.

  I had been burned enough times. I was disillusioned by what I thought was love before, and my heart couldn’t take more ache. This was a new chapter for me, and this time I wouldn’t let myself fall hard for someone until I knew who they really were.

  There was one final thought that entered my mind as I whipped down the counters - could I have the best of both worlds and avoid getting into a relationship with someone and still enjoy their physical company?

  CHAPTER FOUR - HUNTER

  My leg shook so bad that my lawyer reached over and put his hand on my knee to make me stop. Anyone else and I’d have punched them, but I regained my composure and waited for the judge to give me my verdict.

  “Mr. Miller, I’m aware that you’ve provided a nice home for your daughter and it’s reassuring that your mother is so willing to help out with things, but I can’t stress to you enough how concerned I am about your lifestyle and its influence on your daughter as a soon-to- be developing young lady. The accusations from your ex about your promiscuity worry me and I can’t help but think that your daughter would benefit from having her mother in her life, especially for the next several years to come. I’d like you to consider the next month a transition period for your daughter to adjust to the idea that she’ll be living with her mother full time thereafter.”

  Bile rose to my throat as I balled my fist. She was actually going to win?

  The judge cleared her throat and continued. “I am prepared to reconsider this verdict at a later time if and when you marry. I feel that your daughter is in need of stability most of all, and it seems that since her mother has shown great strides in her sobriety, and with keeping a job and being able to provide a suitable home, there is no reason the child shouldn’t be placed with her at this time. I’m granting her full custody with the option to revisit.”

  And that was it. It was done. I had no chance of getting my sweet Tani back as long as I was a single dad. Single mothers were always going to be more acceptable, especially to female judges, and though my lawyer had warned me of that, I had hoped the judge would see that Tani was better off with me. It was clear she didn’t see Nancy’s bullshit.

  I stormed out of the courtroom with my lawyer and stopped in the hallway while he explained our next steps. “I’ll see what I can do, but your best bet is to play along and do this joint custody thing for the month to buy me some time. We’ll try to dig up what we can.”

  Nancy strolled around the corner with a smile on her face, and it reminded me of the times when we were together and she’d done something with the sole intent of pissing me off. She hadn’t cared about Tani ever before and, had consistently chosen her addictions over her own daughter and me. In the end she’d been bitter because I’d left her. This was the payback and I knew that’s all it was. My lawyer placed his hand on my shoul
der as if to remind me that choking her in front of everyone wouldn’t help anything as she stopped in front of me. “I’ll be by Friday at four. Have my daughter ready on time.”

  I gritted my teeth and nodded knowing that if I opened my mouth she’d get an earful along with the rest of the courthouse. She laughed and walked away, but my lawyer kept me busy giving her plenty of time to be clear of the parking lot before turning me loose.

  He walked me to my car talking about my options, all of which seemed hopeless. I’d have to settle for every other weekend which wasn’t enough. I hadn’t missed a day with my daughter since she was born, unlike Nancy, and now I was being punished for it.

  “If all else fails you could always get married. Maybe having a woman around will soften up the judge. Are you dating anyone?”

  “No. And meeting someone in this town I could fall in love with enough to marry is about as likely as finding a snowflake in hell, but thanks for the suggestion.” He wished me luck and told me he’d be in touch. I slid into my truck wishing I could have driven my bike. It was not only a passion, but a therapy of sorts. Being on my bike made me feel in control, and the vibration of the motor made my stress melt away better than a back massage. I needed its comfort now more than ever, but I cranked the old truck and headed for the shop.

  My mother had taken Tani for the night and though I wanted nothing more than to hold my baby girl, I didn’t want her to see me this stressed out. She knew there was something going on, but I hadn’t explained it. She barely knew her mother and the idea that she’d have to move in with her made me sick.

  It broke me to think of telling her the news – and letting her know that I’d let her down.

  I pulled into the parking lot, noticing that Sarah was out front of her bakery with the hood up on her car. She looked frazzled.