Episode 5

Brady's rear parking lot is exceptionally dark at night. The limited lighting and close proximity to the forest beyond cause my skin to break out in little goosebumps as I shiver against the wind.

Wishing for a warmer jacket, I quickly move to my car which is thankfully parked close to the exit. Smoke plumes emanate from my nostrils as I fumble for my keys, dropping them at least once in my haste to open the driver's side door.

In the distance, howls from what must be wild animals can be heard on the wind, but I am too cold right now to give it too much thought.

Pulling open the door, I dive into the driver's seat, closing it swiftly behind me in an attempt to lock out the chill. Rubbing my hands together, I press the ignition and count to 10 as the heating kicks in. The weather has turned so quickly, with the day still holding onto the warmth of fall, but the evening quickly alluding to the oncoming of winter. Black Mountain is known for its cold climate, but thankfully it is still a few weeks if not months until snow tires are required.

Putting my car into reverse and backing out, my mind drifts to Liam. Damn, he is a fine specimen and quite charming too, but it is his dark eyes, warm like melted chocolate, that make my insides tingle.

Making my way back onto the winding roads of the Spur and taking the time to navigate the difficult terrain, I wonder if maybe Erin's is right and maybe a hookup is just what the doctor ordered.

After driving for several minutes, knowing that the turn off to the Cabin is only minutes away, I take the next corner a little sharper than anticipated and have to slam on my breaks as a black shape darts onto the road ahead. Breathing heavily to calm my panic, and keeping my grip on the leather steering wheel steady, I try to avoid the car from swerving in the mass as the rear tires skid. Hearing a thud, I cringe, knowing that even though I managed to stop a head-on collision, I have still managed to clip the object on the front right guard.

Bringing my car to a complete stop, heart pounding, I turn off the engine and get out...Oh God, how did I miss that, I thought I was being careful, how many drinks have I had?

Praying that whatever I managed to hit is okay, I grab my phone and turn on the light app, aiming it towards where the collision occurred.

Seeing nothing in the immediate vicinity other than an empty road, I make my way to the foliage on the side of the asphalt.

"Bloody animals," I grumble in frustration when I cannot locate whatever it was that I hit, but deep down know that I am to blame.

Hearing a grown to my left, I jump and move towards the sound, my ears pricked and waiting for it to come again. Thankfully, less than 15 seconds later of unsuccessful searching, I hear it again, now just off to my right. Turning the beam further in that direction, the light manages to land on a foot, a human foot. Shit, shit double fucking shit! Running over to the piece of anatomy, I look down. The foot, the very naked foot is attached to a very naked body lying face down. What the fuck? What is a naked person doing out on the road? Where are their clothes? Are they still alive? How do I move a dead body? Please, please let them be alive.

Thoughts racing through my brain, I reach out to them, fear and panic lacing my voice. "Oh my God, fuck, are you okay?" Kneeling I check for a pulse, their skin freakishly hot, and I swear I can feel a little electric pulse pass through us on the contact.

Finding a steady rhythm, and NOT following basic first aid, I turn them over to get a better look, sighing with relief when I notice that a very manly ribcage is slowly moving up and down.

Climbing closer and trying not to look further south, I raise my phone again and shine the light to his face, to see if he is conscious and jolt when the beam meets with his eyes, which are wide open. Immediately lowering the beam, I lift my hand to wipe some of the debris off his face. "I'm so sorry,' I apologize, by words coming out in quick pants, "my name is Ava, can you hear me?"

Not waiting for a response I check my phone for a signal, no bars. "Damn no reception, FUCK!" Weighing up my options I notice the man trying to sit up.

Biting my bottom lip, I show him the screen of my phone, trying a validate my statement. "I can't get a signal," seeing him nod in acknowledgment, I ask, "do you think you can move enough for me to get you into my car?"

Grumbling he nods again, pushing his massive body into a kneeling then standing position, swaying from side to side.

Moving to wrap my arms around his waist in support I look up, my head only reaching his chest. This man must be like 6f4 or something. He is absolutely huge. What the hell is a very naked, very tall man doing out in the middle of nowhere? FUCK! I repeat to myself, my mind coming up with 1000 ideas, but none of them plausible.

When his body is stable, I direct his enormous mass towards the passenger side and let him rest against the rear panel so I can open the door. Once free, I gently pull him towards the opening so he can slide in, then head back and check for any personal belonging.

Finding nothing I return to my car, climbing into the driver's seat, and start the ignition. Car engine revving lightly, I turn to him, his eyes closed and a hand resting against one of his ribs. Swallowing deeply, my throat dry and scratchy, I rest a rand on his exposed chest, trying to get his attention. "I am going to get you to a hospital, hang on, okay?"

"No hospital" He mumbles in reply, head dropping forward onto his chest.

"Are you sure, you look pretty banged up, I mean it will not take me long to drive back into town."

"NO Hospital!" He growls this time, causing me to flinch.

"Okay big fella," I try to soothe, thinking quickly and turning the car in the direction of the cabin. If he won't let me take him to the hospital, the least I can do is take him back to my place until I know he is going to be okay. "I have a place not too far from here, we'll go there and get a look at your injuries. If that's OK?" I tell him, as the car moves forward.

A grumbled humph is his only response, which I take as an affirmative, as I continue down the road. Thankfully the entrance to the cabin is just around the bend.

Turning off the road and taking the vehicle down the long driveway, I keep sneaking glances at my passenger, who is still slouched over but thankfully still breathing. Thank you, baby Jesus!

Stopping the vehicle just out front of the porch steps, I take off my seatbelt, moving quickly so I can help him out. Before I can get out of my seat, my passenger is already up and opening the door, his monstrous frame, stumbling out.

Grabbing my bag and rushing over to him, I put my hand on his broad back, "here, let me help you up the stairs," I offer, guiding him to the porch.

Getting up the 4 little steps is easy enough, now I just have to get the key out and open the door.

Propping him on the railing, I search my bag locating them, turning the lock. Warmth greets me as the door swings open. Reaching back I assist the stranger to take the final steps inside before shutting the door. "Do you think you have the strength to get up there?" I ask, pointing to the second level.

The man, raising his tangled mane grunts again and shuffles towards the staircase, pulling himself up one at a time.

After painstaking seconds of watching him and only two stairs achieved, I join him, tucking my left arm around his middle and slinging his right arm over my shoulder, his face now resting in my hair, as we head to the second landing.

Feeling his body, firmly up against mine, he inhales. Is he sniffing my hair? Do I smell bad? I get my answer when I feel him shudder against me, his arms tightening around me and pulling my closer. Obviously not.

Reaching the final step, I lead him into my bedroom and straight to the bed. His body still using mine for support, I pull back the covers before helping him onto the mattress and laying him down on his back. When I can see that he is secure and will not fall off, I turn and move to the bathroom to grab a clean washcloth and water.

Soft snores hit my ears when I return. Passed out cold. Edging towards his massive body, I begin cleaning off the dirt.

Surprisingly, other than a few bruises to his rib cage, there does not seem to be any significant damage to his upper torso. Moving the washcloth lower, my eyes trailing my movements south, I can't help but blush at the thing below his waist, resting gently against his upper thigh.

The comments I know Erin would be making right now about the size, shape, and well WOW makes me quickly avert my eyes to inspect his legs. I did not know that could be that thick and big when not aroused.

My eyes fixated on his lower half, I notice that his legs are long and sculptured, tanned, like his chest, this man must be carved out of stone with how ripped he is.

Confirming that his lower half is also okay I move to his face, brushing aside his long, tangled, dark hair and gently place the washcloth on his forehead to remove the grime.

My hand gently stroking the cloth against his skin, I cannot help but admire his face, long curling eyelashes, perfectly proportioned nose, solid jaw with a sprinkling of growth and thick plump lips.

Definitely something in the water – Mountain Men indeed.

Satisfied that there are no life-threatening wounds I place the washcloth on the bedside table and take a seat next to him on the bed.

Removing my jacket and kicking off my shoes, I sit back, my head suddenly heavy, the shock beginning to wear off. Exhausted as the adrenaline recedes, I wriggle my body down lying my head on the pillow next to him and close my eyes.

I'll just rest them for a second, just until he wakes...

................................................................................................................

Cocooned, encased in warmth, the smell of pine and spiced musk flowing through my senses. Floating in an endless abyss, safe, protected.

Heat, such amazing solid heat, running up my back.

Firmness surrounding, arousal.

Sensual pressure on my neck.

PAIN, excruciating, mind-numbing – blackness.

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