Page 27 of Mountain Man Summer

I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling suddenly vulnerable in just Noah's t-shirt. "Jamie—my producer and best friend—helped me arrange this. The lake cabin, working remotely. Nobody knew where I went except her and my station manager."

I reached for my phone, pulling up the messages Jamie had been sending me about ChicagoNightOwl's posts. "But now... Jamie just called to tell me that he's figured out I'm in Montana. He posted online about following me to a mountain lake."

I handed Noah my phone, letting him read Jamie's frantic texts detailing the stalker's recent activity. His eyes narrowed as he scrolled through the messages.

"The Chicago PD identified him," I continued. "Preston Barrett. He's a marketing executive. They've been watching his apartment, but he hasn't been there for days."

Noah set the phone down, his expression darkening. "You should have told me this sooner, Didi."

"I know," I said, unable to meet his eyes. "I was embarrassed. And scared. And I thought I could handle it myself. Being here, it felt like I could pretend it wasn't happening."

"Look at me," he said gently, waiting until I raised my eyes to his. "You have nothing to be embarrassed about. This isn't your fault."

His understanding cracked something open inside me. Tears I'd been holding back for months suddenly spilled over. Noah pulled me close, his arms encircling me with steady warmth.

"I'm so tired of being afraid," I whispered against his chest. "Of looking over my shoulder. Of wondering if every stranger is him. Of not knowing who I can trust."

"I know," he murmured, his hand stroking my hair. "But you're not alone anymore."

I pulled back slightly, searching his face. "You're not mad that I lied to you?"

"You didn't lie. You just didn't tell me everything." His touch was gentle as he wiped away a tear. "And considering we've known each other all of three days, I can hardly hold that against you."

The absurdity of our situation washed over me—how quickly we'd gone from strangers to lovers, how I was sitting in his living room wearing only his t-shirt while confessing my darkest fears. A laugh bubbled up, slightly hysterical.

"What?" he asked, a smile tugging at his lips.

"This is all so... much," I said, gesturing between us. "Three days ago, you were rescuing me from my own boating incompetence, and now I'm crying on your shoulder half-naked after mind-blowing sex, confessing about my stalker."

His smile widened. "When you put it that way, it does sound a little unorthodox."

"A little?" I scoffed, but I was smiling too.

Noah's expression grew serious again. "About this Preston Barrett. If he really has figured out you're in Montana, we need to take precautions."

"What kind of precautions?"

"First, I need to alert Sheriff Callahan. He should know there's a potential security concern."

I nodded, relieved that Noah wasn't suggesting a full public announcement.

"Second, we need to make your cabin more secure. Better locks, motion-sensor lights. I've got some security equipment at the station I can bring over."

"Is that really necessary?" The idea of turning my peaceful retreat into a fortress made my heart sink.

"It's precautionary," Noah assured me. "Hope Peak is small, Didi. A stranger would stand out here, especially during tourist season when we're already on high alert. But better safe than sorry."

"Okay," I agreed, still not loving the idea but trusting his judgment.

"Third," he continued, his tone softening, "I think you should consider staying here until the Fourth is over."

This surprised me. "Here? With you?"

"It's more secure than your cabin. Central location, better visibility, and..." He hesitated, a rare moment of uncertainty. "I'd feel better knowing you were safe."

The protectiveness in his voice warmed something deep inside me. It had been so long since anyone had truly looked out for me—not because they wanted something, but simply because they cared.

"I don't want to impose," I said, echoing my words from last night.

---