“I won't turn that into obligation.”
The Mountain Woman stared at him.
All the fear she had interpreted as rejection rearranged itself.
The Mountain Man added:
“If you decide you don't want me, you still have a home until spring.”
“You still eat.”
“You still sleep safely.”
“No debt.”
“No expectation.”
The Mountain Woman’s throat tightened.
He thought he was protecting her.
She moved closer.
“Mountain Man.”
His eyes met hers.
“I came here to marry you.”
“You came here because your family made you feel unwanted.”
The truth hurt.
She did not deny it.
He continued:
“I won't use that.”
The Mountain Woman reached for his hand.
He let her.
She placed it against her waist.
The Mountain Man froze.
Her body was soft beneath his palm.
Heavy.
Warm.
Real.
His breathing changed.
She whispered:
“And if I choose?”
His hand trembled.
The Mountain Woman noticed.
“If I choose you?”
The Mountain Man stared at her.
Then removed his hand.
She felt the rejection before understanding it.
He stepped away.
“Not tonight.”
Anger returned.
“Why?”
“Because you're upset.”
“I know what I’m doing.”
“Maybe.”
She glared.
He continued:
“Ask me tomorrow.”
The Mountain Woman went still.
That was not rejection.
It was respect so stubborn it was almost infuriating.
She looked at him.
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“And if I still want you?”
The Mountain Man’s eyes moved slowly down her body and back.
When he spoke, his voice had changed completely.
“Then we have a different problem.”
The Mountain Woman’s skin heated.
He walked toward the door.
She stared after him.
“Where are you going?”
“Barn.”
“It’s freezing.”
“Yes.”
“Coward.”
He stopped.
Looked back.
A dangerous half-smile appeared.
“Ask tomorrow.”
Then left.
The Mountain Woman barely slept.
Morning arrived.
The Mountain Man had already brought wood inside.
Coffee waited.
He avoided her.
She let him suffer through breakfast.
Then chores.
Then noon.
The Mountain Woman finally went outside.
He stood beside the chopping stump.
Axe in hand.
Shirtless beneath an open leather coat despite the cold.
Ridiculous man.
He swung.
The log split.
The Mountain Woman approached.
The Mountain Man saw her.
His movements stopped.
She picked up another log.
Placed it on the stump.
He watched.
“Woman.”
“Mountain Man.”
The Mountain Woman took the axe from him.
He allowed it.
She raised it.
Split the log in two strokes.