Tough Guy

Rugged Mountain Ink

Khloe Summers

Summer to Winter Publishing

Copyright © 2022 Summer to Winter Publishing

All rights reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

Cover design by: RebecaCvrs
Editor: Link Phoenix

www.authorkhloesummers.com

Chapter One

Angie

Police sirens whirl next to me, the blues and whites blurring the dark night sky. It’s my worst nightmare come true. It’s a real-life shakedown, a drug bust, a ring of criminals right here in Rugged Mountain. I thought this was the only place left on Earth where people were still wholesome.

I laugh to myself at the thought of how far Levi has fallen since we met. Hell, I’ve known the man for six months and at the start, I was feeling undeniable chemistry. He offered to help me with my car when I needed it the most and afterwards, I bought him a drink, but he’s barely said two words to me since, assuming you don’t count grunts and a nod when we pass in the street. Watching him now with the police, though, seems more like an inevitability than us ending up together. He’s a six foot five bruiser, who’s got tattoos covering every inch of his sculpted arms. He’s undeniably hot, and I’d love to see what those arms can do, but now his cellmate will be the one getting those cuddles.

The cop questions him in the doorway of the motorcycle shop and I wholeheartedly expect him to slap cuffs on him any second and ramble off his rights. I can’t wait to see if this is going to be a calm bust or if Levi’s going to resist. In some of the cop shows, they have to rough the perp up a little to get him in the car, so I wonder what I’ll see. I shouldn’t be this excited, but I’m just happy to see justice being served.

I stand on my tiptoes to get a better view, but nothing is happening. It’s worse than nothing, they’re laughing. What the hell? This man is clearly a menace to society. I saw him break into Skully’s with my own two eyes. I watched him drag a keg of beer to his truck, lift it up into the bed, and drive off like he owned the place. That’s not something a well-meaning member of society does, and there’s nothing to laugh about.

I clear my throat and step forward. “Is everything okay, sheriff?”

I catch Levi rolling his eyes from the corner of my vision, but I ignore him. He’s a criminal. I don’t associate with criminals. I’m lucky I didn’t get sucked into his allure sooner. I always seem to go for bad boys, which makes zero sense at all considering I’m clearly terribly offended by rule breaking, but my body doesn’t care. The front part of my brain makes me walk on the other side of the street when men like Levi come down the road, but it’s that back half that makes sure I look him in the eyes as I do it so I can envision staring into them while he holds me down to a mattress.

The sheriff takes a deep breath and smiles as he looks toward me. “I got ahold of Mullet, the owner down at Skully’s. He said he gave Levi here the key to grab a keg for an employee appreciation party he’s having tonight.”

I roll my eyes. “And you believe that? I don’t want to say anything about small town cops, but…”

The sheriff grins, the kind of grin that lets me know he’s tired of me. I’ve made two calls to the department this month, but in my defense, the first time was a serious distress call for a cat that wouldn’t come down from a nearly eighty-foot sycamore tree. I was worried!

“But,” he says, “you’re going to stop right there before you get yourself into trouble saying something you don’t mean. Mr. Brooks has done nothing wrong, Ms. Miller, and I think it’s time that you find your way home for the night. There’s nothing more to see.”

I let out a sigh that’s heavy enough to blow my bangs upward into the air. “Fine.”

“I need to talk to you first,” Levi says, his voice deep and brooding. It’s scary the way he says it. Then again, it wouldn’t take much to scare me. The older I get, the more I realize that.

I turn back and look toward the sheriff with panic.

“Good night, Ms. Miller,” the sheriff says, twisting back toward his car.

Part of me wants to beg him to stay until Levi has read me the riot act I know is coming, but I’m nearly twenty-three years old. I can take care of myself, right?

“You’re out of line,” he grumbles. “I deserve an apology.”

I nearly fall over when he says the words. “An apology?”

“You accused me of stealing, you threw off my entire night, and I’ve spent nearly an hour messing around with the sheriff when I should’ve been entertaining my employees. Sure as hell, I deserve an apology.”

My brows raise and my arms cross over my chest. “I’m sorry if I care about my community and call the proper authorities when I see someone stealing.”

“You know I wasn’t stealing. When people steal, things get broken. I walked through the front door, got what I ordered, and left.”

I roll my eyes. “The door could’ve been unlocked.”

“You could’ve asked me.”

I gasp. “Ask a criminal, while he’s committing a crime, if he is in fact breaking the law? Something tells me that’s not good advice.”

He keeps his gaze on me, studying me as though he’s committing me to memory for the murder he’ll be meditating on later. “You’re crazy. Do you know that?”

“Crazy, or cautious? I like to think I’m cautious.” I’ve lightened my speech, and it annoys him.

He narrows his gaze harder. “Crazy. Now run along and find someone else to harass for the evening. I have to salvage what I can from this appreciation party.”

I wonder what kind of employee appreciation party gets people drunk before they send them home for the night, but I figure by the harsh look on his face I’ve already asked too many questions, so I just nod and head back toward my car parked on the opposite side of the street.

“Wait!” the man hollers behind me as I step into traffic.

Bright lights beam into my vision and the squeal of brakes are the last thing I hear before the night goes dark and all that’s left is a thumping in my head.

Chapter Two

Levi

This isn’t how I saw my night going. I’d hoped to be tipping back a few beers with the guys at the shop and making a list of how we can expand into next year. Instead, I’m sitting beside the woman who accused me of stealing, watching as her heart monitor beeps, hoping to high heaven she’s okay.

Fucking hell, that was a shit thing to see. Thankfully, the car wasn’t going too fast, but it was fast enough to knock her out. I’m not sure the man who hit her will ever be right again. He’s an older guy that lives up on a neighboring mountain. He only came into town for supplies.

“Are you next of kin?” a nurse says, peeking into the room. She’s an older woman with her hair pulled back into a long braid. She owns a horse farm up on Settler’s Ridge. I think her name is Mary. We’ve never met officially, but her husband has had his bike in my shop a few times over the years.

“No,” I say. “I’m just an acquaintance. I’m not sure who she has to call. She didn’t have a cell phone on her.”

“You’re awful nice to sit here with her then. The doctor says she’ll be okay, but that bump on the head is going to be something to watch. She should come out of the sleepiness once the meds wear off. You should get some rest or go get some coffee. I can wait here with her while you’re gone.”

“No,” I growl low and, for some reason, defensively. “I’ll be okay. I don’t want her to be without a familiar face when she wakes up, even if I’m a face she’d probably rather not see.”

“You know it’s not your fault, right?” Mary says, sitting in the chair beside me. She reminds me of a counselor type, the one who will listen to all your problems and somehow make you feel like you had no actual part in making life go that way. It’s wonderful, actually, and a talent more people should possess. “The police said it was an accident. There’s no one to blame here. You were just talking, and she didn’t watch where she was going.”

I look toward Mary. “It’s my fault, though. If you knew this girl, you’d know that. She watches everything like a hawk. She’s an extreme worrywart. She’s not the type to cross the road without looking. I distracted her with some bullshit about a beer keg and she—”

“We can’t blame ourselves for innocent mistakes. If we did, the world would be full of people feeling guilty all the time and what good does that do anyone?” Mary pats my hand twice. “If you insist on staying, I’ll go get you a coffee… and you’re not telling me no.” She disappears behind the closed door again before I have a chance to rebut.

Logic tells me that this was indeed a freak accident. Everything else tells me that if I hadn’t been getting fired up with Angie, she wouldn’t have been so flustered, and she’d have surely checked both ways.

I stare down at her, tubes up her nose, a scrape on her forehead that’s pulled together with a few small Band-Aids, and her hair draped down over her shoulders. Even if we’ve only talked a few times, it’s still hard to see her like this.

When I fixed her car that one time, I thought we were going to hit it off. She was funny, smart, and her lips were the most amazing lips I’d ever seen… and then she told me her age. I had no idea she was twenty-two when we went out for that drink. No matter how gorgeous she is, I can’t mess with a twenty-two-year-old. She’d eventually discover that we’re in completely different stages of our life and I’m looking to settle down. It just wouldn’t work. Though, I can’t say I haven’t fantasized about it a few times since that night.

Angie’s eyelids flutter and her fingertips twitch. My heart beats wildly as I stare down at her, unsure of what to do.

Should I press the call button, scream out for the doctor, or just hold her hand? She’s only been out for a few hours, but I imagine it’s still scary as hell.

I opt for the latter and grip her small hand in my own, staring down at her as her eyes flutter open. “You’re awake.”

She looks toward me, almost confused. “What are you doing here?”

I clear my throat. This wasn’t the reaction I was expecting, though maybe I should’ve been considering how this whole thing played out. “Do you know why you’re here?”

She nods. “I’m here because I’m an idiot who walked in front of a car. And you’re here because…”

“Because I was worried, and because I thought maybe you could use the company. But now that I see you’re awake and obviously back to being a smart-ass, I’ll be on my way.”

I loosen my grip with hers and turn to leave just as the doctor walks in. He’s young, somewhere in his early thirties, and wearing a long white coat and loafers that look to cost more than his medical degree. I don’t know much about shoes, but I know a nice pair when I see them. I also know when someone’s a pretentious fuck.

“Ms. Miller,” the doctor says, flipping through screens on his iPad. He barely looks up. This is the problem I have with hospitals. There’s no personal touch with doctors. He could take a lesson from Mary.

Angie looks up. “Yes.”

“Good to see you’re awake. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”

She nods, and he proceeds to ask her about her birthday, the current president, and the city we’re in.

“Colorado Springs,” she replies. “Trust me, there’s nothing like this in Rugged Mountain.”

“Well, you’ll be grateful for the team of medics that brought you in from the area. They were very well trained and kept the swelling down until you got here. They probably saved you a surgery.”

I know she’s making a mental note to head down to the emergency station with fresh muffins and cookies as we speak. I can see it in her eyes.

“Oh, and don’t forget this guy, too. He sat with you all night.” The doctor turns toward me. “Will you be the one keeping an eye on her? She’ll need strict supervision for the next forty-eight hours, just to make sure her head doesn’t do anything funky.”

Angie shakes her head. “Nope. He’s not an option. I’ll call around.”

The doctor nods and his eyes shift back to his iPad. “Okay, well, we’ll need to know who to release you to before we can sign your discharge papers.”

“Really? I’ll be okay.”

“Ms. Miller,” he interrupts, “you’ve just suffered a head injury. If you want to return home, you’ll need someone to watch you.”

“What would they be watching me for?”

“Dizziness, double vision, confusion, and signs of swelling. If you have any of those symptoms, you should be checked immediately by a medical professional.”

Angie looks toward me. “Can you grab my cell phone? It was in my pocket during the crash. I can call… damn it! I can’t call Julie. She just had the twins. Well, I can call Wyatt…” She rolls her eyes. “No, I can’t call Wyatt. He’s at some inker convention in the city. There’s Molly, but I don’t really know her that well yet. We only talk at work. Ugh…”

“What about family?” I say, stating the obvious.

She shakes her head. “My parents passed away when I was young, and I don’t have any siblings. Julie is my closest friend here. I—”

I look away from her and toward the machine that’s beating with her heart. I know she doesn’t want me around, but she has to want me more than this hospital of coats and white walls.

“You’ll come back to my place for a couple of days. It’s no big deal.”

She narrows her brows. “Yeah, no. I’d rather take my chances with hospital food. You’ll probably use this as revenge on me for what I did earlier.”

The doctor closes up his iPad and sighs. “I’ll send Mary in to get your answer. Just keep in mind the longer you stay, the less your insurance covers.” With that, he steps out into the hallway.

“What a prick,” I say, stepping toward her. “You’d think they’d want you here as long as necessary.”

Angie shakes her head then reaches up to hold it as though it’s hurting. “Let’s just tell them what they want to hear. You can take me home afterward and I’ll be fine.”

My brows narrow. “No way am I letting this rest on my shoulders. If anything happened to you, you’d come back and haunt every repair I had. You have nowhere else to go. You’re coming with me.”

Biting the inside of her lip, she looks down at her hands, wringing the white blanket into her fists. I know she wishes she had more options, but she doesn’t. It’s either come home with me or spend the next two days in this hospital room, racking up a bill and stewing in her solitude.

“I’ll really be fine at home. I can call you with updates or—”

“What if you pass out, or you forget where you are? You need someone watching you. I could use help at the shop, too.”

“Oh, I see how it is. You’re bringing me along to help do free work for you.” She gasps. “I knew there was a catch.”

“What? You’ve never read A Mechanic’s Guide to Love and Socket Wrenches? It’s a pivotal part of our training,” I say with a smile. “Besides, you can’t sit around my cabin all day long and I can’t miss work. I’m already behind on two bikes and I have a third due by the weekend. So, the best option is to have you sit next to me and hand me tools.”

“Love and socket wrenches? I can’t even.”

“It might be good for you,” Mary says, peeking behind the curtain. She’s brought with her the coffee she promised. “Memory exercises are great for head injuries. They keep the brain engaged and—”

“Well, I’m sure complete memory loss would be better than going with him. Mr. Brooks, here, does nothing more than get me riled up. In fact, I think it might be a superpower of his.”

I can tell she’s hoping Mary will tell her that getting angry is bad, but Mary only smiles. “All that anger is coming from someplace, sweetheart. Why don’t you take this opportunity to figure it out?”

“I’m going to send Nurse Jen in to detach these wires while I get your discharge papers ready. You sit tight here.” Nurse Mary laughs at herself. “Get it… sit tight here… because you really can’t move without me.” When she sees our laughs are sympathetic, she straightens her face. “Sorry… just a little hospital humor.”

When she’s gone from the room, I turn back toward Angie, who’s chewing her bottom lip like it's providing sustenance.

“I can get you something if you’re hungry,” I say, adjusting the sheet on the bed. It’s a simple hospital room, but it’s private, so that counts for everything. All the rooms at Springs General are private. It’s a nice perk compared to other hospitals in the state.

Angie glares back at me. “I’m going along with this, because I want out of here, but I am in no way, shape, or form going home with you.”

“Then I’m not signing you out.”

“Seriously? What do you care if I swell up and pass out? You were anxious to get me out of your way earlier. You were convinced I was the devil.”

I laugh. “Please, I doubt the devil would be quite so worried about a stolen keg. Besides, I’m willing to let everything go for the sake of your healing.” I must say the words too sarcastically because she scoffs.

“Please, there’s nothing for you to let go. If anyone is letting anything go here, it’s me. You were sneaking around town, causing a scene, and I did what I had to do. Then you got me so worked up that I ran into traffic without paying attention.”

“I know,” I say. “I’ve been thinking about that all night. You never would’ve done that had I not been losing my mind. I’m sorry.”

Her eyebrows gather between her eyes and she stares back at me as though she wasn’t expecting my reaction. Her tone softens. “Oh, well… I didn’t mean it like that. I’m… it wasn’t really your fault. I could’ve watched where I was going. I probably let this whole thing work me up too much to begin with.”

“Let me take care of you,” I say, softer now than I had before. “You can have free rein on the master bedroom, and I’ll let you have the office chair in the shop. We’ll pretend to like each other for a couple of days, then put this whole thing behind us like it never happened.”

Angie looks toward me with a downturned innocence that sets every nerve ending I have on fire, including a small twitch in my cock that makes me uncomfortable as hell.

“Fine,” she says with reluctance, “but I’m taking care of myself. You’re just there to make sure I don’t die.”

“Lucky for you, making sure people don’t die… is my specialty.”

Chapter Three

Angie

If you’ve ever been in a room with a man that’s both smoldering hot and extremely unlikeable, you’d know the feeling I’m having. It’s somewhere between wet panties and burning itch, and I’m not too fond of the latter.

“Wrench,” Levi grunts, bent down in front of his bike. When he’s not barking orders at me, I can’t take my eyes off him. His large, flexed, toned frame hung over the bike is a sight to be seen.

I hand him the first wrench I see in his toolbox.

“No, I need the smaller one.” His tone is kind, but I’m still annoyed by him as I drop the heavy metal wrench back into the box and fish for a smaller tool. When I find it, I hand it toward him with anger.

“You should be more specific when you tell me what tool you want. You can say, hand me the small wrench, and I’ll hand you that one.”

He smiles a wide, white grin that tingles all the parts I wish it weren’t tingling. “What fun would that be?”

“Is that what you’re calling this… fun?”

“Oh, come on. Who doesn’t love going straight from the hospital to a motorcycle shop? The fresh scent of oil and exhaust, it’s a dream come true.”

There’s something about listening to him talk about motorcycles that makes me hot. It has since the day I met him, but we’re not the same people. He’s loose with his life and every decision he makes. I’m more straight and narrow. This wrench thing is the perfect example. A wrench is not just a wrench. He knows that too, yet he still insists on calling them all wrenches.

“Are you still over at the diner?” He keeps his eyes on the part he’s fixing while he talks. I should be nice and talk back. Maybe he really does feel guilty about what happened. It really wasn’t his fault.

“Yeah,” I say, “since I moved here. It’s been almost two years now. I think I’ll finally have enough saved for my antique shop. Maddox and Henry said there was a spot between the barber shop and the post office that I could rent out. I’ve collected so many great pieces between here and California, but it’s nerve-wracking thinking about opening a place on my own.”

“It’s worth it, though,” he says, still messing with the small wrench. “I bet an antique shop would do well here. It’s a good idea.”

“I’m not sure anyone has ever told me the idea is good. Thank you.” I pause. “To be fair, though, I haven’t told anyone except Maddox and Henry and I only told them because they own all the real estate in town. Hell, they own the land surrounding it.”

“What about Julie? She’s just as much an owner as the boys. You two are close friends, right?”

I nod. “It was her idea for me to pursue the dream, but she’s so busy with the two sets of twins that I didn’t want to bog her down with anything else. I might drop her some muffins tomorrow though, after I stop by with a basket for the medics that helped after the car crash.”

Levi looks up at me with a slight grin. “I knew you’d do that.”

“Do what?”

“Bake muffins for everyone. I said it to myself in the hospital before we left. You know that’s their job, right?”

I nod. “Sure, but they did it exceptionally well. Besides, I appreciate them. Are you angry because no one has ever made you cupcakes?”

He grins. “Not even one, and I think I do a pretty good job on these bike repairs.”

“Well, maybe I’ll have a few left over for you, you poor thing.”

He shakes his head. “It’s not the same. I have to know they were made just for me, a batch all my own.”

I roll my eyes. “What’s your story, anyway? Have you always lived here?”

“Socket wrench,” he says, glaring back up at me to correct himself. “The seven-eighths.”

I hand him the proper tool, happy that he’s given me exact orders.

“No story to tell. I grew up in Wyoming, made a few mistakes, wanted to get away, came out here for a fresh start, and never looked back. What about you?”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa… what mistakes? That story was missing all the details.”

He shakes his head and grins. “If you knew all my secrets, then I wouldn’t be nearly as mysterious…” His gaze glares up toward me as he twists the socket wrench. “Would that make me nearly as attractive?”

“Attractive? Who says you’re attractive?”

My heart beats wildly underneath my yellow sundress. Anyone who looked at him would know he was attractive. There’s no debating it.

He grins wider. “You don’t think I’m attractive?”

I roll my eyes upward. “No. God, no!” It’s the most unbelievable no I’ve ever tried to pass off in my life. In fact, it’s nearly disgusting, it’s so false.

“That’s too bad,” he says. “I’ve been growing quite the affinity for you.”

My brows narrow. “What does that mean?”

“You’re pretty. I was hoping the attraction was mutual.”

“And what difference does that make? I’m your captor for the next forty-eight hours. Don’t you think that would be awkward?”

“Only if you were to tell me you didn’t think I was attractive, which you did… so yes, now it’s awkward.” He pauses and reaches his giant hand up toward mine. “Flathead.”

I hand him the flathead screwdriver, my heart thumping so hard I’m afraid he might hear it from where he’s sitting. He doesn’t really think I’m attractive. He can’t. He’s so far out of my league that there are worlds between us, oceans of space and time that are seemingly endless.

“Nice job trying to distract me from your secrets, but I’m not falling for it. Tell me why you needed a fresh start. I think I deserve to know, considering the circumstances.”

He laughs and glances up at me. “Why can’t you take a compliment? You’re pretty, gorgeous actually. I couldn’t take my eyes off you in the hospital.”

“What? In the hospital? I was a mess. I’d just been hit by a car. What’s wrong with you?”

He shrugs. “You still looked good. You should be happy. Not all people would.”

If my jaw could drop any further, it would. I shake my head, trying to figure his angle, but he keeps going.

“You really don’t see it, huh?” He swipes one hand over top the stubble on his chin, then over top his handlebar mustache. “I thought I was relatively attractive, but I guess it’s not for everyone.”

I roll my eyes. “Shut up. We both know you’re handsome.”

His eyes light and he looks up at me with that award winning smile again, the one that soaks my panties in all the ways I wish it weren’t. “You really think so?”

I nod. “Yes… now tell me these secrets. I have to know what you’re hiding before we get back to your place tonight.”

“What makes you think it’s bad? Maybe I needed a fresh start from a job or—”

“Because that’s not what people say when they lose a job. That’s what they say when they’ve committed a string of crimes and they’re looking for places to hide out.”

He nods slowly, the Cheshire grin still on his face.

Why is he so attractive… even when he’s being difficult?

“Well then, you’d be happy to know I left Wyoming because of an ex. I didn’t know how to leave a toxic relationship. We got together young, and I felt loyal to her despite how she was treating me. I gave that woman years of my life and I couldn’t stand seeing her around town. Every time we bumped into each other, I was reminded of how bad it got. I just couldn’t keep reliving that trauma. So, I decided to do what I love, and I found the first town I could that needed a bike shop. Now I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”

“That’s awful. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. You wanted to make sure I wasn’t a criminal.”

I smile. “It was none of my business, though. I shouldn’t have pushed you to talk about something you moved states away from to avoid.”

He shakes his head. “Really, it’s fine. I don’t usually have people ask about it. It’s kind of nice to know that it’s been long enough that talking about it doesn’t make me instantly stressed anymore.” He looks at me with a smile. “Believe it or not, the guys here aren’t into chatting about relationships.”

I laugh. “I’m shocked,” I say sarcastically. “Old relationships are hard. I had an ex, recently, who cheated on me and it was devastating. Apparently, the whole time we were dating, he was always sampling the girls on some app.” I roll my eyes. “I still don’t get it. He knew I had no family left and very few friends and he just…”

“Yeah, I get it. Sometimes we spend all of our energy clinging to any life raft we can reach when we think we’re sinking.”

“I haven’t trusted anyone since.” I stare into the distance at an oil can sitting on the tool bench behind Levi. “I moved out here from California to get away from him… and internet dating.”

“People can still get online here,” he says with a smile as he tosses the screwdriver back into the toolbox and stands from the ground, towering over me.

I look up. “I know, but out here, I don’t feel like I need to be. It’s like this place took me back in time, you know? Everyone talks to each other and lives so simply. I feel like if I meet someone here, they’ll be a better person because they’ll know how to talk to someone face to face.”

“It’s a step back in time alright. Have you ever ridden a horse like this?” He nods toward the motorcycle.

“No way!”

He grabs a helmet off the back of the bike and hands it toward me. “Strap this on.”

I shake my head. “I’m not doing it. Do you know how many deaths happen every day because of motorcycles?”

He nods. “And I can’t imagine what would happen if you were to fall off one after a concussion, which is why we’ll go slow. My cabin is only a mile from this place and I need to give this thing a ride to make sure it runs okay. I promise you’ll be fine. I’ve ridden my whole life.”

I’m not sure that gives me reassurance. I’m not one to take risks. I’m the one to worry about every detail of the risk and the subsequent details of how many more risks are attached to the original risk, but as I watch Levi climb onto the bike with his large body all I want more than anything is a reason to mold myself around him and hang on tight. And so, for the first time in my life, I throw caution to the wind and grip that man as tight as I can, because apparently, I hit my head harder than I thought.

Chapter Four

Levi

She wants to say no. I can see it in her eyes, but she climbs onto the back of the bike despite her better judgment. “I promise I’ll take it extra slow for you.”

“You better, or I’ll make you stop, and I’ll walk the rest of the way.” Her voice shakes as she sits in place behind me.

“If you hate it that much, we’ll come back down and get my truck. Deal?”

“Deal,” she says, reluctance still in her voice. I know she wants to break free from her shell. I can feel it in the way she tucks into me. I grip her thigh and pull her into me, securing her body close to mine.

Fuck.

Sure, I needed to test drive this bike, and this guy isn’t picking it up until tomorrow, so riding up the mountain would’ve been part of my routine anyway, but part of me thought the motorcycle ride would distract me. It usually clears whatever I have going on in my mind. The wind, the scent of motor oil, and whatever roadside flowers I’m passing takes me out of my troubles. When it’s just the open road laid out in front of me, the mountains at my side… I’m at peace. Today, however, it’s anything but. Having Angie on the back is both thrilling and calming at the same time.

“I see why you wanted me to ride,” she jokes, leaning in against my back. She’s so close that I feel her speared nipples poke against me. Her hands run down my shoulder and settle low on my stomach, hooking together at my belt line.

“You caught on to me,” I laugh. “Now be a good girl and hold on tight.”

We’re only going a little bit up the road, but before we’ve even turned off Main Street, she’s in my ear begging me to go further.

“This is actually pretty great,” she sighs, her warm breath on the back of my neck. “Keep going. I want to see the whole mountain like this.” She squeezes her thighs around me as she talks. “I want to feel the power of this thing. Go as fast as she’ll go!”

I chuckle a little and shake my head before running my hand over her wrists at my waist. I’d stay on this bike with her forever, but I’m not sure we should be taking any more chances than absolutely necessary. “We’ll have to save the long rides for when we’re sure you’re back to one hundred percent. Right now, you need to rest and eat something.”

“Such a buzzkill. Has anyone ever told you that?” She laughs and I assume it’s at the hypocrisy of her statement. I’m sure that any other day she’d be the one insisting on the rest and I’d be begging we stay on the road just a little longer. 

I ignore the comment and turn into the stone pathway that leads to my cabin, a small one-bedroom home just beyond the main highway surrounded by cedar and pine.

When I cut the engine and tilt the bike, she’s still holding onto me tight, as though she isn’t ready to let go. Maybe I should just keep the engine running and go slow up and down the driveway all night long, just to keep her this close to me.

“This is… cozy,” she says, leaning back. Her hands move from my waist up my back and then off me gently, as though she wants to keep her touch on me as long as possible.

“That’s a nice way of saying small,” I say, climbing off the bike. I reach back to take her hands and help her off, but her legs are shaky, and I worry she’d fall to the ground if I didn’t hold her up. When I have her upright, she’s looking up at me, her eyes bright and beautiful, drinking in the moment. And I swear, in this moment, our age difference no longer seems like that big of a deal. If she wants to grab on to me like she just did, I’d be forever a happy man. That soft, curvy body holding me tight… amazing. I know my job is to keep her safe over the next few days, but she better watch herself. If she keeps touching me like that, I might have to claim her as mine permanently. My mind flashes to her bent over on my bed, my hands on the back of her neck, the sweet sighs that would slide from her lips as she took me in.

Fuck. I shouldn’t be thinking about any of this shit. I’m here to heal her. Not only that, but I doubt she’s even into me. This is an arrangement, so she doesn’t have to sit in the hospital. She didn’t run off with me because she’s dying to know what my dick feels like inside of her. Then again, she did grip me pretty tight on the ride up here.

Knock it off, Levi. I shake my head and refocus my attention as she begins to talk.

“Thanks for helping me off the bike. I guess I’m still a little shakier than I thought.” She clears her throat and looks back at my cabin. “Your cabin isn’t small, it’s cozy. There’s a difference.”

I know she’s only being nice. The place is small, maybe six hundred square feet if I’m being generous. “In my defense,” I say, holding onto her waist as we walk toward the front door, “I only ever figured it would be me up here. And I did say you could have the master bedroom to yourself.”

She smiles but doesn’t say anything as the popping of rocks behind us turns us both around. I’ve never seen the approaching truck before. It’s an old beat up Chevy with rust around both the wheel wells and the hood. A tall man hops from the driver’s side and makes his way toward us like he’s been here before or has some sort of claim. He’s brazen. People don’t take kindly up here to folks trespassing and right now, I’d consider this man a straight up trespasser.

“Oh my God,” Angie says, backing behind me. “It’s him… my ex.” Her voice is low as I turn back toward her.

“I thought you two broke it off years ago?”

She nods and whispers as he gets closer. “We did. I don’t know what the hell this is about or how he knows where I am.”

“Angie,” the man says, “the hospital said you’d be here or at that motorcycle shop downtown. I followed you up here.”

My brows narrow and I step forward in front of Angie. “The hospital?”

“The hospital called me after the accident. Angie had me listed as next of kin.”

“Shoot,” Angie says stepping out from behind me. “I did. I’m sorry. They didn’t tell me they’d called you or I’d have let you know I’m fine.”

He nods toward me. “Who’s this?”

“A friend,” Angie says, stiffening beside me. I get the feeling this dude did more than cheat. She’s scared of him.

“Must be a pretty close friend. You’re holding onto him pretty tight.”

She loosens her grip for a second on my arm, but tightens it again immediately. “I’m good here. You can leave. I’m sorry you came all this way. I would’ve called you. I—”

He takes a step closer. “You didn’t call me though, and now I’m here. So let me take care of you. It’s better than letting some stranger do it, especially the stranger that pushed you into the street.”

I wonder how he got so much information, but this is a small town and word travels fast. I stand between him and Angie, my biceps flexing as I look down at him from the porch steps. “Get the fuck off my property and move fast. A few more steps there, champ, and your truck won’t be the only thing around here with extra holes in it.”

“Do what you have to do, guy,” the man says. “I’m not leaving without her.”

“Just go, Jasper!” Angie yells before pulling me into the cabin. She shuts the door behind her and pulls the lock before leaning against it to catch her breath.

“Should I be dizzy, because I feel dizzy.”

“You’re stressing yourself out. You need to tell me who that guy is.”

She pants at the door like someone’s been chasing her. “I told you, he’s my ex. I haven’t seen him in years. I don’t know what his problem is.”

I grab my gun from the case near the kitchen and reach for the door but Angie pushes me away.

“I don’t want you to get hurt.”

I laugh. “I’m not going to get hurt, trust me. That guy is a loser. And I swear to God if he hurt you, I’ll make sure he fucking pays.” I look down at her, her eyes telling a story I don’t need to hear to know. I open the door and stalk out onto the porch, gun pointed. “You have ten seconds to get off my property. Nine. Eight.” I stalk toward him as he backs away from the porch and toward his truck like the little bitch I knew he was. “Six. Five.” He opens his truck door and gets in, starting up the piece of shit that brought him here. “Three. Two.” I don’t make it to one before his tires are kicking up dust as he makes his way out onto the main road.

Angie steps out onto the porch, her arms wrapped around her chest. “No one has ever stood up for me like that before.”

“What did he do to you?”

“He only threatened me… intimidated me whenever he could. He hated that I worried about everything. He said he would give me something to worry about. So... he did. That’s when he started seeing Lacey. Apparently, she’s better at everything.”

My fists clench and my jaw tightens as I look toward Angie. She’s so young, so innocent, so perfect in every sense of the word. The thought of that asshole ever making her feel unsafe makes my skin crawl with anger and has me desperate to hold Angie tighter… which is not good considering she’s only here for a couple days.

Chapter Five

Angie

I shouldn’t be turned on by such barbaric things. A man asserting his strength to protect a woman shouldn’t get me hot, but it does, especially when the man being put in his place is Jasper. I roll my eyes and splash water onto my face. This isn’t the eighteen hundreds, girl. Certainly, women have evolved since then. Women are strong and they can take care of themselves. I know that, logically, but somewhere deep inside, knowing that Levi had a carnal need to protect me, sets my engines on overdrive and my clit into hyper-speed. I’m soaked just thinking about the look on his face as he stalked past me to take care of Jasper. Nothing was going to stop him.

I exhale a heavy breath and stare up at myself in the mirror. Something is wrong with you. I twist to open the bathroom door, inhaling the scent of grilled meats coming from the back porch. Levi is standing in front of the grill, flipping burgers, and stewing in what I can only imagine is Jasper’s visit. I need to make it better, but I don’t know how, or even why he’d be so upset. Technically, we just met, and even more technically, Levi didn’t like me twenty-four hours ago.

I step out onto the back porch which looks out onto the valley and snow-capped mountains in the distance. From here, you’re like an eagle on top of the world. 

“I’m really sorry about that today.”

Levi turns toward me, his gaze intense and hot. “Don’t apologize for someone else’s stupidity.” He walks closer toward me before placing his hand on the back of my neck, our faces so close that we’re almost touching. His nostrils are flaring and there’s a vein in his neck that’s pulsing so fast I can see the skin move. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he was into me, but I’ve never had anyone react to me like this before, so it’s hard to tell. However, I think my body might be deciding for me. My clit is throbbing, and goosebumps are shooting up my arms as he stares into my eyes.

“Okay,” I croak. “I won’t.”

His stance softens, and he runs his hand down from the back of my neck onto my shoulders and beneath my chin, tipping my gaze upward. “I don’t know how much longer I can hold out.”

I know what he means. It’s written all over his face, but I want to hear him say it. “What are you holding out on?”

He pauses and licks his lips before tipping his head down and leaning into my ear. “Touching you.” His voice is a growl, sending chills down my spine and into my groin. “Kissing you,” he continues, his warm breath on the lobe of my ear. “Claiming you. Am I crazy, or are you feeling this too?” He leans back a bit, his heat melting me into a puddle right here on the porch.

I do feel it. There’s a chemistry between us that I’ve never felt before. It’s hot and cold all at once. “Who said you have to hold out?” My words are breathy and barely audible, but he hears them… loud and clear. Almost as quickly as the words leave my mouth, his hands are fisted in the back of my hair and his lips are nearly on mine.

“I shouldn’t,” he growls, like holding back is causing him physical pain and I really want to take that pain away.

“Why?” I’m panting.

“You’ve just left the hospital, you’re still recovering, and that asshole was at the door twenty minutes ago. You need time to get your head on straight before I’m running your temperature up again.”

So we agree he’d be running my temperature up.

“Kiss me,” I say, our gaze on one another in the late afternoon sun.

He huffs as though he’s upset with himself then looks away, but when he looks back again, it’s only seconds before his lips are on mine. Full and steady, hard and pressured. He’s so close that I feel his hard bulge struggle against the fabric of his jeans. He drags his lips down over my chin and onto my neck, holding my face in his large hand as he presses into me even further. I want him now. I want him to lay me down and take me like an animal… like he can’t hold back… like he can’t be controlled.

He growls low into the nape of my neck and slides his free hand onto the back of my waist. “I better stop.”

“Or what? You’ll lose control? Go for it… lose control.” I’m not sure if it’s the new motorcycle me or the recent head trauma, but I don’t care. I’m not going to hold back anymore. I lower myself to my knees and unbuckle his jeans, desperate to see what’s behind the fabric.

“Oh, honey. You’d better stop.” He groans when he speaks, but he doesn’t stop me, his fingertips run through my hair as I unbuckle his belt and then his pants, pushing them low to the ground to expose his giant cock. He’s thick and long and when he’s free from the constraints of the fabric, he stands up tall, the head pulsing purple and ready to be sucked. I should tell him I’ve never done this for anyone, but I’m sure once I start, it will be more than apparent I have zero experience. It’s part of the reason Jasper got so annoyed with me. But if he’d made me feel even a fraction of what Levi makes me feel, I’d have given up the fight in seconds.

I grip Levi’s cock in my hand and stroke it gently as I look up at him.

“Get off your knees, honey. Come on.” He’s saying the words, but I know deep down he’s desperate for my lips on his throbbing cock.

I kiss the tip, then swirl my tongue around, tasting him.

A satisfied grunt leaves his throat as I take him into my mouth, sucking, licking, and pumping his erection in my fist. He’s so big that he nearly gags me with just a third of his cock, but I work harder to get him in further.

Groan after groan escape his lips as he runs his fingers through my hair. “Oh my God.”

My tongue swirls around the head of his cock then back down again toward the shaft.

“Fuck.” He pulls me off him and helps me to my feet, sinking his hands into my hips before lifting my skirt and bending down in front of me. The motion is so fast and smooth that I don’t have time to fight him. I want more of his cock. I want to taste him. I want to lick him until he’s desperate to come.

Bending in front of me, he kisses my mound over top my thin white panties, biting gently as he looks up at me with hazed eyes like he’s gone wild, like he’s about to howl at the moon. My clit twitches and my heart races with no bounds. I’ve never needed anything more. I run my hands through his dark hair and sigh a bit of relief as he moves my panties to the side to kiss the bare flesh of my most private area. My knees begin to buckle, but he grips me tight and steadies me.

“Are you okay?” He looks up with worry, but I dismiss it.

“I’m better than I’ve ever been. Don’t stop. Please.” He kisses my crease, licking over it so slowly that my legs begin to shake as he slides two fingers into my slit. I’m tight. I know I’m tight. I feel him struggling to even get a finger in. I should tell him I’m a virgin.

Instead, I beg him for more. “I need you, Levi.” My tone is desperate and needy, then confused as I’m interrupted by the rumbling of a truck in the distance. I’ve heard that sound before, the last time less than an hour ago, and I have a feeling this Earth-shattering experience I’m having is about to be put on hold.

Chapter Six

Levi

This Jasper guy has Angie worked into a frenzy, which makes me wonder what more she isn’t telling me, but I’m not sure it matters right now. For the next forty-eight hours I need to keep her blood pressure on point and her mind at ease, though my cock keeps trying to convince me of something much more… strenuous.

“I know that was his truck,” she says, sitting at the small dining table near the window. She’s peering out as though she’s waiting for him to return with backup.

“And what if it was?” I set two cinnamon rolls in front of her.

She looks at me puzzled, like I’m really expecting an answer.

“If it’s Jasper driving around somewhere out there, I’ll take care of it. There’s no need to worry.”

She stays quiet for the next few seconds, studying the sticky rolls as though maybe they have the answer. “Where did you get these? They look… sad.”

“Sad? They’re the only treat I keep around here. I buy them at the bakery once a month then keep them in the freezer. They’re good to pull out when I’m craving something sweet. It just takes a few seconds in the microwave to thaw them.”

“The microwave? You’re really in need of some homemade treats, aren’t you?”

I bite into the roll and shrug. “This seems good to me. I—”

She swipes the plate from beneath me and dumps the rolls into the trash. “No, no, no. I’ll make you something good.” She opens the fridge and then the cupboards making note of the ingredients on hand. “I was going to make something for the medics too. Do you mind if I use this stuff? I’ll pay you back.”

I stand from the table and grip her into my arms, leaning my kiss into the nape of her neck. “That’s right you will.”

She giggles and leans against the counter, bending her neck back to let me further in. My cock begins to throb again, straining against the zipper of my jeans. “Fuck. You have no idea what you’re doing to me.”

She raises her brows, as her cheeks turn a shade of red. “Oh, I have an idea.”

I kiss her again, this time on the forehead. “Okay, what can I help with?”

“Nothing.” She swats me away with a soft spatula playfully. “I’m baking for you, so you have to go make yourself useful somewhere else.”

In all my years, I’ve never had a woman bake something fresh for me. This is something I could get used to.

“Here,” Angie says, setting a beer down on the tray next to my recliner. “You drink this, watch your game, and I’ll bring you something warm and gooey when I’m done.”

Either I’m extremely horny or everything she’s saying sounds sexual. She kisses the top of my head and flutters back to the kitchen like it’s her happy place and I have to say, watching her go to her happy place might be my happy place.

The game is on low in the background, but I can’t keep my eyes off Angie as she measures and mixes, singing to herself as she works. It’s now that I’m reminded of how young she is again. Her energy, even after a car accident is so much brighter than mine. What am I doing?

I look away from her and toward the baseball game. The Rockies are up by two at the top of the eighth. We should win tonight, which would be a downright miracle. The batter steps up to the plate and stares out at the roaring crowd. Everyone is on pins and needles for a win… except for me. I can’t stay focused on the game to save my life, and I’ve been waiting for this game all week. Instead, my eyes are on Angie as she works, a smile on her face until the rumble of the truck returns.

She flashes a look toward me, then tips up onto her toes to look out the window above the kitchen sink. “I told you that was him. What do we do now? He’s brought the sheriff. Why would the sheriff come with him?”

What the hell does this guy think he’s proving?

I stand from the recliner and push back the footrest with my legs, tucking my gun into the back of my jeans before making my way toward Angie whose pretty face has gone from content and happy to worried in a matter of seconds.

“You stay here,” I say, planting a kiss on the top of her head. “Don’t come to the door for anyone. Okay?”

She nods, but I can see she isn’t wholeheartedly in agreement with me. “No. Please don’t go. I’ll go. He wants to talk to me.”

“Do you want to talk to him?”

I’m not sure why I’m asking. I don’t want to give her a choice. Everything about this guy screams danger, but I also don’t want to impede her closure on something if that’s what she’s looking for.

“I’ll handle this,” she says again, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel before walking to the door.

I don’t like this at all, but if she needs to talk, this is the safest place with the sheriff and myself standing here to protect her.

Swinging open the cabin door, she steps out onto the porch.

“Is there something wrong, sheriff?” I ask. I bet he wasn’t expecting to see us again so soon. Luckily, we know each other fairly well so I’m surprised he’s entertained this asshole, but I suppose he doesn’t have a choice.

“This gentleman says he knows you, Angie. He said you were being held here against your will. Is that true?”

She nearly laughs at the comment. “No. God, no. I want to be here.”

The sheriff looks toward Jasper who’s already running off at the mouth again. “With a criminal? You want to be here with a criminal?”

Fucking hell. What did this asshole find in the last hour? It’s been one fucking hour.

Angie looks back at me, her eyes searching for answers, but she doesn’t waver.

“He’s not a criminal,” she says, sure as the day is long. She has complete faith in me… but I haven’t told her everything. There hasn’t been time.

I reach for her shoulder. “Angie, I—”

She twists back toward me, the smile that was on her face just ten minutes ago so far gone that I’m not sure it ever existed. I have to tell her what I’ve been holding back.

“I moved away from—”

“No! Are you serious? You lied to me?” she says, a gasp in her throat. “You totally lied to me, didn’t you? And I believed every second of it all. You didn’t leave Wyoming to get away from your ex. You left because you’re a common criminal, just like I thought.”

I sigh and reach for her, but she pulls away. “I can explain if you’ll just listen.”

“There’s nothing to listen to, Levi. I should’ve…” She stumbles sideways and then forward. “Everything is spinning.”

I step forward and hold her in my arms as she falls. “Ambulance. We need a fucking ambulance.”

Chapter Seven

Angie

A hushed alarm beeps beside me as my eyes flutter open, the scent of bleach and some sort of flower in the air.

“Angie!” It’s my friend Molly from the diner. We’ve worked together for the past year, but we haven’t gotten that close. I’m surprised that she’s here. “You’ve been knocked out for days. Are you okay? Do you know who I am? I should call the doctor.” She starts to pull away, but I grab her, and pull her back in.

“Days? What do you mean days? What happened?”

She shrugs. “I don’t know. They said you were with Levi and Jasper showed up causing a scene and you just passed out. The doctor said your brain was trying to protect itself. I probably shouldn’t be telling you all this. Let me get the doctor.” She tries to walk away again, but I pull her back.

“No. Why… how long have you…”

She smiles as though she knows where I’m going with this. “I know I’m not the person you were expecting to see, but they wouldn’t let Levi sit with you, and when he called the diner to let us know you’d be out for an indefinite time, I came up to see you. When I saw nobody was here, I couldn’t help but stay.”

Great, she feels guilty for me. How nice.

“I know you’re thinking I’m here for pity, but if I don’t have my work bestie to keep me company, I’m not sure who I do have. I tell you all my problems. No one gets me like you do.”

I’m not all with it yet, but she seems genuine, which is kind of nice to hear. I don’t know many people in town and knowing someone missed me feels kind of nice, though a part of me does miss Levi… even if he is a criminal. I shake my head, wondering what kind of criminal he actually is, but I decide it doesn’t matter. He lied to me, and I’m not starting a relationship off with a heap of lies, especially about something like this.

“Well, thanks for coming out here. I appreciate it,” I say, squeezing Molly’s hand. “What’s the buzz over at the diner this week? Anything good… besides me and my ridiculous stunts?”

She smiles wide, brushing a hand down over her crimson ponytail. “There’s this guy that keeps stopping by. His name is Mark or Mack or something, but he’s got this Mullet and all these muscles and oh my God.”

“Does he work at the bar? Because if he does, you’re talking about Mullet.”

Her eyes widen. “His actual name is Mullet?”

“Oh, I hadn’t put that together,” I laugh. “Maybe not, but I know that’s what everyone calls him. Just take it easy on him. He’s a little old for you.”

She crinkles her eyebrows. “You’re one to talk. Weren’t you shacking up with Levi before all this happened?”

“Yeah, and look how well that’s turning out. Do what you want. I’m just saying be careful.”

She squeezes my hand and twists back as the door creaks open. “Ms. Miller,” a nurse says. It’s the kind woman from yesterday. “You’re awake. How are you feeling?”

“Good.” I let the rest of the words on my mind linger. Like, where is Levi? Is he okay? Is he home with some other woman and forgotten all about me? Those questions aren’t relevant, nor would Mary know the answer to them.

Mary tilts her head to the side and checks the tubes that are connected to my arms before looking up at the monitor to note my vitals. “Something is wrong. You can tell me. I’m here to help.”

“I think she’s wondering if Levi has called,” Molly says, darting a look toward me like she’s reading my mind.

I actually appreciate that she’s spoken up. I’d have never asked on my own and my heart is aching to know where he is for some unknown reason. It’s probably because I’m a glutton for punishment and heartache.

Mary nods toward the doorway. “Yes, the tall man with all the muscles and tattoos? The one that was sitting here with you the other day?”

I suck in a deep breath and nod, scared for what she’ll say next.

She reaches down and squeezes my hand gently. “Sweetheart, we’ve told him to leave a million times, but the man has been sitting in the waiting room for two days. He hasn’t even gone home to bed. He just sleeps in the chair. I think he’s been living off bottled water and granola bars from the vending machine. I snuck him a sandwich this morning, even though he was part of a ruckus here yesterday, and I’m pretty sure hospital administration is ready to have him removed by police.”

My heart warms, crushes, and defies itself all at once. How could he sit out in the waiting room for two days? He’s just sitting. He can’t even see me. “What kind of ruckus did he cause?”

“Well, it wasn’t him that caused it. It was that other guy, the one with the leather jacket and the black hair. I didn’t catch his name.” I know she’s talking about Jasper. “Anyway,” she says, “he was trying to get back to see you but the muscle guy dragged him out of the hospital and punched him square in the jaw. The only reason the police didn’t haul him away right then was because the leather guy had some kind of warrant out for his arrest.”

My jaw drops. “What for?”

Mary shrugs. “I don’t know, dear. There’re a lot of rumors going around and I don’t want to spread misinformation, especially in your state. Do you want me to get the muscle man? I’m sure he’d love to see you and it’s late enough that no one will say anything if I let him back.”

I swallow hard and dart a look toward Molly as though she’s going to give me the answer.

“You don’t have to,” Mary says. “I thought maybe that’s why he was here because you two were a thing.”

“It’s complicated,” I say, letting out a heavy breath. “Do you mind if I think about it for a second?”

Mary nods. “Yes. It’s probably best if you see the doctor first, anyway. I’m going to run and get him. Sit tight.” She laughs at her favorite nurse joke again, then slips through the doorway, leaving Molly and I to talk.

“What are you going to do? That’s a pretty insane thing to do… sit for two days in a waiting room. I wouldn’t do that for anyone.”

“I know, exactly. It’s crazy. Most people go home to sleep and come back in the morning because that’s the sane thing to do. Maybe he’s crazy on top of everything else.”

“What’s everything else?”

I roll my eyes. “He failed to tell me he was some kind of criminal before we got kind of intimate and then Jasper, my ex, showed up and blew up his spot.”

“A criminal? What kind of criminal? And who are we talking about? The only Levi I know is the one that runs the bike shop, and he’s nice as hell to my dad. He takes his bike in there all the time.”

I forgot Molly has lived here all her life, and now I’m spreading unfounded rumors about Levi. Maybe he was living a criminal free life out here quietly all these years and now I’m wrecking it for him. Then again, if he’d told me the truth to begin with, I wouldn’t be in this position.

“I don’t know what he did or anything about it. He—”

“Ms. Miller,” the doctor says. “You’re up and talking. Hopefully you’re not stressing yourself out.” He laughs. “Your head has had enough for a few months, maybe even years if you ask me.” Waving a tiny flashlight in front of my eyes, he checks my pupils, and then presses his thumb into my skin. When he’s satisfied with his results, he stands up straight, and looks toward me. “Everything seems to be in working order. How do you feel? Any headaches, dizziness, or double vision?”

I shake my head. “No, I feel normal.”

“Normal is good,” he laughs, noting it in his iPad. The man is in his late sixties, I’d guess, and his tan suggests he’s just spent the better part of the weekend at the lake. “Most of us don’t feel normal on a good day, so I think you’re already ahead of the game.” He notes something else then turns away. “I’m going to set up your discharge papers and Mary is going to come in and get you walking. As long as you’re steady on your feet and you can hold food down, you’re good to go.”

I nod, keeping as quiet as possible so that he doesn’t change his mind. All I want is to get out of here and back to my rental so I can sit in silence with a good book. Reading romance is so much easier than living it. I know without a shadow of a doubt that the endings will be happy. In real life, it’s a crapshoot.

“So, what are you going to do with Levi?” Molly asks. “Maybe you two should talk. He can tell you what he did that was so bad. I mean… my dad spent his whole career with the department of justice, and he didn’t notice anything off about him. Maybe he deserves a chance to tell you his side of the story. You guys really liked each other, right?”

I suck in a deep breath. “I still like him. Thinking of him sitting uncomfortably for two days with little to no sleep for me only makes that stronger. Who does that? What if he’s done something awful?”

“You need to talk to him. What better place to do it then here? I’ll be in the hall with every nurse and doctor in Colorado Springs. Should I go get him?”

I stare toward Molly, her bright green eyes willing me to leap forward.

“Sure,” I say. “Let’s do this.”

Chapter Eight

Levi

I lean my head back against the wall and close my eyes. Exhaustion isn’t the word for what I’m feeling. It’s more so depletion at the highest level. The sandwich Mary left this morning did help, though. I’ll have to make sure and thank her when I get my head on straight again.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I reach for it immediately, hoping by some grace of chance that it’s Angie, but it’s Mullet. He’s probably wondering why the hell I’m here and not at the bike shop for the second day in a row.

“Hey, man,” I say, clearing my throat.

“You sound like shit. Where are you? Don’t tell me your still in the hospital.”

“She’s going to wake up, and when she does… I’m going to be here.”

“Dude… you’re fucking crazy. They’re not going to let you in. You… you have to take care of yourself if you’re going to be any good for her. That’s rule one, right?”

“I know, man. Believe me. But that’s the thing, this is taking care of me too. I couldn’t go home and know she was here alone.”

Mullet laughs. “You’ve got it bad. Do you need me to do anything over at the shop?”

“No, thanks. I called Keith yesterday and let him know he needs to run things for a while. What’s up with you? I could use a distraction from these cream-colored walls.”

He lets a deep breath into his lungs. “Oh shit… nothing exciting. Well, except I did meet this cute girl down at the diner.”

“Levi?” a girl says from beside me. She’s short with dark red hair and bright green eyes. She sort of reminds me of a comic book character the way her features are so pronounced. She doesn’t have a name tag on and she’s dressed in sweats and a t-shirt so I don’t think she works here. I’m curious, though, how she knows my name.

I lower the phone from my ear and look toward her. “Yeah.”

“Hi. I’m Angie’s friend, Molly. I… Angie asked me to see if you’d like to talk.”

My heart bottoms out into my stomach and I stand from the chair, pulling the phone back to my face. “I’ll let you go, buddy. I’ll… ugh… I’ll call you later.” I look down at Molly. “Yes. What room is she in?”

“Three hundred and twelve. It’s on the third floor to the right. There’s a palm tree on her door I believe.”

I’ve been sitting so long with the idea that she’d never want to see me again that I didn’t rehearse what I’d say to her when I saw her. Now my head is spinning too wildly to think of anything coherent.

I step into the elevator and press the button for the third floor, anxiously waiting as I rise up. It’s not a long ride, but it’s like I’m moving at a snail’s pace as I try to calm my heart slamming against my rib cage. I’ve never felt more pressure in my life. Being with Angie for the past few days has been everything. I’ve never felt the way I do for her with anyone. Hell, I didn’t even know feeling this way was a possibility.

The elevator beeps and I step out into the hallway and stride toward the right where I see Angie sitting up in bed, monitors still hooked to her as she leans her head back against the pillow.

Fuck, I really don’t want to say anything wrong and not saying things wrong hasn’t been my strong suit. Not to mention the whole criminal history thing that the jackoff ex of hers made a big deal about. I should’ve told her sooner.

“Hey,” I say, stepping into the room. My heart immediately warms seeing her and every inch of my skin is crawling to wrap her in my arms again, but I hold back, moving at her pace. “You’re awake. How do you feel?”

She tightens her breath and sits up straighter, smoothing her hair down. “Good. The doctor says I’m clear to leave as soon as he knows I can walk and eat without problems.”

“Angie,” I say, stepping toward her, “I’m so sorry this happened. If I could’ve helped any of this, I would have.”

“You could have been honest with me.”

She’s straight to the point. “Okay, I deserve that. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about my past, I just didn’t think it was relevant.”

Her cheeks burn red and I worry I’m going to upset her too much. “Really? How is prison time not relevant?”

“I was eighteen! I’d just left high school. I was wrapped up with the wrong crowd and the cops caught me with enough marijuana that they called it intent to sell and the judge threw me in jail. I was there for ninety days. It was enough time to teach me the lesson I needed. I never looked back again. I went to school right after and learned how to fix bikes, cars, and whatever else I could get my hands on. I’ve been clean since.”

She looks up at me slowly, her fingertips weaving together on the bed. “You were eighteen?”

I nod. “Angie, I’d never hurt you. And I would’ve told you about my past, eventually. I just didn’t think it was what I should lead with, especially since you were just getting over your accident.”

“What about the story about your ex? Was that all bullshit?”

“I wish,” I say with a smile. “Nope, that’s another of life’s lessons I had to learn the hard way.”

She swallows hard and looks away shaking her head. “I’m so sorry.” A tear flutters down her cheek. “You were trying to tell me but I wouldn’t listen and you spent two nights sleeping out there in that waiting room.”

“How do you know about that?” I step toward her, desperate to console every negative feeling she’s having.

“Mary told Molly and I. I’m so sorry, Levi. We were having such a great time, and I totally ruined everything.”

I reach for her hand, swallowing it up in mine. “You aren’t to say sorry again, okay? You were protecting yourself, and by the way that Jasper guy messed with you, it’s no doubt you felt you had to.”

Up close, her eyes are bright, and she looks refreshed despite all she’s been through.

“What happened with him, anyway? Mary said he was arrested?” She weaves her fingertips in with mine.

“The sheriff did some searching on him. I guess he had some warrants out for his arrest. Both of them are for assault charges in California.”

“California? Assault?” She huffs out a heavy sigh and shakes her head. “It’s sick, but it kind of makes sense for him.” She pauses momentarily. “I really am sorry, Levi. I wish I could take everything back.”

My eyes widen. “What did we just talk about with the sorries?”

She scoots over in bed and motions for me to climb in with her, and I do without hesitation. Not only is my body desperate for a soft place to rest, but it’s also desperate to have Angie in my arms again.

“Bonus, I have spent the past two days not worrying about anything so I think that might be a record for me.” She laughs and lays her head on my chest as I adjust the tubes she’s still hooked into over top my body as to not crush any of them.

“Ah, I’ve missed your worrying. I kept hearing you in my head telling me how bad it was for my immune system to be up all night long in a germy place like a hospital.”

She smiles. “I must have been talking to you through the coma then, because that is most definitely the first thing I thought when Mary told me what you’d done.”

“I know you well then,” I say, stroking her back with the tips of my fingers as I close my eyes. I’m thinking I’m just resting them, but within seconds, I’m passed out with Angie secure in my arms.

Chapter Nine

Angie

I sneak back into the hospital room from the hallway and sit in the chair beside the bed. It’s been nearly three hours since Levi fell asleep and I don’t want to disrupt him, but I’m not sure a freight train running through the room could wake him up at this point. He’s relaxed and out cold.

Mary peeks her head into the room. “Are you holding lunch down okay?”

I nod and rub my stomach. “Those diced peaches and toast are still right where they’re supposed to be.”

“And you don’t feel shaky at all when you walk?”

“Nope. Perfectly fine.”

“That’s great. I’m going to sign your discharge papers. You might want to wake Mr. Muscles. He looks like he could use a nice long rest in his own bed.”

I can’t deny that, but I hate waking him. I’m sure he could sleep for days after having missed out on so much. And I for one hate that groggy, hangover feeling that happens when you’re woken up from a nap too early.

I run my hand over his firm chest softly, watching his strong body as it flexes against my touch. His hand runs up to mine. “What are you doing way over there? I thought we were laying here together?”

“We were,” I say. “But apparently, it’s check-out time.”

He smiles, pulling me back onto the bed. “I’m thinking it’s nothing of the sorts. We have lost time to make up for. Tell them we’ll leave when we’re ready.” There’s a slur in his voice like he’s not thinking straight. His hand travels up my back and down my bare arm, sinking into my hips. “You’re so gorgeous. I should’ve taken you the other night. I never should’ve opened that cabin door.”

“Well let’s get home then so we can finish what we started after we get you a nice long nap and something nutritious to eat.”

My heart thuds against my chest as he hooks his hand around the back of my neck and pulls me close. His breath is hot and heavy next to my earlobe. “I have everything I need right here.”

I move my hips away, trying not to get too invested. I know it wouldn’t take me much to lose my mind with him right here. “We’re in a hospital bed. There are a hundred people right outside the room. Mary will be back with my discharge papers soon. We can’t.”

He leans into my ear again and pulls me closer. “Then you don’t know how bad I need you.” His lips press into mine with a heavy pressure and his hands grip my hips firmly until I turn to jelly and lose all hope at being a responsible human being.

The door is shut and there’s a curtain, so I guess we’re semi-protected from the world around us, but my sensible mind wants to revolt. My body, though, gave in a few minutes ago.

My hands wrap over the top his shoulders and knead into the back of his hair as he cups my breast in his hand. My nipples are tight and my panties are sopping wet.

“What do you want to do to me?” I pant as he flicks his finger across my hard tips.

In less than a second, he’s on me, his rough calloused hands stroking me everywhere. His cock is already hard, and he’s pulling down his jeans. His eyes are wild and desperate, aching in a way I’ve never seen. I should tell him I’ve never done this before, that this is my first time, that I’m nervous, and I’m scared… but his gaze softens like he knows.

“You’ve never done this before, have you?”

I bite my bottom lip and shake my head.

“Do you want me to stop?” His tone is deep and caring.

“No! Please, don’t. I need to feel you.”

His large fingers slide past my panties, and through my slick folds. I’m embarrassingly wet.

He thrusts his fingers back and forth slowly. “I can’t stop thinking about you, Angie. Your thick curves, your full lips, your analytical mind. You’re perfect. You’re so fucking perfect I’m not sure I deserve you.” His fingers slide in further and twist upward, scratching at a spongy part of me I’ve never felt before. It’s a spot that has my eyes shutting and my head arching back.

“I can’t be without you now, Levi. I need you,” I sigh. “Tell me you need me.”

He growls. “You have no idea how much I need you. I’m nothing without you.” He pumps in faster, still scratching in an upward motion as he moves.

I rock back and forth on his hand, my body taking over what I need as he crashes his lips into mine. I’ve had a clitoral orgasm with my vibrator, but this is different. It’s deep and measured, and I feel it building somewhere I can’t identify. I grip his forearms and bear down as he continues to thrust his fingers in and out.

“I’m so close. Don’t stop.” Waves of pleasure cut my words in half as moans of ecstasy escape from my lips. I’m trying to be quiet, but I have no recollection of time and space. All I know, all I feel, is how amazing he is against my body and how badly I need him inside of me… despite the fact that I’m terrified at how he’s ever going to fit.

Chapter Ten

Levi

A hospital bed isn’t my first choice to romance Angie. If I had time to plan, I’d have rather taken her up to the ridge with some blankets in the back of my pickup truck. We could’ve watched the stars come up, I could’ve put on some soft music, and I could’ve done this right. But now, having her back in my arms again, my body won’t wait. Hormones have taken over and I’m a slave to my needs, to her scent, to anything she wants, to anything she needs.

“Fuck me, Levi. Please, fuck me hard.” There’s an urgent moan in her tone that stiffens my cock harder. Though, I’m a little nervous to know she’s a virgin. I had a hint the other night when I was tasting her. She was tight… extremely tight. But now that she’s relaxed a bit in my arms, maybe she’ll be relaxed enough to take my cock.

Lifting her leg, I set it on my opposite shoulder and twist her into me. She’s nearly limp in my arms, her body still relaxed from the orgasm she’s just had.

“I’ll go slow, okay? You let me know if it hurts.”

She nods, and I lean down, cupping her face as I push into her gently.

My eyes roll back in my head as the tip of my dick slides into her mound. The world is black and I think for a moment I might pass out from the pleasure. She’s tight, so insanely tight. Her free leg wraps around me and I reach back to grab it, holding her ankle in my hand as I thrust into her.

“Holy hell,” she groans, moving against me. “Don’t stop!”

I rock my hips and lean down to suckle her breast, then reach my free hand between us, and stroke her clit as I thrust.

If she knew the things I was thinking right now, she’d probably push me away, and tell me to leave… but all I can picture is her standing in my cabin with a round belly, pregnant with my children.

She sighs and moans in my ear, her fingertips threaded into my hair as she cries out for more. “Faster! Don’t go easy on me.”

The squeak of the hospital bed can’t be hushed like our voices, and I wonder for a moment who can hear us, but it’s a brief moment as she tenses her thighs around me and comes. The sound of her pleasure in my ear is all I need to take myself over the edge. I come hard, spilling my seed inside her. Her head leans back and her neck is exposed to me as her hips continue to move until she’s teased the last bits of pleasure from my cock.

Looking toward me with a gentle gaze, she rests her hand on my shoulder so softly that I’m sure I’m the luckiest man that ever existed.

“Stay here,” I say, sliding on my jeans before moving from the bed to get a towel from the cabinet behind the curtain. When I do, I check the windows to see how much of an uproar we’ve caused, but it looks to be business as usual.

Peeking back behind the curtain, I stare at her relaxed body in the bed, trying to memorize every detail. The soft way her sundress falls over her thighs, the way the fabric bends to hold her perfectly round breasts in place, the way her mouth drapes open slightly as she relaxes in the moment.

“What’s that for?” She sits up in the bed. “Did I make a mess? I knew I was wet, but—”

“You were bleeding a little, so I thought I’d just clean you up. Stay still.” I lean into her thighs and brush the cloth between her legs gently.

“Let me. That’s so gross.”

My eyes flick to hers as though that’s not an option and wipe her thighs clean before moving to her folds. “You’re not gross, and I’ll clean you like this forever. Just promise me you’re mine.”

I tuck the cloth in my back pocket and reach for her hand, helping her up from the bed and onto her feet, only so I can drop to my knees.

She looks down at me and covers her face. “What are you doing?”

“I’m asking you to spend forever with me Angie Miller… and I’m pretty sure I won’t take no for an answer.”

A smile lifts onto her face and she looks at me with the sweetest smile. “I wouldn’t dream of saying anything other than yes. When did you have time to get a ring?”

I stand and throw my arms around her before leaning into her lips. “I always knew the ring I wanted to give my future wife, and would you believe that when they took you in the ambulance, it was the first thing I grabbed on my way out the door? It was something that I knew I felt about you, even if you weren’t sure yet.”

“Congratulations!” Mary says, bursting through the door with a smile on her face. I heard the whole thing. You two are going to be so happy together.

I glance toward Angie, and we exchange a look of panic before turning back toward Mary.

“How much did you hear exactly?” Angie tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she talks.

Mary widens her eyes and grins, leaving the discharge papers on the counter before twisting back out the door. And with that, I think we have our answer, and we can’t help but laugh.

Epilogue

Angie

Six Months Later

“Socket wrench,” Levi says, reaching up toward my bare thigh. “Five-eights.”

I peel through the toolbox and hand him the silver bar he’s asking for.

“When I’m done with this, we should head over to the antique shop for a bit. I just don’t want you on your feet too long today, okay?” He twists a bolt in place as he talks. “Molly is perfectly fine to handle things over there’re until after the baby is born.”

“I know. I think I overdid it yesterday with the new inventory. The baby is extra cranky today. He’s been kicking me all afternoon.”

Levi stands from his stool and steps toward me, helping me up from the seat I’m in before leaning into my belly. Even with my belly expanded, his hand is huge. “You need to stop kicking your mama, okay?”

“Oh God,” I say, covering my mouth. “I just thought… what if our baby boy wants a motorcycle?” My heart starts pounding. “You know he’ll want one because you ride and fix them all day. I’m not sure I can have my son on a motorcycle. What if—”

“He’s not even born yet, honey. Let’s cross that bridge when we get there… nearly seventeen years from now.” His hand rests on my back as he lowers me back onto the office chair he’s rolled out for me. “One more thing to fix on this bad boy and we’ll be good for the night. Why don’t you call Molly and let her know we’re almost done?”

“Molly?” a voice says from behind me. I’ve heard the voice before, but I can’t place it with all the other noise from the shop. “Have you guys seen her? I checked the diner, and she’s not there.”

“Hey, man,” Levi says, reaching a hand out toward Mullet. I’m not sure what’s going on between him and Molly, but I know I don’t like it. Mullet is a nice enough guy, but I’m not sure I know him well enough to decide if he’s good enough for Molly. “I’m not sure she wants to be found. Have you tried calling her?”

He shakes his head. “I don’t have her number. The girl won’t give me the time of day, but I can’t get her out of my head.”

I can’t figure why Molly wouldn’t give Mullet her number. She had a thing for him a few months back when I was still in the hospital.

“Maybe she thinks you’re too old for her, man. Have you checked the mirror lately?” Levi laughs and I’m thankful he’s saying what I’m thinking. He’s usually good for that, which I rather like.

“Please!” Mullet says, hooking his thumb into the loop on his jeans. “You two are what… a fifteen or twenty year age gap? You two are hardly in a position to be giving out that criticism.”

Levi looks toward me and smiles. “Well, this was a one and a million thing.”

Mullet scrapes his boots against the pavement and looks up at Levi. “Maybe this is too, man. I can’t get her out of my head.”

“I’ll talk to you for her,” I say. “But no promises, okay? I don’t know who she’s seeing or what she’s got going on.”

Mullet’s eyes brighten. “I appreciate the help. How are you two doing? You look like you could pop any day.”

“Three more months, actually,” I say, rubbing my hand over my stomach. This poor guy is batting a thousand.

“Damn it! Sorry, Angie. You look great. I’ve had too much on my mind lately. Have you guys picked a name?”

“We’re thinking of Waylon. It’s a family name on my side. We figured that for the first boy, it would be good to stick with a name that has some lineage.”

Mullet looks down again as though he isn’t feeling well.

“Are you okay?” I reach out to comfort him and he leans in as though he needs a hug.

“Yeah. I think it hit me all at once seeing everyone in town fall in love, get married, and do the whole family thing. I have the bar and my dog rescue work, but when’s it going to be my turn?”

“You’re never really out of chances so long as you’re out there trying. Hell, I didn’t think that I would find the love of my life while she was calling the cops on me,” Levi says, flashing me a goofy smile.

I nod and give Mullet a squeeze. “Why don’t you come over to the house for dinner tonight. Levi’s putting steaks on the grill.”

Finally, a grin. “Sure, that sounds good.” He turns away. “I’ll see you guys about six then? I have to make another stop at the bar before the dinner rush.”

“That’s great,” I say, twisting back toward Levi who’s pulled me back into his arms.

Mullet collects himself and makes his way back down Main Street to Skully’s.

“Man, I feel bad for that guy. He looks lonely as hell.”

“Me too. Maybe I should call Molly and see if she wants to meet us at the house for dinner? We could surprise him with a double date?”

Levi laughs. “You’re going to trap them? You’re bad.” He gives me a kiss on the forehead. “At the very least, tonight will be memorable.”

I smile, then remember something I’d been meaning to give to Levi since I came down from the house. “Oh.” I twist toward my car and grab out a bakery box I’d packed earlier. “I have something for you!”

He follows me to the car and holds the door open for me.

“I made these special for you this morning before I went to the antique shop. You’ve waited way too long for them, but… here you go. It’s a special batch of double chocolate chip peanut butter cupcakes… just for you.”

“Just for me? Really? Half the batch didn’t go to the fire department or the medics?”

I smile and open the box for him to see. “Just for you, my favorite guy.”

He slides his hand into the box and pulls out a cupcake, taking a bite so big there’s not much left to hold. I guess by the moan that he likes them.

“All this and you’ve already married me. What have I done to deserve such kindness?”

Levi reaches for another cupcake, and I can’t help but gush as warmth washes over me.

“I love you,” he says, “more than you’ll ever know.”

“Love you more,” I say. “Always.”

“We’ll just have to keep fighting about that one.” He takes a bite of the cupcake and takes my hand in his, pulling me close to his chest.

Someone once told me that I worrying too much messes with your head. I used to think there was truth to that. But for me, a little worrying brought me a big, tough guy who reminds me every day that love and socket wrenches will always go hand in hand.

Thank you for reading!

Read the next Rugged Mountain Ink story here.

Khloe Summers is the author of over ninety short and steamy romance titles. Her books are written in many different tropes, but always contain growly older alphas, curvy women, and lots of steam.

Khloe lives with her husband, (who she affectionately calls Daddy) in sunny Florida. They spend most of their free time sinking their toes in the sand, eating too many pizzas, and hollering obscenities at the TV on football Sunday. (At least he does. She sits on the sidelines and quietly orders nonsense off Amazon.)

Before this life is over, Khloe would like to check everything off her sexy bucket list and visit South Africa to wrestle evil poachers into submission. (And maybe see some baby elephants.)

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