Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27300 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27300 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
But Braden’s here for a short break before his next gig starts, and why not? Lots of people come to Tahoe to relax because there’s fishing, hiking, jet-skiing, and all sorts of outdoor sports in the summer. Tahoe is better known for its gorgeous snowfall and excellent skiing (Squaw Valley even hosted the Winter Olympics), but summer is nothing to sneeze at. It’s gorgeous by the lake, and the foliage is slowly growing back. Besides, I’m excited to have a hunky, growly lumberjack living within a stone’s throw of my cabin because I want to explore what it means to be with a man.
I know. It sounds crazy. We just met, but I want to use the opportunity because Braden is incredibly handsome, and also because I’ve never done it before. Most girls I know lost their virginities at fifteen, if not earlier, but the guys at my school always gave me a wide berth, and I’m pretty sure I know why. It’s because of Jimbo and Robbie. My brother and dad aren’t huge, intimidating monsters who go about threatening potential dates with firearms. It’s more the way they look because even I have to admit that the men in my family tend to appear sketchy, with grime perpetually under their nails, shifty eyes, and lank, greasy hair. Jimbo and Robbie are also as skinny as twigs, with ropy muscles and narrow shoulders. Their skin is leathery, tanned and creased, and they tend to wear wife beaters 24/7 as well as shower slippers paired with long, knee-length cargo shorts. It’s just what makes them comfortable, and there’s no talking them out of these particular outfits.
But Jimbo and Robbie are good people. After my mom took off, my dad raised us alone as a single father, and he never breathed a word of complaint. Robbie and I always went to school in the mornings, and we always had money for lunch. Not only that, but Jim worked hard and started up Treadwell Cannabis when we were still kids. We were fine, financially, with food on the table and clothes on our backs. Maybe I didn’t have extras for a trip to the mall, but what mall was I going to go to anyways? The closest Macy’s is an hour away in nearby Sac-town, and I’ve never liked that city. There are too many houses, too many cars, and too many people. I’m an outdoorsy girl, and revel in the freedom of the mountains, trees, and sky.
So yes, Jim and Robbie take care of me, and I do my best by them as well. They asked if I could live up the mountain to look after our plants, and I said yes. Maybe my cabin isn’t fancy, but it’s fine. Again, there’s plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and I have a roof over my head and a small garden to call my own. It can be a little lonely at times, but I journal every day, in addition to trying out new recipes. I can’t exactly stream Netflix because reception is spotty, but the short-wave radio always works, and I quite like tuning in to the soothing babble of NPR as I do the dishes and tidy up before bed. It’s a healthy, wholesome life.
But now, I have a new neighbor, and he’s insanely gorgeous and fierce. Braden is older, obviously, but magnetic and exciting. I don’t think he’s too old either. 35? 40? 45 even? Nonetheless, the man is a sex god, and last night I dreamed about seeing him shirtless again, those bronzed muscles straining as he hefted an axe. He’s right, after all: I was spying when he chopped wood, and I was even touching myself a bit as I watched. My hand slipped up to squeeze a big breast beneath my shirt, and I may even have niggled my clit a little because he was huge and magnificent. What woman wouldn’t do the same? It’s feminine intuition, and the natural response of a pliant, willing female to a hard, dominant man.
Now, the doorbell buzzes and heavy footsteps sound. My breathing goes rapid as awareness tingles over my skin, and the voice in my head speaks. Calm down, Gracie. He’s a hunky lumberjack. Why would he be interested in someone like you?
But before I can think of an answer, the door opens and Braden stands before me in all his glory. His black head almost brushes the frame, and today he’s clad in a plaid shirt that stretches across the wide expanse of his chest before hugging tight at those bulging biceps. His stomach is flat and trim, but those thighs are powerful and strong, resembling thick tree trunks. What would it be like to climb up this man before wrapping my arms around that bronzed neck and demanding a kiss? I’d love to know.