Tempting the Mountain Man (Sweetheart Falls)

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

POLLY

W elcome to Sweet Nothings!” I call out cheerfully as a group of hikers enter the bakery. “I’ll be with you in a moment!”

I put a couple of apple turnovers into a box and set them aside because it’s been a busy day, and if Gabe doesn’t get here soon, they’ll be all gone.

“Now, what can I get for you folks today?” I smile as I look up at the latest group of hikers.

A tall man with a backpack steps forward. “We’ve heard great things about your energy bars. Could we get a dozen of those?”

“Absolutely.” I nod, moving to the display case. “Any particular flavors you’re interested in? We’ve got cranberry almond, chocolate chip, and peanut butter banana.”

“Oh, let’s get a mix,” a woman in the group suggests. “And could we also get four large coffees?”

“Coming right up,” I say, boxing up the energy bars. As I’m packaging them up, my mind wanders to my date with Gabe at the fair.

“Polly? Earth to Polly!” Sophie’s voice snaps me back to reality.

“Sorry, what?” I blink, refocusing on the customer staring at me.

Sophie swoops in smoothly. “Let’s switch. I’ll finish up with these customers. Why don’t you start on the muffins for tomorrow?”

I nod gratefully and retreat to the kitchen. I grab the ingredients for a fresh batch of blueberry muffins and start measuring them in the mixer.

A few minutes later, Sophie joins me at the muffin tray. “Okay, spill. You’ve been floating all morning. So...Gabe?”

Heat rises in my cheeks. “What about him?” I ask, aiming for nonchalance but failing miserably.

“Oh, come on!” Sophie nudges me playfully. “You’ve been glowing like a beacon. How was the date?”

I bite my lip, trying to contain my smile. “It was...nice.”

“Nice? That’s all you’re giving me?” Sophie raises an eyebrow. “Polly Andersen, I’ve known you for years. ‘Nice’ doesn’t make you smile like that.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Okay, fine. It was wonderful. We went to the fair, and he won me this ridiculous stuffed bear, and we danced, and...” I trail off, remembering the kiss.

“And?” Sophie prompts, leaning in eagerly. “Don’t you dare leave out any details!”

“And we kissed,” I admit softly. “It was perfect, Sophie. I’m falling for him.”

Sophie’s eyes widen in excitement. “I knew it! You two have such great chemistry. I’m so happy for you. When are you seeing him again?”

I shrug, trying to appear casual. “I’m not sure. He didn’t say anything about—”

The bell above the door chimes, cutting me off. I look up, and the rest of the world disappears as Gabe strolls in.

“Speak of the devil,” Sophie whispers, nudging me toward Gabe as she walks over to another customer who’s come in.

Gabe makes his way to the counter, his smile widening when he spots me. Despite the tiredness lingering from our late night, I instantly perk up.

“Well, well,” he says as he approaches, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Rough morning, huh? Looks like someone stayed out too late.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Blame yourself for that,” I say playfully. “Some charming guy kept me out way past my bedtime.”

Gabe’s grin widens. “Charming, huh? Sounds like a lucky guy.”

“I’d say I’m the lucky one,” I reply softly, surprising myself with my boldness.

Gabe’s expression softens. “I’ve been thinking about last night all morning,” he admits. “I had a great time with you, Polly.”

My heart soars at hearing those words. “I did too,” I reply, my eyes fixed on his.

Gabe’s expression turns thoughtful. After a moment, he asks, “How do you feel about hiking out to the waterfalls later this week? I could pack a dinner for us, and we could watch the sunset.”

The question takes me by surprise but in the best way possible. “I’d love that,” I say, unable to keep the smile from my face.

“Great!” Gabe’s face lights up. “How about Wednesday? I can pick you up after you close the bakery.”

“Wednesday sounds perfect.” I nod, excitement bubbling up inside me. “What should I bring?”

“Just yourself,” Gabe says with a smile. “And maybe some comfortable hiking shoes. I’ll take care of the rest.”

“Are you sure?” I ask. “I could bake something for dessert.”

Gabe chuckles. “Well, I wouldn’t say no to one of your famous apple turnovers. If it’s not too much trouble, of course.”

“For you? Never,” I reply, flustered by my forwardness.

“It’s a date, then,” he says warmly. “Oh, and can I get my usual coffee to go? I’ve got a busy day at the cabin ahead.”

His eyes never leave me as I make his coffee, sending a pleasant shiver down my spine.

“So, how’s the cabin coming along?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

“It’s getting there,” Gabe replies. “We’ve been working on the roof today. Should have it finished by the end of the week.”

I hand him the cup, our fingers brushing. “That’s impressive. You’ll have to give me a tour sometime.”

“I’d like that,” Gabe says softly.

I nod, my stomach fluttering. “Sounds perfect. I saved some turnovers for you,” I say, pushing the box across the counter.

Gabe gives me a megawatt smile that goes straight to my core. “You’re the best, Polly. I hope you know that. I’ll see you Wednesday.”

As he turns to leave, he looks over his shoulder, catching my eye one last time. The intensity of his gaze makes my breath catch in my throat.

The moment the door closes behind him, Sophie is at my side. “Okay, now you have to tell me everything. What was that about Wednesday?”

I can’t contain my smile as I turn to her. “He’s taking me to the waterfalls.”

Sophie’s eyes widen. “The waterfalls? Oh, Polly, that’s so romantic! And then what? A tour of his bed?”

Once again, my cheeks burn. “Sophie! It’s not like that. We’re still getting to know each other.”

“Uh-huh,” Sophie says skeptically. “And this ‘getting to know each other’ involves dates at the county fair and secluded hikes?”

“Stop it.” I laugh, swatting her arm playfully. “It’s not like that. Gabe’s a gentleman.”

“I’m sure he is.” Sophie nods. “But come on, Polly. You can’t tell me you haven’t thought about it.”

I bite my lip, unsure how much I want to say. There are times with friends when you want to tell them everything, and other times when the relationship feels so special that you want to keep it all protected and private. “Can we talk about something else?”

Sophie grins triumphantly. “Fine, fine. But don’t think you’re off the hook. I want all the details after your waterfall date!”

The bell chimes over the door again, and another group of tourists enters the bakery. Sophie and I exchange a look before moving to serve them.

We’re swept up in a rush of customers for the next hour. I lose myself in the rhythm of taking orders, bagging pastries, and pouring coffee. It’s not until things slow down again that Sophie corners me by the muffin display.

“So,” Sophie says when we finally have a break from customers. “Are you going to kiss him again?”

I nearly drop the tray of fresh muffins I’m holding. “Sophie!” I exclaim.

She laughs. “Come on, Polly. You can’t blame me for being curious. I’ve never seen you this excited about someone. Let me live vicariously through you.”

I sigh. “I don’t know,” I admit. “I’d like to. If the moment feels right.”

Sophie nods approvingly. “Good. You deserve some happiness, Polly. And from what I’ve seen, Gabe seems like a great guy.”

“He is,” I say softly, my mind drifting back to our date at the fair, to the way Gabe looked at me under the twinkling lights and the warmth of his hand in mine.

“But?” Sophie prompts, sensing my hesitation.

I bite my lip, voicing the worry nagging at me. “It’s just...he’s not sure how long he’ll stay in Sweetheart Falls. What if I’m setting myself up for heartbreak?”

Sophie’s expression softens. “Oh, Polly,” she says gently. “Gabe seems different, though. Maybe he just needs time. You never know—this could be his reason to stay.”

“You think so?” I ask, hope creeping into my voice.

“Absolutely.” Sophie nods confidently. “The way he looks at you...I don’t think he’ll be going anywhere anytime soon.”

I nod, hoping she’s right.

“You know,” Sophie says as we’re locking up, “I have a good feeling about this. About you and Gabe.”

I smile, my stomach tingling with excitement. “Yeah,” I admit softly. “I do too.”

Whatever happens, I know one thing for certain: I’m falling for Gabe Hunter. Hard.

But will he be there to catch me?