Page 25 of Seduced By the Mountain Man

"It's complicated," I muttered, refusing to meet his eyes.

"Usually is." He hesitated, then added, "She stopped by yesterday, you know. Asked which activities you wouldn't be leading."

My hands froze on the kayak I was securing. "She what?"

"Yeah, came to the activities desk when you were doing equipment checks. Wanted to know which events had different guides." He scratched his neck. "I thought it was weird, but I figured... maybe you'd had a falling out or something."

The cold feeling in my stomach spread. So she was actively avoiding me. Message received.

"Thanks for letting me know," I said, my voice tight.

Matt studied me, concern evident in his young face. "You okay, boss?"

"Fine," I lied. "Just tired."

"If you say so." He didn't push further, but as he headed out, he paused at the door. "For what it's worth, she seemed more confused than angry. And she signed up for the stargazing tonight."

I frowned. "I'm leading that."

"Yeah," Matt nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. "She knows."

He left me standing there, trying to make sense of the contradictory signals. Avoiding my morning activities but deliberately signing up for the evening one? What game was she playing?

Or maybe it wasn't a game at all. Maybe she was just as confused as I was about what was happening between us.

I walked through the rest of the day on autopilot. The afternoon fishing expedition I led consisted of middle-aged men more interested in drinking beer than catching anything, which suited me fine given where my thoughts were.

By the time evening approached, I'd cycled through a dozen scenarios for the "Stars Over Hope Peak" event I was leading tonight. This peaceful stargazing session was entirely separate from tomorrow's grand Fourth of July celebration that would feature fireworks over the lake and our famous s'mores buffet. Would she actually show up? If she did, would she acknowledge me? Should I give her space or try to talk to her?

The question nagged at me all day. I've stared down grizzlies and navigated class IV rapids, but Delaney Shaw had me second-guessing every move.

At eight-thirty, I began setting up on the beach for our "Stars Over Hope Peak" session. The night was perfect for stargazing—clear skies, new moon, just enough chill in the air to keep mosquitoes at bay. I arranged comfortable lounge chairs in a semicircle, set up the telescope, and placed lanterns along the path from the main lodge.

Guests began arriving just before nine, excitement in their voices as they claimed chairs. Ruth brought out thermoses of hot chocolate and coffee, along with blankets for those who hadn't anticipated the evening chill.

I was calibrating the telescope when I sensed her. I didn't need to turn around to know Delaney had arrived—something in the air changed, charged like before a lightning strike. When I did look up, I spotted her at the edge of the beach.

She wasn't with her usual group. Whitney was cozied up to her doctor, while Amber and Matt were elsewhere, probably continuing their very obvious romance. Kayla sat with an older couple, already deep in conversation. Delaney stood alone,slightly apart from the main gathering, arms wrapped around herself as she gazed out at the lake.

My heart drummed against my ribs. This was my chance—maybe my last one.

"Everyone find a comfortable spot," I called to the group. "We'll be starting in about ten minutes. Feel free to help yourself to hot drinks in the meantime."

As the guests settled in, I made my way over to where Delaney stood. She must have sensed my approach, but she didn't turn.

"Didn't expect to see you here," I said quietly, stopping a respectful distance away.

She glanced at me, then back at the lake. "It's a clear night. Seemed like a waste to miss it."

"I hear you've been asking about which activities I'm not leading," I said, getting straight to the point.

A faint blush colored her cheeks. "Matt has a big mouth."

"He's concerned," I said. "Apparently, I've been acting weird."

"Have you?" Her tone was carefully neutral.

"Can we talk? Five minutes, that's all I'm asking."

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