Page 5 of Seduced By the Mountain Man

"Morning, everyone. I'm Jace Redmond, adventure program director." I launched into the standard welcome, explaining safety and the week's schedule. "We'll start with paddleboarding, then hiking tomorrow, zip-lining and cliff-jumping midweek, finishing with our Fourth of July S'mores and Stars finale Thursday night."

As I spoke, I kept my eyes on Delaney. She fidgeted under my attention—crossing her arms, uncrossing them, pushing her sunglasses higher, tugging at her cover-up.

God, she was adorable when rattled.

"Questions before we head to the lake?" I asked, finally releasing her from my stare.

Several hands shot up. I fielded the usual queries about depth and difficulty before pointing to the redhead—Amber—whose hand had been waving persistently.

"Do you offer private lessons?" she asked with a wink. "Some of us might want extra attention."

Beside her, Delaney shifted like she wanted to be anywhere else.

"All guides are available during group activities," I replied evenly. "The activities desk can arrange additional instruction."

The tall woman raised her hand, one eyebrow raised skeptically. "Are there different difficulty levels? Some people might prefer easing into things."

"Each activity has modifications. We want everyone to stay safe while still having fun." I checked my watch. "No more questions? Meet at the boat dock in fifteen. Sunscreen and water bottles. Life vests provided."

As the crowd dispersed, I noticed Delaney hanging back, adjusting her sandal. I approached slowly, giving her time to walk away.

She didn't.

"Should have warned you I work here," I said quietly. "Saw your name on the booking system but thought it better to talk in person."

Her eyes narrowed behind dark lenses. "I've scheduled another massage. With Bethany."

"Fair enough." I resisted smiling at her defensive tone. "I was just filling in."

"Lucky me," she replied, voice low and sharp. "Of all the resorts in Montana..."

Despite her cool tone, I could see her pulse jumping. She wasn't as indifferent as she wanted me to believe.

"About Jackson Hole," I started, but she shook her head.

"I'm here with my friends for vacation. That's it."

As she turned to leave, I couldn't help myself. I leaned closer.

"We should talk, Dee. When you're ready."

The slight hesitation in her step told me my words had landed. She remembered that night as clearly as I did.

I shouldn't be pushing when I'd been the one to walk away. But I'd spent six months wondering if I'd thrown away something important out of fear.

Now I had days to decide if whatever was still between us was worth risking my oldest friendship. To see if Delaney could understand why I'd panicked. If she'd consider giving me another chance.

The sun climbed higher as I walked to the dock, watching her retreating figure. Her shoulders were tense, stride purposeful. She was running again.

This time, I was considering following—even though I still wasn't sure it was right.

Let the games begin.

***

The paddleboarding session went smoothly. Twenty novices trying to balance on boards while I circled in a kayak with Matt, offering guidance and occasional rescues for those who tumbled in.

Delaney surprised me. Despite earlier reluctance, she was a natural—standing confidently, maintaining balance with fluidmovements. Her expression was peaceful beneath her baseball cap.

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