Page 18 of A Snowy Escape

“Nah, it won’t be hurting anything,” he says, smiling.

Jesus.

Lawson is handsome.

I think.

It’s kinda hard to tell with the long blondish-brown hair that falls around his face and full mountain-man beard. The ends of his hair fall a few inches past his shoulders, and the man is wearing a legit flannel shirt.

I mean, it looks warm and all, but it’s not something I would pick out at a store.

Maybe that was all they had in his size?

He’s massive.

At least six-four, and he’s got a thick build with strong shoulders and a soft stomach.

I’ve never been drawn to the mountain-man aesthetic, but even I have to admit, Lawson is a vibe. He’s got dark, expressive eyes and an easy smile.

He also won over my dog.

Okay, Tommy’s dog.

Still, it counts.

I’ve heard that you should watch how a man treats babies, old people, pets, and his own mother. I can only verify one out of four of those, but the energy in the apartment lightened when he came in.

I think that says it all.

Sometimes I would dread when Tommy would come home because the house would go from comfortable to suffocating.

“All right, pretty lady,” Lawson says, giving Echo’s chest a push until she settles fully onto the couch cushion next to him. “I gotta go clean up. Once I’m done, I can run down to the restaurant and grab some burgers for dinner? If you’re hungry?”

“I bought canned soup and stuff for sandwiches.” I glance over my shoulder toward the kitchen. “I can eat that. I don’t want to cause you any extra trouble.”

“I’ll be cooking for me either way. I’m starving.” He shrugs and makes his way closer, holding out his hand. “I know we did this before, but it was a little hectic. I’m Lawson Maxwell.”

“Abigail, but everyone calls me Abby.” I smile and shake his hand. “Sorry about our first introduction. I was in shock.”

“No need to apologize. Nothing exciting ever happens up here during winter.” He chuckles a low, throaty sound, and a damn shiver runs down my spine. “Anyway, I’m going to hop in the shower.”

I nod as he heads toward the hallway.

I’ve never had to share space with a complete stranger. Hell, I never even had to adapt to a roommate in college… Mostly because I never went to college, but this is like a whole new world for me.

I’m still confused about how I ended up trapped in a snowstorm with a sexy mountain man.

What is happening to my life?

* * *

Lawson comes out a while later clad in dark gray sweats and a white long-sleeve shirt.

There’s no doubt about it.

He’s a beast of a man.

I’m perched on the couch, trying to act relaxed.