Page 21 of Mountain Man Summer

I told myself it was neighborly concern that made me grab my jacket and head out into the light rain.

The humidity hit me like a wall as I stepped outside, the day's warmth barely diminished by the storm. Another wave of the record-breaking temperatures that had gripped the region for days. By the time I reached Didi's porch, my t-shirt was sticking to my back despite the short walk.

I hesitated before knocking. What exactly was I doing here? But then I heard what sounded like a frustrated groan from inside, and my concern outweighed my second thoughts.

My knuckles had barely touched the door when it swung open. Didi stood there, hair piled messily atop her head, wearing nothing but a tank top and shorts that revealed miles of leg. Her skin glistened with perspiration, face flushed from the heat.

"Noah," she said, surprise evident in her voice. "Is everything okay?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing," I replied, noting the discomfort in her expression. "Saw your lights still on. Everything alright?"

She gave a defeated laugh, gesturing me inside. "My air conditioner gave up the ghost about an hour ago. Complete surrender. I've been trying to revive it, but I think it's officially dead."

I stepped into her cabin, immediately feeling the stifling temperature. The small window unit was silent, despite the dial being turned to maximum cooling.

"These old units aren't made for heat waves like this," I said, crossing to examine it. "Compressor's probably overheated and shut down."

"So my options are what? Melt into a puddle on the floor?"

I smiled at her exasperation. "Resort maintenance can probably replace it, but not until morning at the earliest." I hesitated, then offered, "My cabin has central air. You're welcome to crash there tonight."

The moment the words left my mouth, I realized what I was suggesting. After our kiss in the gazebo, inviting her to spend the night—even innocently—carried different implications.

Didi seemed to reach the same conclusion, her eyes widening slightly. "I don't want to impose," she said carefully.

"You're not," I assured her. "I've got a spare room. And it's too hot to sleep here."

She bit her lip, considering. "You're sure?"

"Positive. Grab whatever you need for the night. I'll run to the corner store, pick up some supplies. Meet you at my place in fifteen?"

Relief washed over her face. "You're a lifesaver, Mr. Mountain Man."

"Just being neighborly," I said, the words feeling inadequate for what was growing between us.

I drove to the small market on the resort property, picking up ice cream, cold drinks, and breakfast supplies for morning.By the time I returned, Didi's cabin was dark, and her silhouette was visible on my porch, a small overnight bag at her feet.

"Sorry," I called as I approached, arms full of grocery bags. "Thought I'd grab some cold treats. This weather isn't letting up anytime soon."

"My hero," she smiled, helping me with the bags as I unlocked the door.

The cool air of my cabin enveloped us as we stepped inside, and I heard Didi's appreciative sigh.

"Oh my God, this feels amazing," she said, closing her eyes briefly as the air conditioning washed over her. "I might never leave."

I set the groceries on the counter, trying not to think too hard about that possibility. "Make yourself at home. Spare room's down the hall, first door on the right."

She nodded, picking up her overnight bag. "Thanks, Noah. Really."

While she settled in, I unpacked the groceries and grabbed two beers from the fridge. When I returned to the living room, Didi had emerged from the spare room and was studying the framed photos on my mantel.

"Your family?" she asked as I handed her a beer.

I nodded, pointing to one showing an older couple standing proudly beside a teenage boy with a fishing rod. "My parents and me, about a year before the accident."

She touched the frame gently. "You have their eyes."

"My mom's side," I said. "Irish blood."

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