Driven Wild by the Mountain Man, page 1
Contents
Driven Wild by the Mountain Man
Copyright
Driven Wild by the Mountain Man
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Epilogue
Author’s note and free book
Driven Wild by the Mountain Man
Bearclaw Ink #1
By Hazel J. North
Copyright
© Driven Wild by the Mountain Man by Hazel J. North
2024
All Rights Reserved
* * *
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Driven Wild by the Mountain Man
I don’t believe age gap romances can work until I meet the brooding, rugged tattoo artist working at Bearclaw Ink.
Maverick
When a new client walks into our tattoo parlor, I expect another timid girl, but Nova’s different—a true firecracker in yoga pants. She’s got everything I never knew I needed, and all I want now is to make her mine.
Nova
Walking into Bearclaw Ink, I’m determined to break free from my past. Maverick, the tattoo artist, is pure testosterone—brooding, inked, and as rugged as they come. Something about his raw energy draws me in and makes me feel alive, like I’ve finally found where I belong.
Do I risk it all for a chance with this rugged mountain man, or do I let the age gap and our differences keep us apart? After all, they say that opposites attract, right?
Driven Wild by the Mountain Man is a short and steamy age gap instalove romance with NO cliffhanger, NO cheating, and a Guaranteed HEA. This book is part of Bearclaw Ink, a steamy instalove romance series set in a small mountain town full of hot mountain men and the curvy women they fall for. If you love steamy one-hour romance books with protective mountain men, you’ll love visiting Bearclaw Ridge!
Chapter One
Maverick
“Are you kidding me?” I ask as I look over the list of appointments for today. “You want me to do a lotus tattoo?”
My boss Hawk crosses his arms over his chest and grins. “Sorry, Maverick. You were the only one available this morning, but I bet the client won’t give you a lot of trouble. She sounded very timid on the phone. Just ink her and send her on her way.”
I frown. “Where is the rest if I’m the only one available?”
Hawk shrugs. “Theo’s shift doesn’t start until noon, and Luna has a dentist appointment. And you know I don’t do virgins.”
“Fine,” I say with a grumble.
When my boss says virgins, he doesn’t mean it in the sexual sense of the words. He hates inking first-timers who have never seen a tattoo gun up close. Claims they’re too fussy for his grumpy ass to deal with, which means I’m stuck giving some inexperienced girl a lotus tattoo.
I can’t complain, though. I love working at Bearclaw Ink. My colleagues, Theo and Luna are amazing, and Hawk is a good boss. He’s not too strict whenever I forget to fill out consent forms or run late in the mornings because he knows I’m extremely talented—just like my colleagues are. People flock to Bearclaw Ink for that exact reason. We have waiting lists and a fully booked agenda every day, but we also have a few weekly spots for walk-ins.
I put the list of reservations back down on the counter and flip the sign of Bearclaw Ink to “open.” Across the street, Jessy does the same for the flower shop Blooming Petals. I give her a wave before heading to my tattoo station and prepping my table.
I call it a station, but it’s a small room set up so clients have some privacy while getting inked. It’s my little slice of heaven.
I arrange my inks, lay out my needles, and ensure everything is sterile and ready. The buzz of a tattoo gun in the distance clues me in that Hawk is already working on a client.
The chime of the bell above the door sounds, and I get up to greet my client. When I round the corner to the front of the shop, my breath catches in my throat, but I quickly regain my wits. Standing in front of me is a curvy brunette. I’d go so far as calling her the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail that bounces when she moves, and her luscious curves fill her yoga pants in a mouthwatering way.
“Hello, I’m Nova. I called this morning for an appointment? A guy named Hawk told me you guys could squeeze me in,” she says, extending her hand for a shake.
I take her hand in mine, fighting the urge to run my thumb over the soft skin of her palm. I clear my throat. “I’m Maverick. You’re here for the lotus tattoo?”
Her eyes light up, and she nods. “Yup.”
“Follow me,” I tell her, already turning and heading to my tattoo station.
She steps into the room and puts her bag and jacket on a chair before nervously eyeing the tattoo table. “This is my first time. Getting a tattoo, I mean,” she says with a smile.
“Okay. No need to be nervous,” I tell her.
“I’m not. Just clueless about this whole thing.” She winks at me. “But how can you grow when you never try anything new, right?”
I run a hand through my beard and nod. “I guess.”
Nova hops onto the tattoo table as if she’s about to get a relaxing massage instead of a painful experience where I will stick needles into her skin. She must be at least fifteen years younger than me, but her age sure doesn’t stand in the way of her courage.
I hand her a book with designs, and she flips through them. “Are there any lotuses in here? I can’t seem to find one.”
“Yeah, could be. We hardly ever get that kind of request,” I admit.
A disappointed look crosses her face, and I quickly add, “But I can draw you one. I’m an experienced artist.”
“Really? That would be amazing.”
“How big are you thinking? And what style?” I ask matter-of-factly.
If I give in to whatever feelings are rushing through my body right now, I’d probably make a fool of myself, or worse, scare her off. I need to focus on her tattoo, not her cute smile and the way her body curves just right, or the way her entire face light up when she smiles.
Nova tells me what she’s looking for and that she wants the tattoo on her back, right between her shoulder blades. I grab a piece of paper and a pencil and start drawing an intricate design for her. I take my time, not giving a shit about running late for my other appointments if I don’t finish within the allocated timeframe. This tattoo needs to be exactly right. Nova deserves nothing less.
“So, Maverick. How long have you been working here?” she asks, filling the silence.
I look up from my paper and laugh. “A long time. Why? Do I look that old?”
Her cheeks color pink as she shakes her head. “I’m sure you’re not that old.”
“I have ten years of experience, if that’s what you’re asking. Hawk hired me when I was thirty. Haven’t looked back since. Working here is everything I could’ve wished for in a job.”
“I’m trying to get a job at the local gym. I have an interview there this afternoon. The ad asked for someone with experience, and I have tons of that, despite only being twenty-five,” she says with a dreamy look in her eyes. “Do you think I have a chance?”
I finish my design and run a hand through my hair. I’d love to tell her she’s got a chance with me, but I know that’s not what she’s talking about.
“You’re interviewing with Mike at Bearclaw Fitness?” I ask her.
She nods. “Is that a good or a bad thing?”
“Depends. What job are you looking for, exactly?”
“I want to teach yoga classes for women. It helps lower stress and is a great way to strengthen your core—something everyone who wants to climb these big Bearclaw Ridge mountains needs to have if they want to succeed. I hope yoga will fit what they’re asking for.”
“What was the job description?” I ask.
She shrugs. “It was vague. The ad talked about hiring a teacher for group lessons. It didn’t mention yoga, but I’m hoping I can convince the owner.”
“Mike is all into hardcore fitness and turning a profit. Make sure to mention that your classes will attract new people to the gym, which means new memberships,” I tell her.
Nova gives me a heart-stopping smile. “That’s great to know. Thanks for the insider tip.”
“Of course. Now, what do you think of this design for your tattoo?”
I hand her my design. As she takes the paper from me, our fingers brush lightly, sending a jolt of electrical warmth through my body—and right down into my pants.
A small smile plays on her lips when she examines my design. I’m not usually this nervous about feedback on my work, but it’s different with Nova.
“It’s perfect,” she finally says, tracing the outlines with her fingertip. “Exactly what I had in mind.”
“Okay. How do you want me?” she asks.
I bite my bottom lip, trying not to let out a growl. I want her naked and wet on my tattoo table, but I can’t tell her that.
“You’ll have to take off your shirt and lie on your stomach,” I say in a strained voice. “That will give me the best angle to work on your tattoo.”
“Right. I didn’t consider that I would have to strip to expose my skin. Silly, I know,” she says, her cheeks blooming again.
“It’s okay. I’ll turn around while you take your shirt off.”
I take a couple of deep breaths and will my dick to get soft again. How can I give her a tattoo while I have a boner? I’ll be distracted, and mistakes tend to happen when you’re distracted, so I try to think of anything but her bare upper body.
“I’m ready,” she says, her voice slightly muffled because it’s pushed into the headrest.
“Are you comfortable?” I ask.
“Yeah, I’m good.”
I turn around and take in the godly sight of Nova lying on my tattoo table without a shirt or bra on. Her clothes are draped casually over one of the chairs in the room: a pink sports top and a black tank top. My eyes are drawn to the curves of her breasts, pushed against the leather and peeking out from under her.
Holy shit. How am I going to survive inking her? Nova is not the first beautiful woman I’ve ever given a tattoo, but I don’t usually get aroused by my clients. This time, it’s different. I have a boner that’s impossible to hide. Thank god she can’t see the bulge in my pants from her position on the table.
I grab a cotton swap and start disinfecting her skin with rubbing alcohol. Even with gloves on, her skin feels perfect underneath my touch, like my fingers belong right there. I can’t help but smile at the thought of getting to stare at Nova up close for a couple of hours.
Chapter Two
Nova
I should probably feel vulnerable, being exposed like this to a man I’ve only just met, but I don’t. I feel nothing but safe here. Maverick drew me the most gorgeous lotus tattoo I could’ve wished for, and he’s been patient and kind with me throughout the entire process.
If I had known someone like Maverick worked here, I’d have come in for a tattoo years ago. I suppress a snort. Who am I kidding? Until recently, I never even thought I’d get a tattoo, but life is constantly changing, and you’ve got to roll with the punches.
“So. What brings you to Bearclaw Ridge, Nova?” Maverick asks.
I flinch as the needle hits my skin, but I pretend it doesn’t hurt. “Oh, well, my parents, actually.”
“They live around here?”
I laugh. “They would never live in a mountain town like this.”
Maverick’s tattoo gun hovers in the air, and I glance sideways to look at him. He’s got a confused expression on his face. Can’t blame the guy. It’s how I felt my entire life.
“A town like this?” he repeats.
“Yeah. A place where people don’t follow certain rules. Where the men have big beards and lots of tattoos.”
He laughs. “That’s kind of cliché, don’t you think? But seriously, they’re against beards and tattoos?”
I nod. “Kind of. They think both are unruly and unholy. They even feel that yoga is a sin because of the poses. It’s why I decided to move here. I wanted to put some distance between my controlling, religious parents and me.”
He whistles. “Wow, that’s insane. No disrespect intended.”
“It’s okay, Maverick. I know it sounds crazy.”
“And they were okay with you moving to a small town like this? Bearclaw Ridge is already having a bad influence on you,” he says.
“How so?”
“You’re new in town and already getting a tattoo.”
I chuckle. “I know. They’d be horrified if they knew, but I’m not telling them any time soon.”
“Fair enough. Your secret is safe with me, Nova,” he says in a low voice.
My skin tingles, and not because he’s got his hands on me—sure, his gloved hands, but still. Maverick has a pull on me that I’ve never felt before with anyone. If I had the guts, I’d ask him to cover my whole body in tattoos so I could spend more time with him.
He leans in closer, his breath warm against my skin as he continues working, the low buzzing of the tattoo gun filling the air. “So, what made you decide on this particular design, Nova?”
I bite my lip, nervous about telling him something deeply personal like this. “It’s a symbol of freedom. A way to remind myself that I chose to live my life away from my parents’ expectations. Does that sound lame?”
“Not at all. Tattoos should mean something, and yours definitely does.”
“I’m glad you think so. I’ve spent so much of my life trying to fit into a mold that never felt right for me. This tattoo is my way of breaking free,” I tell him. “It’s also why I need that job at the gym. If I can teach yoga classes, I’ll be able to keep paying my rent. I only saved enough to cover a deposit and one month of rent. And I’d also like to be able to eat,” I add with a laugh, even though the thought of becoming homeless and starved scares me like hell.
“If you ever find yourself without food, I’ll feed you. No questions asked,” he says.
“Really? You’d feed a stranger?”
“You’re not a stranger to me. You were when you walked in, but now I know you, and I promise you I’ll never let you go hungry, okay?”
I nod. “Okay. Thank you.”
“I mean it.”
He continues inking me, and I turn my head, unable to stop grinning. The sounds of the tattoo parlor drift into the room. A tattoo gun buzzes faintly in the distance. The bell above the front door chimes. Footsteps grow louder, and a door creaks.
“Um, hello?” a young woman asks.
Maverick stops working and swivels his chair. I turn my head to the door as well.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m looking for Hawk,” she says. “I’m Delilah, his intern?”
Maverick motions toward the hallway. “He’s working on a client right now. Third door to your right.”
“Awesome, thank you so much,” Delilah says before closing the door again.
“You guys have interns? What if they botch up a design?” I ask.
Maverick laughs. “We don’t immediately let them loose with a tattoo gun. And we hardly ever get interns, to be honest. I think Delilah is the daughter of Hawk’s best friend, if I remember correctly. I heard him say something about doing him a favor, but to be honest, I wasn’t listening when he told me because I was too busy drawing new designs.”
“Hawk is your colleague?”
He shakes his head. “My boss. Great guy. In his late forties and one hell of an artist.”
“I think I talked to him when I called for an appointment.”
“Yeah, probably.”
“It’s great to see that the boss of Bearclaw Ink himself takes phone calls to schedule appointments,” I remark.
“Kind of,” he says with a laugh. “Truth is, our receptionist quit a few weeks ago, and we still haven’t found anyone to replace her, so we need to do a lot more than draw designs and ink people. Too bad I suck at admin stuff. I don’t want to even think about the paperwork I’m behind on.”
“Your receptionist quit?”
I find it hard to believe anyone would want to quit a job like this. If it were me, I’d be delighted to see Maverick on a daily basis while working here. What kind of girl was she, and did she feel drawn to him? Ugh. Now I’m jealous of a girl I haven’t even met.
“She did. Her husband got a job offer in another state, so they moved,” he explains.
My jealousy immediately subsides, and I feel like a fool. Why am I getting all worked up about who gets to be close to Maverick?
“Well, I’m done,” he says, throwing away a bloody cloth he used to clean my tattoo. “I’ll grab a towel and another mirror for you so you can see your backside.”
I push myself off the table and walk to the standing mirror against the wall right when Maverick turns around and stands behind me, a towel in his hand, and his jaw dropped. I look at him in the mirror to follow his gaze and quickly raise my arms. I was so happy he finished the tattoo that I forgot I wasn’t wearing a bra or a top.
