If you love reading steamy, short instalove tales with protective alpha men, age-gap challenges, and small-town romance, then you’ll love Mateo and Amelia’s story.

A no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA guaranteed selection can be read as a stand-alone in the Mountain Men of Cady Springs series.

Chapter 1

Mateo

The sun casts long shadows over the town of Cady Springs, Colorado, as I stand outside my office at Ramirez Lumber. At thirty-four, I've built a life for myself here—owning and operating a successful lumber company in this remote corner of the world.

"Another day done," I mutter to myself, locking the front door behind me. The scent of fresh-cut pine still lingers in the air from today's work, a constant reminder of the lifeblood of this town.

As I drive home, the weight of grief sits heavy on my chest. It's been two years since my wife, Catherine, lost her battle with cancer, and not a day goes by that I don't feel the ache of her absence. My wedding band glints in the fading sunlight, and I speak to her, as if she's sitting right beside me in the passenger seat. "Miss you, my love," I whisper. Losing someone, especially so soon, can make a person feel unusual things. I like to think she's watching over me.

I pull up to my cabin, nestled deep within the dense forest and mountains that surround Cady Springs. This place was my sanctuary, one that I shared with my wife. Now, crushing loneliness threatens to consume me.

"Home sweet home," I say to no one in particular, stepping out of my truck and heading inside.

Work has become my refuge, the place where I can lose myself in the task at hand and forget, just for a moment, the emptiness inside me. It puts me around other people and that’s good. Some of my employees have been with me since the beginning. They know the 'old' me and I’m sure they have noticed the changes.

I stand on the wrap-around porch, breathing in the crisp mountain air. The two-story log house now serves as my escape and prison, a place where I can find solace but also remain isolated from the world. The smell of the surrounding pine trees is comforting yet bittersweet; it reminds me of our first years together, exploring these forests hand in hand.

Maybe a dip in the hot tub would do me good. Catherine used to love relaxing in the steaming water, her laughter filling the air as I tickled her sides playfully.

"Ah, Catherine," I sigh, leaning against the wooden railing, "I wish you were still here with me."

My days have become monotonous, filled with long hours at the lumber company and avoiding social interactions when possible. It's not that I don't appreciate my friends' concern and support, but their probing questions and attempts to lift my spirits only serve to remind me of how broken I am without her.

As I immerse myself in the hot tub, I let the warm water envelop me like a comforting embrace. I feel an overwhelming sense of loneliness. I miss the way Catherine would rest her head on my chest and the softness of her touch. The water ripples around me with each breath I take, but this physical sensation can't compare to the love we once shared.

"Alright, enough wallowing," I tell myself, wiping away a stray tear. Without someone to love, I feel lost. But I'm also afraid of losing them and going through this horrific pain and emptiness again.

 

Coaxing myself out of bed, I rub my eyes and glance outside, noticing the storm that has rolled in overnight. "Guess today won't be as productive as I hoped," I mutter to myself, watching the dark clouds swirling overhead.

I shuffle towards the kitchen, brewing a pot of strong coffee as the rain continues to pour down. I stare into the dark liquid, seeing my reflection in its depths, and I wonder if this is all there is for me – endless days of work and nights spent grieving the woman I lost.

As the sound of steady rain fills the cabin, the sudden shrill ring of my phone startles me. Glancing at the display, I see an unfamiliar number. Hesitating for a moment, I answer the call, curiosity getting the better of me. "Hello?"

"Hey, Mateo. It's been a long time," says a familiar voice, one I haven't heard in a while. My mind registers the  voice of my old friend, Alex.

"Alex? What a surprise," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. "What's up?"

"Nothing much, man. Just thought I'd give you a call. I'm actually on my way to Cady Springs for a project I’m working on. I’d like to see you. Thought we could catch up."

"Really? That's...unexpected," I say, my mind racing with a mix of anxiety and excitement. I haven't seen Alex since Catherine's funeral, and the thought of reconnecting with him is both thrilling and a little nerve wracking. Will he remind me of happier times, or will he only serve as another reminder of my loss?

"Listen, Mateo," Alex continues, sensing my hesitation. "I know it's been tough for you, but I think it'll do you good to see a friendly face. Give it some thought, alright?"

"Alright," I agree.

"Think about when you're free, and we can meet up."

“I’ll do that, Alex. Give me a call once you’re in town.”

"Sounds good, man. I'll talk to you soon," Alex replies before hanging up.

As the call ends, I find myself staring at the phone. This unexpected disruption has left me feeling off-balance, vulnerable, and yet...hopeful. Will reconnecting with an old friend be the first step towards healing my broken heart? Or is the pain of Catherine's absence destined to haunt me forever?

"Maybe it's time for a change," I murmur, setting the phone down and gazing out the rain-streaked window. But as I watch the storm rage outside, I wonder if I'm ready for what comes next.

 

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