Scarred: A Mountain Man Romance

by J. R. Ryder

  “Are you comparing our relationship to a sandwich?”

  “The perfect type of sandwich.”

  “You’re a goofball.” He said, resting his hand on my thigh, squeezing it slightly.

  “You love it.”

  “No, I love you.”

  “You’re going to make me blush…” I whispered, already feeling the heat rising on my cheeks.

  “Good. That was kind of the point.”

  “ where are we going. You’re driving like you have a destination in mind.”

  “Well, I figured that you’d be indecisive about what you want to do like you always are, so I came up with a backup plan just in case.”

  “What’s your backup plan?”

  “It’s a secret.”

  ***

  We drove for nearly an hour. At some point, I was convinced he was driving in circles like he was trying to get someone to lose his tail.

  “Are you lost or something?”

  “No.” He said firmly. I knew he was lying.

  “Do you have an address?”

  “I’m not lost.”

  “Why do you always have to be so stubborn when it comes to asking for directions? I’m not going to think any less of you if you use the GPS, you know that, right?”

  “I’m not lost.” He repeated as he took the following exit. Doing so brought us to a quaint little town. All the houses were painted in vibrant colors. Flowerboxes decorated the windows. Elderly women sat on their front steps, conversing with their neighbors.

  Instantly, I was filled with a cozy feeling.

  This place was wonderful.

  “Where are we?” I asked.

  “This is the town of Ampesos.”

  “What are we doing here?”

  “I already told you, it’s a secret.” He grinned at me, flashing his pearly white teeth.

  Oh, he was definitely up to something.

  Andre was just about to cut into a small street when he was met with a barrier, blocking his way. Up ahead, a group of people decorated the streets with flower petals, making some sort of path.

  “What are they doing?” I mumbled, not really expecting an answer.

  “It’s the feast of San Pedro y San Pablo today.”

  “Oh, so it’s like a religious holiday?”

  Andre nodded, backing out of the street and going down another route.

  “I didn’t know you were religious.”

  “I’m not.”

  Okay, this was definitely getting strange. What on Earth did Andre have planned?

  Eventually, after navigating our way through the town’s maze-like street system, we finally arrived at the central plaza, where Andre skillfully wedged the convertible between two cars.

  He waltzed over to my side and hoisted me out, making me feel as light as a feather.

  “How do you do that?” I asked.

  “Do what?”

  “Pick me up so effortlessly.”

  “Because I actually go to the gym to work out not to look cute in workout clothes.”

  “Hey! I actually work out too.” I protested.

  “Sure you do, babe. I already told you that you didn’t need to go the gym. You’re perfect exactly the way you are.”

  I blushed deeply at his words.

  He smiled, grabbing my hand, locking our fingers together.

  “You’re acting very strange.”

  “Am I?”

  “You’ll have to tell me what you’re planning at some point.”

  “Sure. Sure. But not yet.” He teased before he grabbed me by the hips and hoisted me onto a nearby retaining wall, where a few other people had gathered. From this perch, we had a clear view of the church and all the activity going on around it.

  A few older women, dressed in black, and with veils wrapped around their heads, were fixing the path of flowers leading up to the church doors. Inside the church itself, I could only glimpse at a few characters in the procession to come. One of which was a little kid dressed as an angel, who kept turning around and hitting someone with his wings.

  I giggled at the sight.

  “What is it?”

  I pointed to the angel. “See that little boy?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Just watch him.”

  The boy was still for a moment, looking up at the adult standing in front of him, who seemed to be some kind of leader.

  Then, as soon as she looked away, he spun around, knocking out an older boy dressed in a dark suit.

  “That’s horrible.”

  “Oh, come on, you have to admit that’s pretty funny, getting slapped in the face by an angel.” I pointed out, poking his side.

  “How about falling in love with an angel?” He asked, pulling me onto his lap before our lips came together in a sweet, passion filled kiss.

  I lost myself against him as the sun shined down at us, making me feel warm all over.

  I swear nothing could make this moment more perfect.

  Eventually, we broke away but Andre kept me on his lap, his fingers occasionally tickling my exposed tummy. Maybe it was a bad idea to wear a crop top around him…

  He stopped, however, as soon as the procession came marching out of the church, spearheaded by the energetic little angel. Others came dressed in robes, imitating patron saints. What was most impressive was the giant statues that were being carried on a litter. A total of six people carried the burden, a proud look on their faces.

  “Which one do you suppose is San Pablo and which one is San Pedro.”

  “I’m not too sure,” Andre said, resting his head on mine.

  After that, we settled into an awed silence, watching the procession march by.

  By the time it was over, night was starting to fall and the plaza was transformed. Vending carts popped up. Kids walked around with balloons. People danced in the main square while a motley crew played a variety of string instruments.

  “Would you like to dance?” Andre asked suddenly, a rose in his mouth.

  “Where’d you get that?”

  He didn’t bother to answer me. Instead, he swept me off my feet and onto the dance-floor where our bodies synced into one. My hips swayed to the sound of the music, rubbing against his body, feeling his every inch.

  I swear, we danced the night away, our eyes never leaving the other.

  It was perfect.

  When the music finally ended and everyone started to disperse, I expected we would do the same, but Andre didn’t follow me back to the car.

  When I looked back, there was one man playing guitar while Andre was down on one knee.

  My eyes widened in realization.

  No. This couldn’t be. Could it? Was he really…

  My heart thumped as I stumbled forward, trying to keep my footing as a surge of emotions spread through my body.

  “Andre?”

  He took my hand and once I was close enough, he reached out, holding it tightly. “Hope.”

  I watched as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black box.

  When he opened it, the diamond ring glittered like the North Star.

  I was speechless, standing there, a dumbfounded look on my face, trying to figure out if I was dreaming or not.

  “I’ve made my mistakes in the past. Mistakes that I thought you’d never forgive me for, but I’ve learned since then and I know that I’ll never again be able to leave your side. I love you, Hope, and I dream of us starting a family together, of watching our kids grow and then growing old together. I can only do that if you’re my wife. will you marry me?”

  I couldn’t even answer him. I was so choked up that all I could manage was a nod of my head as tears streamed down my face.

  When he finally slipped the ring on my finger, I knew that we would always be together.

  * THE END *

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  Copyright 2018 J.R. Ryder; All Rights Reserved

  Obsession

  Chapter 1 (Tanya)

  As I walked through the luxury shops, Christmas music was playing all around me. It was cheerful and merry, lifting my spirits despite the long day spent at the office, running from one errand to the next.

  I worked at Walton Incorporated, a large investment firm that managed billions and billions of dollars. Hugo Walton had started the company in the early 70s, riding the economic boom until he came out on top. Now, he was known as an old shark. He still had a ferocious bite but lacked the energy required to keep the company up and running.

  his son, Everett, had taken over, proving himself worthy of the throne, nearly tripling profits within five years. The man was a genius.

  The man was my boss.

  And he sure knew how to work me to the bone.

  I sighed, walking into Men’s Express, a high-end suit shop. Everett never did any of his shopping. He always left that to me. I had memorized his measurements and knew exactly what he liked.

  Chestnuts roasting…

  The familiar song was playing. It was one of my favorites. I hummed the tune as I walked to the counter, holding out my garment tag.

  “Picking up?” The attendant asked with a friendly smile.

  “Yes, please. For a Mr. Walton.”

  She nodded, quickly disappearing into the back. As I waited for her to return, I started to browse a nearby rack. This was the kind of store where everything was so expensive that they didn’t even bother with price tags.

  I guess it didn’t matter to Everett Walton. He had more money than he could ever know what to do with.

  Must be nice.

  Meanwhile, I was still trying to deal with the student debt I had accumulated, foolishly pursuing my passion for art. I should have known it would never work out, but I had naively followed my heart, thinking it would take me in the right direction.

  It didn’t. It never did.

  So here I was, the lowly assistant of some CEO who barely knew I existed.

  Not that it mattered.

  Everett was handsome – painstakingly handsome – but he’d never go for a girl like me. I saw the women he picked up at parties. Thin. Blonde. Beautiful.

  And that sure as hell wasn’t me.

  I was just the curvy girl who handled his schedule and redirected his phone calls.

  Nothing less. Nothing more.

  I sighed.

  “Hey! What are you doing here?” Suddenly someone grabbed me by the shoulder and turned me around, pulling me into a hug.

  The strong scent of cologne hit me immediately. It was suffocating. Cheap. Nothing like the stuff Everett wore. Now that was intoxicating.

  Finally, the grasp eased, and I could breathe once again. Looking up, I saw a familiar face.

  Mack.

  He was one of the executives who worked hand in hand with Everett to make sure all the business transactions went as smoothly as possible. For a few months, we had exchanged glances, hidden touches, and the occasional flirtatious laugh in the break room. It wasn’t anything serious, but I could tell he was into me.

  But I just didn’t feel the same way.

  If I were smart, I probably would have gone for him, but something was holding me back.

  Everett.

  Even though it would never happen, there was still an inkling of hope nestled inside my head that thought maybe, just maybe, one day he would finally notice me.

  “What are you doing here?” He asked with a grin, hand still on my shoulder. “It’s so good to see you outside the office, but I never expected to run into you at a suit shop.”

  “I’m picking up a suit for Mr. Everett.”

  “Let me guess, the Christmas Ball?”

  I nodded.

  “Same reason I’m here.” He explained. “You know… I don’t have a plus one –”

  He was suddenly interrupted by my ringtone.

  “Sorry…” I mumbled, quickly fishing it out of my bag.

  It was Everett.

  “Hello?”

  “Tanya.” His deep, husky voice came through the line, making my knees weak. Even though I had been working for Everett for almost five years now, his voice still took me by surprise every time I heard it. With a timbre low in pitch and as smooth as honey, it was hard to resist his every demand. Countless times, I had tried to imagine what it would be like to hear him whisper sweet nothings in my ear as he rocked my world all night long.

  “I’m sorry… sir?” I answered, my wandering thoughts making it hard to concentrate on his words. “What was that?”

  “Have you picked up the suit?”

  “I’m waiting for it now.”

  “Good. I want you to bring it back to the office. Tonight.”

  “Sir? I thought we agreed on tomorrow morning.”

  “Tonight!” He repeated, voice firm and unwavering. I knew there would be no point trying to argue with him. When Everett wanted something – he got it.

  “Yes, sir,” I answered.

  Without another word, he hung up on me.

  Just once, I wish he would say ‘thank you.’

  “Everett?” Mack guessed, leaning against a nearby wall like a model posing for a picture.

  “Yeah. He wants me to bring back the suit to the office right now.”

  “This late?”

  I shrugged. “You know how he is.”

  Mack stepped forward, placing a finger under my chin, tilting my face upwards to meet his. He looked at me with this intense gaze, blue eyes shining as if I were the only thing in the world he could see. “You know, I see the way he treats you…” He started as he leaned into me, lips getting closer and closer. “… and it just isn’t right. A girl like you deserves much more…” He was just about to close the gap between us when I pulled away.

  “I’m sorry… I can’t.” I looked away, unable to meet his eye, cheeks already burning with a blush. “Nothing against you –”

  “Ma’am.” The attendant arrived, holding Walton’s suit. “Here you are. It has already been paid for, so you’re all set.” She said with a small nod.

  “Thank you.” Carefully, I laid the suit over my arm. The outfit alone was more than I made in a year.

  “Take care and happy holidays!” She smiled brightly before walking over to Mack, placing a hand on his elbow, and towing him toward the fitting room.

  He looked over his shoulder at me, his eyes longing.

  I tried to look apologetic, feeling bad that I could never give him what he wanted. He was handsome, sure, but he was no Everett Walton.

  I walked out of the store without a second thought, catching a cab outside.

  Throughout the ride, I peered out the window. Everything was decorated for the holidays. Storefronts. Street lights. Even car bumpers.

  Christmas trees were everywhere.

  And don’t even get me started on Santa Claus.

  Ho, ho, ho.

  If I heard those words one more time, I swear, I was going to have a fit.

  I guess you could say that I wasn’t much of a Christmas person. Then again, it’s hard to feel excited when you have no one to share the holidays with. What was the point of putting up a tree if there were no presents to be opened? What was the point of decorating the fireplace, if the stockings would remain empty?

  Most years, I just tried to ignore it, however hard it was.

  And this year would be no different.

  Unless, of course, I magically found a boyfriend overnight. Yeah, right. Fat chance of that happening.

  When was the last time I had been in a committed relationship?

  God, I couldn’t remember. There was that drunken hookup that had lasted a couple of weeks, but I didn’t even remember his name at this point. Chad? Or Brad maybe? Whatever, it didn’t matter.