Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 102(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 102(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
When she finally joins me on the sidewalk, she’s all brisk determination, striding ahead like she owns the place. I can’t help but watch the sway of her hips, the way her ponytail bounces with each step. Damn woman’s a walking distraction.
Inside The Devil’s Brew, the usual crew is gathered, sprawled across booths and stools like they own the place. Hudson spots us first, his grin wide and entirely too pleased.
“Would you look at that,” he drawls, raising his beer in a mock toast. “The mountain man emerges from the forest—with company, no less.”
Juniper stiffens beside me, and I step closer, letting my arm brush hers. It’s a subtle move, but her shoulders relax a fraction.
Liam, seated at the corner table, leans back in his chair, his boot propped up on the edge. “Is that a smile I see on your face, Flint? Must be a trick of the light.”
“More likely the apocalypse,” Zane chimes in, not even looking up from the pool table.
Juniper lets out a soft laugh, and I glance at her, surprised. She’s not just laughing—she’s grinning. “You guys have him pegged, don’t you?”
Ridge grins, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Took years of observation, but yeah, we’ve got him figured out.”
“Careful,” I warn, my voice low but laced with amusement. “Keep it up, and I’ll start sharing your secrets, too.”
“Oh, please,” Hudson retorts, waving me off. “The biggest secret you’ve been hiding is that you’re not actually allergic to happiness.”
“Who says I’m happy?” I counter, my tone gruff.
Hudson nods toward Juniper, who’s still grinning like she’s thoroughly enjoying my discomfort. “She does.”
Juniper tilts her head, pretending to consider. “Well, I wouldn’t say happy exactly. Maybe... less scowly?”
“Scowly?” I arch a brow at her. “That’s not a word.”
“It is now.” She smirks, and damn if it doesn’t hit me square in the chest.
The guys hoot and holler like we’re in the middle of a comedy act, but I can’t bring myself to care. Not when Juniper’s standing beside me, looking like she belongs here.
Liam raises his glass, his tone mock-serious. “Here’s to Juniper, for doing the impossible and softening the grumpiest man on the mountain.”
“I didn’t—” Juniper starts to protest, but I cut her off, leaning in close enough that only she can hear.
“Let them think whatever they want,” I murmur, my voice low. “It means they’ll leave you alone.”
She turns to me, her breath catching for a split second before she narrows her eyes. “You’re just saying that so they don’t tease you.”
“Maybe,” I admit, a slow smile tugging at my lips. “But you’re enjoying this more than you’re letting on.”
Her lips part, probably to deny it, but the words never come. Instead, she stares at me like she’s trying to figure out what the hell to do with me. Honestly? I’m wondering the same thing about her.
Later, after the laughter dies down and the guys have moved on to less Flint-focused topics, I find myself leaning against the bar, watching Juniper talk to Hudson. She’s animated, her hands gesturing as she explains something, her voice rising and falling like music. Hudson’s grinning, nodding along, but it’s obvious he’s just soaking up her energy.
“She’s good for you,” Ridge says, appearing at my side with a beer in hand.
I grunt, not bothering to deny it.
Liam chuckles, clinking his bottle against the edge of the bar. “You’ve been a lonely old man for too long, Flint. It’s about time someone came along and knocked you on your ass.”
“I’m not that old,” I grumble, though I know what he means.
“You’re old enough, brother,” he retorts, clapping me on the shoulder. “Don’t screw it up.”
Before I can respond, Juniper appears beside me, her eyes bright with amusement. “What are you two whispering about?”
“Nothing,” Ridge says innocently, raising his hands.
Juniper laughs, and I shake my head, exhaling a quiet sigh. “You’re all a pain in my ass.”
She leans closer, her voice teasing. “But you love us, anyway, Flint Warner.”
“Debatable.” I gripe but even as I say it I know she’s right.
Juniper’s laughter is soft and warm, wrapping around me like a blanket. And for the first time in a long time, I think maybe Ridge is right.
We leave The Devil’s Brew as the night settles over the mountain, the air cool and crisp. Juniper walks beside me, her hands tucked into her jacket pockets, her steps light.
“You survived the teasing,” she says, glancing up at me.
“Barely,” I mutter, though my lips twitch. “You didn’t make it any easier.”
Her grin is unapologetic. “You needed it.”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t argue. The truth is, I haven’t laughed like that in years, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel good.
As we approach my truck, she stops, her gaze shifting to the stars overhead. “You ever just... stop and look at them?”