The wind has picked up since last night. Even the sun is hiding, and that’s definitely not a good sign. The forecast is showing a fierce blizzard making its way in, and even though we’re used to that up here, it’s early in its arrival.

Double-checking my generator, supplies, and food, I make sure everything is stocked and ready to go. I’ve chopped enough wood to last until spring, but I keep an extra stock to sell. Most people in town buy locally, which keeps me working all year round. Between that and my side contract jobs, I keep myself busy. I inherited my parents’ estate when they passed, but I’d be bored off my ass if I didn’t do something.

I’m a man of routine and solitude. I love living in the mountains and the views that come with it. That is until Kylie moved in and switched things up on me.

Every time I go into town, I’m reminded of why I hide away in my cabin. Small-town gossip has never appealed to me, and I prefer to stay away from it. I get looks—mostly out of pity—but I ignore them. Women try to pursue me, but I haven’t lived that lifestyle in years.

Once my coffee is brewed, I pour it into my mug and sit at my computer. The dial-up is nearly nonexistent, but I have the patience of a saint when it comes to technology. My cell phone only works when I’m in town, but otherwise, I use email to book my jobs and communicate with my clients.

Just as I’m responding to my third message, I hear shouting outside. Standing, I look out my window and see Kozmo running circles around Kylie who’s attempting to pick up the trash her dog tossed everywhere. The fact that it’s windy doesn’t work in her favor either.

“Jesus Christ,” I mutter, shaking my head when a gust blows her right over. She’s a damn hot mess. A gorgeous hot mess, but a hot mess nevertheless. Her designer boots aren’t doing shit for keeping her toes warm because I can tell they aren’t waterproof. I’d be surprised if they were insulated at all.

I start laughing because watching her is the best entertainment I’ve seen in years.

After ten minutes of watching her shove pieces of my garbage in a bag, I take pity on her and suit up. Figuring if I help, she’ll avoid frostbite at least.

“Are you crazy or something?” I yell once I’m in earshot. “You’re going to get hypothermia out here.” The wind whips around me, the promise of a hard winter promised in the air.

“Just go away,” she yells back, sounding defeated. The tree branches are blowing wildly, the air powerful as she attempts to stay on two feet. Her head is low as she tries blocking out the wind. “I’m cleaning up your precious property.”

“Are you sure about that?” I holler back and can’t help but laugh, hoping to grab her attention.

It works, and she looks up at me with a scowl on her face. “You fed my dog something, didn’t you?”

Her question takes me by surprise, and I furrow my brows. “What are you talking about?”

“Stop the act. You gave him something so he’d get sick and shit all over the floor.” She places a hand on her hip, pinning me with her eyes. “He has a sensitive stomach so whatever it was could’ve killed him.”

Chuckling at the thought of that mutt using her cabin as a bathroom, I don’t hide my amusement when she arches an accusing eyebrow. “You think I fed him something to get him sick?”

“Well, it’s no coincidence he got sick after you threatened me.”

“Threatened you?” Has she lost her damn mind? Perhaps the thin air up here is affecting her oxygen intake. “Listen, sweetheart…”

“Kylie,” she corrects, but I ignore her.

“I didn’t feed your precious dog anything.” Though that would’ve been one way to get my point across. “However, he did help himself to a garbage buffet so whatever he ate that made him sick isn’t my fault. Maybe you should keep him on your property,” I remind her with a smug grin.

“Whatever, asshole,” she mutters loud enough for me to hear.

“Actually, it’s Luke,” I throw back in her face.

“Too bad. Asshole suits you better.”

“Yeah well, Snobby City Bitch suits you better, but that’s quite the mouthful to say.” The words are harsh, but I don’t take them back. First, she accuses me of poisoning her dog and then doesn’t even bother to apologize when I let her know she’s wrong.

“And my point is made,” she says and huffs out before walking away. “Kozmo!” she screams as the dog runs in a circle chasing its own tail.

Fucking hell.

“Good luck! Hope your survival skills are better than your attitude.”

Laughing, I shake my head and walk back inside. I’ve never met a more strongheaded and stubborn woman in my life, and yet, arguing with her these last few days has been the hottest foreplay I’ve ever had.

Once I’m back inside, I decide to take a hot shower and thaw out before the storm inevitably knocks the power out. It happens every time. Between the ice and wind, power lines go down and it can take up to a week before they’re restored. Until then, I use my generator so I can make food at least.

Stripping off my clothes, I think about Kylie and that hot mouth of hers. She’s undeniably gorgeous, and even though she’d be all kinds of wrong for me, I can’t help thinking what touching her would feel like. She’s the first woman in years who’s made my body react this way, and I’m tempted to act on it, but I won’t. I can’t. That’ll invite all kinds of drama I don’t want or need in my life.

As the water cascades down my back, I feel my cock throb when I remind myself that I’m not crossing those boundaries. However, my dick has other plans.

I wrap my hand around the base and stroke my shaft, feeling it grow thicker, harder under my palm. I think about all the things I’d do to Kylie if I could—if I’d let myself give into the temptations that are her sweet little body and sassy mouth. Pumping faster, I imagine her taut body under me as I slide inside and stretch her tight pussy. Picturing the curves of her hips and the swells of her breasts, I grow painfully hard and grip myself tighter. Continuing the self-torture, I pump continuously until I explode, and I release her name in a pained whisper.

Fuck.

Once I’m cleaned, I step out of the shower and dry myself off before wrapping the towel around my waist. I look at my reflection in the mirror, wondering what the hell has come over me and why things feel different with her. I’d only learned her name a day ago yet every morning I’ve woken up and wondered if I’d be seeing her.

Kylie could ruin me in more ways than one, and I’m not sure I’d ever recover from it.