Page 23 of Enemy Park Ranger Next Door

“Shut. Up.” Candice shrieked, her excitement palpable through the phone. “Tell me everything!”

“Well, I helped rescue a baby deer—and I kind of slept with my brother's best friend.”

"Kind of! Damn girl, how did you not lead with that?” Candice asked, clearly impressed. "You've got yourself a real-life romance novel happening there. And facing down some hunter dude together? That's like some serious bonding material.”

“Right?” I agreed, giggling at the thought. “But seriously, Connor is…different. In a good way. I just can't shake the feeling that there's something special between us.”

"Hey, if anyone deserves a hot park ranger and a fairy tale ending, it's you," Candice reassured me, her voice warm with affection. “Just promise me you won't forget about who convinced you to go when you're off living the wildlife.”

I laughed, feeling a rush of gratitude for her unwavering support. “Not a chance, Candy.”

I ended the call feeling lighter than I had in years. Candice's infectious enthusiasm and unwavering support always had a way of making me believe anything was possible.

Relief trickled down my spine as I pulled into the familiar parking lot. A night in my own bed sounded like heaven. Lindsay's car was already parked in its usual spot. A warm smile spread across my face.

Before leaving the car, I quickly sent Connor a text, letting him know I'd made it home safely. “Thanks for everything,” I added. My chest clenched at the thought of not seeing him for a while. Three whirlwind days weren’t enough. With a sigh, I pocketed my phone, grabbed my bags, and walked toward my apartment.

"Lin!" I called out as I swung open the door to our apartment, unable to contain my excitement any longer. She sat curled up on the living room couch, engrossed in one of her mindfulness books.

"Becca! You're back!" Lindsay exclaimed, looking up from her reading with a bright smile that matched my own. She immediately set the book aside and rushed over to embrace me. “Thank God you’re safe. I heard about the terrible storm and couldn’t get ahold of you. I had to text your brother to see if he could have someone check on you, but I never heard back.”

“I wondered how Matt knew where I was,” I laughed and set down my bags.

“Tell me everything,” Lin said returning to her spot on the sofa.

“Okay, so you are never going to believe what happened," I began, practically bouncing with anticipation. “I met a guy—well got reacquainted with a guy. He’s Matt's best friend. And we….Well, let's just say there were sparks."

Lindsay raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. “Sparks, huh? That's certainly more than I expected from your little nature retreat.”

“Tell me about it,” I replied, rolling my eyes but still grinning like a fool. "You know me, always full of surprises.”

“Clearly,” Lindsay agreed, a teasing smirk playing at her lips. “So, what's the plan? Are you going to see him again?”

“I hope so.” I mean he was Matt’s best friend. I usually saw him every couple of years. Hopefully, I won’t have to wait another year to see him. “There's definitely something between us.”

"Aw, yay," she said, nodding in support. “I believe it's time for some organic cucumber facials and a proper debriefing. You've got to spill all the juicy details."

"God, you're relentless," I laughed, secretly eager to relive every delicious moment of my unexpected romance.

13

Rebecca

My phone vibrated violently in my purse.

“Hey Mom,” I answered.

“Did you just get off work?” She asked like she didn’t already know. It was Monday afternoon, she knew I work later on Mondays but I didn’t call her on it.

“Yeah, It’s my long day,” I said searching for the keys to my apartment.

“Well, I won’t keep you, I just called to tell you that I’m sending your brother over with some leftovers,” She said.

As trekked up the stairs to my apartment, my neighbor from 2C came flying down the stairs. He almost barreled me over.

“Hey, what the fuck?” I shouted at him.

He looked back and grunted. “Sorry.”

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