Page 2 of Rescued In The Storm

"So," Kathryn says, putting the cinnamon roll away. "I saw a certain wilderness guide leaving your shop earlier."

I busy myself with reorganizing already-neat stacks of napkins. "Connor stops by every Tuesday. You know that."

"Mmm." She raises an eyebrow, seeing right through me. "And you just happen to make fresh blueberry scones every Tuesday morning?"

"I make fresh scones every morning," I counter, but I can feel my cheeks warming.

"But blueberry ones—his favorite—always on Tuesdays." She pops another bite into her mouth, watching me with those knowing eyes. "I'm just saying, for someone who claims to be over him, you sure pay attention to his preferences."

"It's called good customer service."

"It's called you've been in love with him since high school."

I sigh, dropping the pretense. "And he's never noticed. Not once in all these years." I turn away, stacking clean mugs with more force than necessary. "Besides, I've accepted that we'll never be more than... whatever we are. Acquaintances who exchange pleasantries once a week over coffee and pastries."

"Sarah—"

"It's fine." I wave her off. "Really. I've moved on."

The lie sits heavy on my tongue. I haven't moved on. I've gotten better at pretending.

Kathryn looks like she wants to argue, but the bell chimes again, saving me from further interrogation. Two hikers come in, their backpacks and sturdy boots marking them as lodge guests rather than locals.

"Do you have any of those amazing apple tarts left?" the woman asks, scanning the display case. "We had them at Mountain Laurel Lodge yesterday, and the chef said they came from here."

"Just baked a fresh batch," I reply with a smile, grateful for the distraction. I box up half a dozen while her companion studies a trail map spread across one of my small cafe tables.

"We're thinking of doing Eagle Point tomorrow," he says to his partner. "The view from the summit is supposed to be incredible. You can see three mountain ranges from up there."

"If you're looking for Eagle Point, you should take the eastern trail," Kathryn chimes in. "My husband says it's less steep, and there's a beautiful meadow of wildflowers about halfway up."

"Is it difficult?" the woman asks, looking uncertain.

"Not at all," Kathryn assures her. "It's one of the easier trails around here. Perfect for beginners, and the views are worth every step."

I hand over their boxed tarts, listening to their excited chatter about tomorrow's hike. Something stirs in my chest—a restlessness I can't quite name. I've lived in Elk Ridge my entire life, surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains in the state, and yet I rarely venture beyond the familiar streets of town.

"Maybe I'll check it out," I say, surprising myself.

Three heads turn toward me.

"You? Hiking?" Kathryn's eyes widen slightly.

"Why not?" I straighten my shoulders. "It's not like I'm chained to this bakery."

"No, of course not, it's just..." She hesitates. "I don't think I've ever heard you express interest in hiking before."

"Well, maybe it's time for a change." The idea takes firmer root with each passing second. Eagle Point. A trail even beginners can handle. A view of three mountain ranges.

Something Connor would do without a second thought.

The hikers wish me luck before leaving, promising to come back for more tarts before they check out of the lodge. As soon as the door closes behind them, Kathryn fixes me with a suspicious look.

"This doesn't have anything to do with a certain wilderness guide, does it?"

"Not everything in my life revolves around Connor Callahan," I say, the words coming out sharper than intended.

She holds up her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. Just be careful out there. The weather can change quickly this time of year."

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