Page 103 of Rough and Rugged

“Reminds you why you hated school food, huh? I’m not sure which is worse. School food or hospital food.”

I smirk as I glance at her, “That’s a hard one. Well, at least it fills my stomach.” Her soft giggle makes me smile. I find myself becoming more and more drawn in. She’s not just physically beautiful, but her soul radiates a beauty of which I’m in awe.

‘She’s mine,’ is going through my mind repeatedly, and I know that I will not leave this town without her. She shyly glances at me, and I know she feels this pull towards each other as well. How can she not?

I crave hearing her voice again, so I ask, “So, did you want me to keep it brief this afternoon?”

She smiles so brightly at me, and I know I want to see that smile every day for the rest of my life. “I’m sure that you have things to do, but you’re welcome to spend the rest of the day with us. It’s Friday, so besides PE, the biggest thing we do is the students write in their weekly journals about what they learned. That includes drawing a picture.” She pauses as she wipes her hands on her napkin, almost as if she’s nervous too. “Also, I know Mrs. Stevens wants some time for photos before you leave.”

My mind quickly goes over everything she tells me and forms a plan. “Well, how about this? After PE, they can start writing in their journals, and after that, I’ll sign each one and give them special Ranger stickers and a stamp. Then we can take photos, and depending on time, I can answer any last questions.”

I’m entranced as I watch her nibble her bottom lip in thought. I want to free her lip and kiss the mark of her teeth away. I’m so filled with visions of what I wish to do to that lip I barely realize she’s responding to my plan. “Are you sure? I hate that you’re losing a whole day to us.”

Reaching over, I tenderly run my thumb over the bruised lip with a soft smile. Her soft gasp brings me back to reality. The school cafeteria is not the right place. With a calming exhale of air, I say, “I’m sure. I usually hate this kind of thing, but your kids are really fun.”

“Th-thank you. I love my kids,” she says with a deep blush.

“I’ve had a great day so far. I loved how the room was decorated to look like the forest. Those foil birds hanging from the ceiling are cool.”

“Thank you. The students worked on it as their art project. They’ve been so excited to have you visit, so thank you for agreeing.”

“I’m glad. I was really nervous and truthfully didn’t want to come. I’m normally very shy. The last time I did a presentation, I turned purple.”

“No!” she gasps as she covers her mouth, trying desperately to hide her giggle.

“It’s true. There’s even photographic proof.”

“But you’ve been wonderful today. I would never guess you were nervous at all.” Her sweet words and smile make my heart skip a beat.

“That’s all you. One look at you, and suddenly I felt calm.” I want to ask this beautiful woman out. I just hope she doesn’t say no. I want to spend every moment I can with her. I can do this. I will do this. “So, um, since, um, I’m here and all, can I, um, take you to dinner tonight?”

At first, she just blinks at me, and I just know that she’s going to say no. Then the most breathtaking smile I’ve ever seen appears on her face, and she starts to nod. “I’d love to, but don’t you have to get back?”

“No, I’m off until Monday, so I planned to spend the weekend in town.” I pause, calming my nerves and smiling at her brightly as I take her hand under the table. “Good. Phew. Ok, good.” The smile on my face is so big I know I look ridiculous. I can’t help it, though. I have a date with the woman of my dreams.

Chapter Three

Cassidy

Ohmygoodness,thisgorgeous, sweet man not only wants to spend the rest of the school day with my class but he’s also asked me on a date. When he walked into my class, it was love at first sight. I just knew the entire class could hear my heart pounding.

He was so genuine and simply outstanding with my students. With each question and interaction, I knew this would be a day they remember for a long time. His stories about animals he’s seen, people he’s rescued, and even fires that have occurred leave everyone enthralled.

When he takes my hand under the table and intertwines our fingers, I simply melt. He’s so gorgeous and has the most breathtaking smile. His soul is so kind, and I can’t help but wonder why he’s interested in me. He could have any woman he wanted.

How am I supposed to get through the rest of the day knowing I’m going to dinner with the handsome forest Ranger I’ve been crushing over?

We sit next to each other at the diner in town, and as we eat, Draven looks at me with a shy smile on his face. “I want to know everything about you, Miss Danning.”

I giggle as I suddenly feel shy. “I’ve lived here all my life with my dad. I’ve always known I just wanted to live a simple life teaching children. Umm, my favorite color is purple, and my first name is Cassidy, but everyone calls me Cass. What about you?”

“Well, Cassidy, I have an older sister, but otherwise, it’s just me. I love being out in nature and knew I wanted to protect it early on. In general, I’m not a people person, but I find it easy to talk to you.” He lifts his hand and softly caresses my cheek. “So I have to ask, what made you decide to do a project involving your local Forest Ranger?”

I think about it momentarily before answering, “My dad.” I pause as my heart fills with sadness. “He, um, he died last year suddenly. He loved these mountains, and while I know quite a bit about them, I wanted to involve a professional.”

“You loved him a lot.”

I smile as he gently takes my hand in his. “I really did. We went on hikes every weekend together.”

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