Page 2 of Mystery Mountain Man

I shake his hand, noting the pressure behind his firm grip. "Thank you, Mr. Hobbs. And I amnota ladies’ man." Okay, not a fact I usually admit so adamantly when I first meet someone. West's laugh echoes off the tall ceilings, and my cheeks heat.

"Call me Ethan, please, Clinton. And yes, I realize I've been hoodwinked. A pawn in this plebeian's sick mind games." Ethan glares at West who cackles with glee. I adjust my pack, pulling out my phone to look at the advanced weather app one more time as the two of them gripe back and forth with each other. I'm anxious to get out into the woods. Excited to try the new equipment, because I'm a complete tech and gadget geek, but also ready for some peace in nature.

"West, just apologize."

As much as I crave solitude, Barrett's permanent exasperation with his brother makes me miss my siblings. My brother, Dean, and my sister, Jenn, stayed in Grand Falls, and I haven't been back in over two years. My brother and sister both have kids now, and I sometimes worry that my decision to work in the city is going to make me a permanent bachelor.

"I can't help myself. I never thought I'd be the last one standing," West declares, echoing my thoughts as he gestures wildly with his arms. "First Ethan, then Vaughn. It's not fair! I'm ready to meet the love of my life, get married, and make loads of gorgeous babies, if my future wife wants them. And yet, the two grumpiest assholes on the face of the planet get to meet their perfect matches first? The universe is against me." He throws himself to the couch dramatically as his cell rings.

Ethan rolls his eyes. "The universe is definitely against you, you poor, billionaire baby," he deadpans, and even I have to stifle a grin.

West, oblivious or purposely choosing to ignore Ethan's sarcasm, simply nods as he answers his phone on speaker. "Rachel, my favorite future-sister-in-law. The guys are being mean to me." West pouts.

"And what bet did you make that pissed them off this time, West?" Rachel's voice comes through the speaker loud and clear.

West starts to protest her accurate assessment of the situation, but Barrett grabs the phone. "Hey, Rachel. Clint just got to Ethan's, and he looks ready to head out."

I nod, hoisting my bag up on my back again.

"Wonderful. Clint, did you get checked in okay?" Rachel is the office manager at Billings Corp. and one of the nicest people I've ever met. She started as our CEO, Vaughn Billings', executive assistant, but one thing led to another, and now they're getting married. An event which has sent West into a mid-life crisis of some sort, apparently. The entire situation gives me a headache.

"Yes, thank you," I manage to call out. "I-I didn't need anything that fancy."

"Nonsense. I hope you get recharged in nature this weekend. I'm calling because we've been tracking a storm, and I want to make sure it's on your radar?"

I nod at Barrett who looks at me with concern. "Yes, I should be able to get about four hours in today before I'll need to head back, and then I'll go out again tomorrow, if I can."

"Okay, no need to rush it. I'll add days to the reservation if you need to take a few more." Rachel's voice muffles, and then Vaughn's voice fills the room from the speaker.

"Clinton, make sure you share your location with Barrett and give him a plan for where you're going. Nothing we make is worth more than your safety."

I nod. "Yes, sir."

"And be careful of splinters. Did you bring tweezers?" Barrett asks, and I look at him in confusion. West snorts and then coughs, hiding a grin. I assume this is another prank I don't want to be a part of.

"I have a first aid kit," I reassure Barrett, and he nods seriously.

After we hang up, I send the coordinates to Barrett and Rachel with a rough idea of my schedule, and then Ethan drives me a little farther up the mountain to the best entry point to the woods.

"Good luck, Clinton. Watch out for bears and beautiful women."

I snort. "I'll probably have more luck with the bears, Mr. … uh, Ethan."

Ethan grins. "Festival Valley is full of surprises, man." He gives me a final salute before he pulls away in his Porsche.

As I walk onto the entry trail, I can't help but imagine running into a beautiful woman out in the woods.

It'd be nice to meet someone who likes the outdoors as much as I do.

Chapter 2

Mimi

"Oh god, oh god, ew, ew! Go, you monster!" I scream as the spider gets too close to my folding chair. I stomp my feet, hoping the vibrations will convince it to leave me the fuck alone, but it takes one tentative step forward and then starts toward me again at full charge.

I jump up, moving my chair to the other side of the tent.

"I am bigger than you, asshole!"

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