Mountain Man's Stranded Virgin Read online

  Mountain Man’s Stranded Virgin

  Copyright © 2018 Kelsey King

  authorkelseyking.com

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  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Contents

  Newsletter

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Epilogue

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  Chapter One

  Taylor

  A winter storm knocks on the door of Snowmass, and I’m stuck right in the middle of it. I’m supposed to be enjoying the holidays with my parents during my short break from school, but I’m quickly getting bored and could use some extra money. As I look out the window and watch the snow fall around, I contemplate going back to my old job again at Monroe's Grocery.

  The owner stepped down since I left for college and his son is now running the place. I make it a point to send him a text after a hot shower because I need something to help warm my core. It’s been so colder this winter than usual. It’s times like this when I miss the summer and warm sunshine.

  After my shower, I send Ray a text, and he was happy to have me back since they’re currently shorthanded. We text back and forth, and he asks me to take on the afternoon cashier shifts, starting tomorrow. I’m smiling like a crazy person, happy I’ll be able to break out of the confines of the house. Though the afternoon shift is usually slow and boring, anything is better than my current situation. Monroes’ the only store for miles and has become a one-stop shop for the locals who don’t want to travel to the next town over to buy essential items. However, with a new winter storm threatening to keep us snowed in for days or possibly weeks, everyone and their cousin is stocking up on necessities.

  The next morning, I wake up and tell my parents I’m going back to work. At first, my mom is apprehensive, but she understands I need my independence. Soon I’m leaving and driving to the store. I walk into the old building, and it feels as if the only thing that’s changed in the place is me. Throughout my shift, I see some old faces as well as meet new ones. I’m grateful for the steady line of people to keep my mind busy, and the distraction has been welcoming.

  Most everyone that’s been through my lane has been pleasant until him. This huge lumberjack of a man slams down his basket on the conveyor belt and stands there, arms crossed over his chest. Thoroughly annoyed with his attitude and rudeness, I'm tempted to say something, but I bite my tongue as I scan his items, one by one. Most shoppers are kind enough actually to unload their items from the basket onto the belt, but this man is obviously above that. Swallowing down my annoyance is becoming very difficult. I know this is a personal pet peeve, so yelling at him for having a different mindset wouldn’t be right. Instead, I try small talk hoping it’d lighten the mood.

  “Are you prepared for the storm?” I ask, trying to be as sweet as can be.

  Nothing. He doesn’t even make eye contact with me.

  “A lot of people are saying we’re to get enough snow to keep us in for days. I can’t even remember the last time we had a storm that bad. Even here.” My efforts are met with him looking at me as if I had been an annoying ant that keeps coming back to his picnic. When he finally speaks, I’m taken back by his rudeness.

  “Are you done? I'm in a hurry and don’t have time for small talk.” He looks at me with raised eyebrows and unfolds his arms. When I can’t form more words, he shakes his head and reaches back for his wallet. Despite the cold, this giant of a man is wearing a T-shirt, and his muscles ripple with every move. Dumbfounded by him, I concentrate on getting my head on straight and refocus.

  “Fifty-three dollars and eighteen cents.” I try to smile at him, but he refuses to look at me. What a rude ass! It’s been a long time since I’ve had to deal with an attitude like his. It takes everything I have not to groan out loud as he throws some bills on the belt, grabs his bags and walks towards the door.

  “Hey! Don’t you want your change?”

  He shakes his head, not even missing a step as he continues out of the store. I'm in shock at how rude he was. I realize some people aren’t made to get along with folks, but I'm just not used to someone like that being here. It's a small, quiet town and everyone's always so lovely and helpful.

  He doesn’t fit the town mold, at all. Maybe that was why he bothered me so much? I have no idea, but I can’t seem to let it go. I'm lost in my world, not even noticing the line forming at my register. Finally, another customer coughs and pulls me back to reality.

  “Oh! Sorry Mrs. Anderson.” I methodically finish the last few transactions to end my shift. I'm happy to head home and take a shower to clear my head.

  I say goodnight to the other girls on my way to the back to clock out. As I pass the office, I tell Jason, Montey’s son, that I'm heading out.

  “Hey, Taylor! Hold up.” He quickly moves to the doorway of his office to keep me from getting too far away. “How long are you in town?”

  “Um, for a month or so. I'm supposed to be back at school by the second week of the new year, but I may go back earlier. Why?”

  “Well, I was hoping we could go out for a couple of drinks sometime before you leave. What do ya say?” He shoots a thousand watt smile in my direction, apparently trying to use his charm. Jason’s a handsome guy with a sporty, muscular build and dirty blonde hair. His bright blue eyes are boring into my soul begging me to say yes.

  “Wow, I'm flattered. Really. But I'm going to pass. I’m sorry.” For a second, his face falls with obvious hurt, but he recovers fast enough for me to second guess what I just saw.

  “No worries. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

  I smile at him. “Yeah. Night. Be careful out there.”

  “You too!” He says as he walks back to his desk to sit down without giving me a second glance. I’m sure rejection isn’t something he’s used to, but he’ll get over it…and himself. I can’t help but chuckle as I continue to my locker in the break room. I clock out, grab my purse and jacket then walk out of the door.

  I decide to grab a few groceries, in case we do indeed get snowed in. My parents are usually pretty stocked and ready for times like this, but I never shopped for myself when I arrived. I pick out a few of my favorite things I don’t think I can live without, along with some extra batteries, a couple of flashlights, magazines, and puzzle books to pass the time in-case we lose power.

  Once I pay for my items, I grab the bags and head out the door. With that first step, my face is pummeled with freezing wind and snow. The weather has dramatically changed since I arrived for my shift. Hiding my face the best I can into the collar of my coat, I make haste toward my truck to hurry and get warm. I'm surprised to see there’s already six inches of snow piled on top. I quickly thank my stars for having remote start and make my way to the truck. The wind is blowing freezing air in my face, and my hands are cold despite having gloves on. I q
uickly hop into my vehicle, remove my gloves, and place my hands in front of the vent.

  When I can finally feel my fingers again, I head home. At the current rate of snowfall, I wouldn’t be surprised if another six inches makes landfall by the time I get back. I have to keep a slow pace since I can only see a few feet in front of my truck, praying no one is in front of me. Suddenly, I come upon a truck on the side of the road with a large figure standing at the front of it, looking under the hood. I slow, noticing there seems to be something very wrong with his vehicle by the smoke that’s coming from under the hood.

  Shit. I don’t want to stop.

  The weatheronly getting worse, but I don’t have it in me to leave someone stranded like this. Against everything within that’s screaming for me to keep going, I stop and pull over as far as I safely can. I replace my gloves and zip up my jacket before getting out. I can’t see well enough to make out the man or his truck, but I can tell I'm walking in the right direction. As soon as I'm close enough, I tap him on the shoulder “Do you need help?”

  He jumps when I touch him. When he turns around and stares down at me, I realize it’s the lumberjack jerk from earlier.

  Great, just my luck.

  Chapter Two

  Maddox

  As if this day couldn’t get any worse. This little goodie-two-shoes is in my face once again, actually thinking she can help. I’m already annoyed enough with my truck breaking down in this ridiculous storm, and I don’t need her in the way. What could she do to help anyway? She’d have to get a stool to even see under the hood.

  I need to get rid of her.

  “I’m fine, princess. Get home before you get stranded too.”

  “Princess?”

  I can’t help but smile at her outburst.

  “Look, I get that you have this macho man persona that you don’t want to break, but being rude to someone who’s offering help isn’t the smartest idea.” She looks up at me with determination and rests her hands on her hips. I chuckle again before answering.

  “Go home. I will call a tow truck.”

  "The snow is falling harder than before. It took me twenty minutes to get here from the store when it usually takes about five who knows if they'd even come out right now. Just swallow your pride, Hulk, and let me take you home."

  “I live deep in the mountains. Can your little truck make it up there with all this snow?” I can’t help but challenge her. She’s in way over her head with that sassy attitude of hers, and there’s no way I'm about to go out of her way to help me. It’s dangerous out here.

  “I assure you, we’ll make it. My little truck has all the necessary amenities for weather like this. Four-wheel drive. Everything.”

  I can’t decide whether to laugh or be annoyed by her. I don’t want to be an inconvenience or depend on anyone, but at the same time I want to be home, and she’s right about a tow. Jerry, the owner, would never get out in this crap and I’m not too keen on the idea of spending a night, or more, in my truck with the possibility of freezing to death. I look her over as she crosses her arms over her chest, knowing she’s right. The last thing I want is to satisfy her, but I’m also in need of her help. Dammit.

  “Fine. Let me grab my bags. But I’m driving. There’s no way you’ll be able to make it through the mountains with the visibility the way it is.” Before she has time to argue, I turn my back to her to grab my bags from the truck. I can faintly hear her growl, which I find cute.

  Shaking my head at my adolescent thoughts, I slam the door shut and lock. I turn around and walk toward her truck. When I approach, she's standing with the door open. Her annoyance is apparent, and it slightly makes me happy. I'm not trying to make friends out here. I want to get home.

  “Could you speed it up, please? The snow is coming down.” She moves out of the way for me to throw my bags in the back seat. Not even looking at me, she gets into the passenger side and slams the door closed. I make my way around to the driver side and attempt to get in, growling when my leg hits the steering wheel. She tries to stifle a laugh but fails miserably. I move the seat back as far as it will go and lift the steering wheel so I can get in. Without saying a word I put the truck into drive and head home.

  I can tell she's having a hard time with the silence, but I'm in no mood for talking. Hoping it will help to keep her quiet, I turn on the radio. She quickly turns the volume down and glares at me. I refuse to look at her, but out of the corner of my eye, I see her sit back and cross her arms. She stares out of the window, taking the hint.

  It doesn’t last long though. After thirty minutes of sweet silence, she turns to me and starts in with the questions. I can tell she's trying to change tactics by retracting back to her friendly, goody-two-shoes attitude, but I honestly preferred the snarky version.

  “So, can I ask your name?”

  “Is it necessary for you to know?”

  “Considering you’re driving my truck, I think it is. Just want to know what to tell the police if you decide to kidnap me or something.”

  I give her a side glance, then roll my eyes before responding. “Maddox. And I already know you’re Taylor.”

  “How?” she asks.

  “Your name tag,” I say.

  We sit in silence for a while.

  “So, do you know what’s wrong with your truck?”

  “No, hence the reason I couldn’t fix it.”

  She’s biting her tongue, I can tell. I wonder how long until she lets that attitude out again. We continue driving, and the snow is falling harder, which is making the visibility near impossible. Luckily, I could drive this road with my eyes closed.

  “So how long have you lived in Snowmass? I don’t remember ever seeing you before.”

  “I’ve been here for about three years.”

  “Really?” she asks, surprised.

  “Look, I’m not trying to be an asshole, but I don’t have any interest in getting to know each other. Let’s get me home so you can be on your way, okay? Plus, I need to focus here, I can hardly see.”

  She gives me the dirtiest look before turning away from me, wrapping her arms around her once more and staring out the window.

  Finally, silence.

  The drive to my house is annoyingly slow. I can’t believe how quickly the storm progressed. They weren’t kidding about it moving fast. Eventually, I make it to my old rock road, and I'm happy to see my No Trespassing signs at the start of my property. They’re hard to make out through the snow, but they’re there. Within ten minutes, we finally pull into my driveway.

  “Finally here!” I leave the truck on, so she doesn’t feel as though she's welcome to stay and chat. I walk around the truck and grab my belongings out of the back seat. When I shut the door, she gets out of the passenger side. “Look, I know I was an ass, but I appreciate the ride home.”

  “Yeah, no problem.” She doesn’t even make eye contact with me as she shuts the door and makes her way to the driver’s side. It takes her a few minutes to adjust her seat, but when she's all settled, she gives me a quick wave and backs out of the driveway. Within minutes I can’t even see the tail lights anymore. I'm a little worried she won’t make it to the bottom of the mountain, but then push the thought away. I appreciate her, regardless if I have a shitty way of showing it.

  I quickly make my way to the house to hunker down and wait out the storm, not wanting to give her another thought.

  Chapter Three

  Taylor

  I can’t believe how rude Maddox is. I was trying to be as helpful as possible, and all I got in return was his grunting and his rudeness. Now, I have to drive home in this ridiculous weather, and I can barely see five feet in front of me. There’s a blanket of white, and I have no idea where I'm going. Even if I’m familiar with the area, the storm is making it impossible to navigate.

  I'm praying I make it home safely and won’t lose control. After fifteen minutes of stress and only getting a very short distance, I have to stop. There’s no way I'm going to
make it to the bottom of the mountain without getting into an accident. I have to turn back and ask the angry giant to let me stay until the storm passes.

  This is going to be interesting.

  Surprisingly, I manage to turn around and make it to his house, safely. And I’m somewhat shocked. I take a deep breath and a glance in the mirror and try to find a little confidence. Staying positive, I grab my grocery bags out of the truck, along with my purse, and head to the door. With one deep breath, I knock on the wooden door. It's beautifully carved, and I become curious if Maddox made it himself. While I'm admiring the woodwork, the door swings open and with one look, he shakes his head and furrows his eyebrows.

  “What do you want, princess? You’re supposed to be on your way home.”

  I smile as sweetly as I can, ignoring the pet name, hoping it will soften him just a little. “I know, I’m sorry. The storm is getting, and I'm not familiar with the roads up here. There’s no way I can make it home safely, much less to the bottom of the mountain. I was hoping maybe I could stay here until it passes, just enough for me to head home.” Again, I shrug my shoulders in innocence. This is my only option.

  He stands silent, for what seems like minutes, even though only a few seconds have passed. I'm beginning to think he will turn me away when finally, he lets out a long breath and moves to the side while gesturing for me to come in. I slide by him quickly and take a moment to look at my surroundings. His house is very rustic but cleaner than expected. He has decent taste and not too much clutter.