Knocked up by the Mountain Man (Silver Ridge Mountain Men)

1. Clara

1

CLARA

“ I don’t know who you think you are…”

“I fucking hate living here…”

I do what I can to tune out the sound of my uncle and brother fighting. It’s a sound I hate, but it’s become the soundtrack of my life, ever since my parents passed away. Mom, from cancer, when I was ten years old, and Dad just a few years later, on my thirteenth birthday.

His cause was alcohol poisoning… a constant threat in this family. I’m pretty sure my uncle will eventually go the same way too. But tonight, just for one night, I want to focus on something positive.

Something for me .

The text sits on my phone, reminding me that I have a few things left to do before I leave Silver Ridge forever. I was more than ready to start my college education to become a vet, and finally escaping the hell that I’ve existed in for way too long.

Beau Marshall.

Him, I couldn’t wait to see. I adore him, always have. And now he was finally looking at me as well! At long last. After all the years spent obsessively talking about my Beau crush with Abby, my bestie, he was finally mine.

Sort of.

I mean, he can’t really be mine because he’s Wyatt’s best friend, and we can’t have my brother finding out about us. He’ll kill us. Literally kill us, since Beau was the one who stood by his side like a rock when we lost our parents. The best friend he’s ever had. The last thing I want to do is get in the way of that. Even if I am completely overwhelmed with feelings for Beau.

Plus, I’m leaving soon anyway, so I guess things can’t go too far with us. That kinda sucks, but I’ve just had to accept it.

At least we’ll have tonight.

I slip my phone into my pocket, grab my worn denim jacket, and carefully open my bedroom window. The cool night air hits my face, it feels refreshing and brings a smile to my face. The world feels a little lighter, a little brighter, even if just for this moment.

I glance down, seeing the familiar silhouette below. Beau’s presence gives me the courage I need to take the next step. I can’t wait to take a look at his gorgeously handsome face. Beau is ruggedly handsome with brown hair and dark eyes that seem to see right through me. His fit, muscular frame and tall stature always makes me feel safe and protected.

I freaking love being in his arms.

“Here goes nothing,” I whisper to myself as I climb out of the window, my heart pounding in my chest.

But as I attempt to climb down, my foot slips on the damn ledge. I lose my grip and my hands have nothing to hold on to. I’ve done this loads of times, but this time…

Shit.

For a heart stopping moment, I’m air borne, a gasp escaping my lips as I try and hold in the scream that so desperately wants to fly out of me. I reach out to try and grab whatever I can, but my fingers claw at the empty air, there’s just nothing there.

Not only is this going to hurt, it will be utterly humiliating as well…

The ground is coming for me, faster by the second.

I brace, ready for impact.

But somehow, I don’t reach it.

Strong arms break my fall. His arms. Beau’s strong, muscular frame absorbs the impact of my fall effortlessly.

God, he’s hot as hell, isn’t he? It’s no wonder I can’t help but swoon around him.

He looks down at me, his eyes sparkling with amusement, a wide grin spreading across his face.

“Nice of you to drop in,” he chuckles.

I can’t help but laugh as I avoid the pain and the very red face around the man I so desperately want to impress.

“Well, I always aim to make an entrance.”

He sets me down gently, and I take a moment to steady myself, brushing off the imaginary dirt from my jeans. My heart is hammering against my ribcage as I try to calm myself down.

“You ready to get out of here?” Beau asks, his voice low and intimate.

I can’t help but get lost in the mischievous twinkle of his eyes.

“More than ever,” I reply, meeting his gaze.

I can’t wait to get the hell away from my family and the ceaseless arguing. It’s exhausting. He nods, and gestures toward his truck parked a few feet away. His fancy ass truck that Daddy brought for him. The Marshall’s are one of the wealthiest family in Silver Ridge, but that has nothing to do with why I like him. I just adore his sweet personality and his gorgeous face.

I’d like him no matter who he was.

We walk to the truck in a comfortable silence, which has me wondering if he can hear the thundering beats of my heart. I don’t want Beau to know just how much of an effect he has on me. Especially because I’m sure he makes all the girls in town feel this way.

I want to stand out. Be different.

As soon as we get inside, Beau turns the ignition, and the engine roars to life. As I feel the truck vibrate, excitement floods my whole body.

Die a Happy Man by Thomas Rhett fills the silence.

“Ooh, I like this song,” I giggle. “You’re always playing this one.”

“Only for you,” he chuckles.

“Yeah, I bet you say that to all the girls.”

Beau grins as he shoots down the familiar roads towards his ranch. The fanciest place on the outskirts of town. I can’t even begin to imagine what it’d be like to live in a place like this. My uncle’s home is… the opposite. Everything about us is opposite. Yet, somehow, it feels like it works.

As the chorus hits, Beau starts singing along, his deep voice harmonizing with Rhett’s.

“If I never get to see the Northern lights, or if I never get to see the Eiffel Tower at night, oh, if all I got is your hand in my hand, baby I could die a happy man.”

My heart might as well be exploding violently in my chest. Damn I could easily fall in love with him. But the Marshall family are one of the oldest families in Silver Ridge, they’re not going anywhere and I can’t even begin to imagine staying here. It’s a nightmare, I need to get out as soon as I can.

I need to start again.

“Ooh, the barn?” I ask as we park. “Are we not going inside?”

I know his dad isn’t the kindest person. But we usually creep in through his bedroom window to hang out. Whatever this is, it’s different.

It’s exciting.

Beau turns to me, his grin widening. “I thought we’d have a little fun tonight. No worries about interruptions.”

He hops out of the truck and walks around to open my door, extending a hand to help me down. I take his hand, and the warmth of his touch sends a shiver down my spine. The electricity between us burns like crazy. I don’t know how the hell I’m going to contain myself today.

Inside, the barn is cozy, illuminated by soft, string lights that cast a warm glow over the space. A string of lights which I’m sure isn’t normally there, along with the picnic set up, a blanket, piled with a mound of pillows, and a small cooler.

“Ooh, it’s so nice,” I coo. “Did you set this up just for me?”

Uh oh. Should I have asked that? I don’t want to know if there’s anyone else in his life, even if I have to leave.

Beau smiles, clearly pleased with my reaction. “I wanted to make tonight special,” he says, guiding me to the blanket. “We don’t get many moments like this.”

That saddens me a little. I so wish we’d had more time together, but maybe it’s for the best. If I fall in love with Beau, then I’ll really be in trouble.

I sit down, and Beau joins me, his arm brushing against mine as we settle in. The closeness makes my skin tingle, and I can’t help but steal glances at him. His rugged handsomeness is even more striking in here. He’s making my pulse explode with desire.

Beau opens the cooler and pulls out a couple of sodas and some snacks. But truth be told, we don’t even get a chance to touch any of it. We’re already lost in one another’s eyes.

“You look so sweet tonight,” Beau murmurs, his voice a gentle rumble. He tilts my chin up so I’m looking into his dark, intense eyes. “I can’t get enough of looking at you.”

Before I can respond, he presses his lips to mine.

The kiss starts out soft and tender, but quickly becomes more passionate. My fingers tangle in his hair as I pull him closer, wanting to feel every inch of him. There’s no way I can dial back this desire now! Beau’s hands skim down my back, pulling me even tighter against him. Our kisses grow hungrier, and more desperate. I can feel the heat rising between us, the intensity of the moment making my heart pound.

Beau’s hands slide under my shirt, the warmth of his touch sending shivers down my spine. I arch in to him, craving more. His lips move from my mouth to my neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. I can barely think , my mind is consumed by the sensation of his hands and lips on my skin.

“Beau,” I whisper, my voice trembling with a mix of excitement and nerves.

He pulls back slightly, his eyes searching mine.

“Is this okay?” he asks, his voice husky but gentle.

I nod, unable to find the words.

I’ve dreamed about this moment for so long, and now that it’s here, it feels even more intense than anything I ever imagined. I didn’t know tonight was going to go this way, but I’m so happy. I mean, I can’t be here much longer, so this is awesome. The perfect way for us to spend one of our last few nights together.

Beau’s hands move to the hem of my shirt, and I lift my arms, allowing him to pull it over my head. He gazes at me, his eyes dark with desire.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs, his fingers tracing the outline of my bra. “I can’t get enough of you.”

I reach for his shirt, tugging it off and marvel at the feel of his bare skin against mine. He’s so hot. His body is freaking gorgeous. I can’t believe he’s here with me.

He pushes me back on the blanket and I go willingly. Our bodies entwine as Beau’s kisses grow more urgent, his hands exploring every inch of me. My breath comes out in ragged gasps as I lose myself in the electric sensation of his touch. Beau’s hands move to the waist band of my jeans, and I nod, giving him permission to go further. I might be nervous, but mostly, I’m excited. He unbuttons them, slowly sliding them down my legs. His touch is gentle, reverent, as if he’s afraid of breaking me.

I reach for his belt, fumbling slightly in my nervousness. He helps me, our hands brushing together, and I can’t help but smile at him. I wouldn’t want this moment to happen with anyone but him. Even if it is dangerous to be with this man.

We shed the last of our clothes, and Beau’s body covers mine, his warmth enveloping me.

“Are you sure?” he asks, his voice full of concern.

“Yes,” I breathe, my heart pounding wildly. “I’m sure.”

Beau pauses, taking a deep breath as he gazes into my eyes, his expression tender and loving. I feel like he knows it’s my first time, and he’s going to respect that wholeheartedly, which is why he’s the one to take me tonight.

His hands caress my face, his thumb brushes gently over my cheek. Then he kisses me softly, taking his time, as if savoring every second. His lips travel down my neck, leaving a trail of warmth that makes me shiver. His hands move gently over my body, exploring every curve, like I’m worth being cherished. I don’t know how Beau does it, but he sets me alight in a really special way.

His touch is careful, every movement gentle and deliberate, making sure I’m comfortable and ready. My pulse races, a mix of nerves and anticipation flooding my senses. As Beau shifts his weight, he hovers over me, his eyes locked on mine, searching for any signs of hesitation.

“Tell me if you need me to stop,” he whispers, his voice barely above a breath.

I nod, my heart pounding so hard I can barely hear anything else.

“I will,” I assure him, feeling a rush of gratitude for his care and concern. This moment is everything I dreamed of, and Beau is making it perfect.

He kisses me again, deeply, passionately, as his hand slides between us, positioning himself at my entrance. I can feel the heat of him, the anticipation building to an almost unbearable level. My body tenses slightly, a mix of excitement and fear.

“Just breathe,” he murmurs against my lips, his words a soothing balm. I take a deep breath, trying to relax, and he slowly begins to push inside me.

The sensation is intense, a mix of discomfort and pleasure. I gasp, my fingers digging in to his shoulders as he pauses, giving me time to adjust. His eyes are full of concern, watching my every reaction.

“Are you okay?” he asks softly, his voice laced with tenderness.

I nod, biting my lip to keep from crying out.

“Yes, just…go slow,” I manage to say, my voice trembling.

He nods, his movements gentle and measured as he inches further inside me. The discomfort gradually fades, replaced by a growing sense of fullness and pleasure. My body adjusts to his, and I begin to move with him, finding a rhythm that feels right.

Beau’s hands cradle my face, his eyes never leaving mine. The connection between us is powerful, every touch, every kiss, a promise of something deeper. I feel safe with him, cherished in a way I’ve never felt before.

It’s even better than I thought it would be.

Beau’s movements are gentle, his pace unhurried, as if he’s memorizing every moment. But then it shouldn’t be a surprise, because it’s with Beau. He moves with his eyes locked on mine, and the sensation is intense. I can’t help but gasp softly, my body adjusting to the rhythm. He’s so attentive, reading every little signal I give off. I love that about him.

Beau shifts slightly, changing the angle, and suddenly a new wave of pleasure washes over me. I gasp again, this time in delight.

“Right there,” I whisper, my voice trembling.

He smiles down at me, his eyes dark with desire and something deeper, more tender. He adjusts again, maintaining that perfect angle, each thrust sending sparks of pleasure through my body. I wrap my legs around him, pulling him closer, needing more.

“Clara,” he murmurs, his voice rough with emotion. “I want to make you feel so good.”

“You already are,” I manage to reply, my breath coming in ragged gasps.

The intensity of the sensation is overwhelming, and I can feel myself getting closer to the edge. Beau’s pace quickens slightly, and his thrusts become more insistent. He leans down to kiss me, his lips capturing mine in a passionate, hungry kiss. His hands roam my body, caressing and teasing, driving me wild. The pleasure builds, and an intense heat pools low in my belly. I can feel the tension coiling tighter and tighter, my body on the brink of something wonderful.

“Beau,” I gasp, my nails digging into his shoulders. “I’m so close.”

“Let go, Clara,” he whispers against my lips. “I’ve got you.”

With those words, the tension snaps, and I’m hurled into my first explosive orgasm. My body trembles, waves of pleasure crash over me, and I cry out his name, clutching him tightly. The sensation is so powerful, so all consuming, that I can barely breathe.

I don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring, but I do know that this moment has changed my life forever.

I will never forget this.