Page 36 of Wrecked for Love
Knock me over with a feather! He was looking for me?
“Uh…I didn’t mean to come off as creepy,” he added awkwardly.
I could’ve teased him more about stalking me, but I decided to let him off the hook. “Guess I owe the old man, then,” I said with a grin. I gestured for him to turn, signaling I was ready to head back. Koda trotted alongside me, happily keeping pace.
I wanted to ask about what that thug had meant by “scores,” but with adrenaline still pulsing through Elia, now didn’t seem like the right time. He’d either snap or dodge the question—no sense in pushing it.
“So, you came back. But…really, what are you doing here?” he asked. “What could this town possibly offer you?”
“You’ve got that classic local syndrome—you know, where you forget how beautiful the place you live in really is.”
“Oh, I’m well aware of its beauty, trust me.” His gaze swept over the surroundings, though his attention kept shifting back to me.
“The town has a lot to offer, actually. I plan to be in Buffaloberry for a while, I hope.” I caught him looking and blurted, “You look good.”
He gave his T-shirt and jeans a once-over, then flashed a half-smile. “Thanks.”
We then walked the rest of the trail at a hurried pace, neither of us in the mood to linger after what had just happened. The tension slowly began to lift as we reached the trailhead.
“Are you okay driving home by yourself?” Elia asked with concern.
“Yeah. Thanks for the, um—” The word got stuck, and I awkwardly muttered, “Protection.”
He gave a brief nod before heading toward his truck. I mentally kicked myself for letting Little Vossy throw me off. Now, I’d missed out on what could’ve been the rest of the hike with my unexpected cowboy, who stood head and shoulders above that pest.
“See you later,” I said reluctantly.
But he stopped, turning back. “Hey, you know what? I’ve got another trail in mind,” he called out. His voice was lighter, eager to put the earlier events behind us. “Raven Bluff’s popular, but there’s a hidden gem I know. You trust me?”
His grin was infectious, and I found myself smiling back. “Always. Lead the way.”
“I can drive us back here afterward if you want to hop in my old truck,” he offered.
I jumped at the idea like a dog eager for an adventure—more excited than Koda, who stood at the back, already content.
We climbed into his truck, and it felt like it was welcoming me back, nudging memories of the last time I’d sat here, actingsilly during that storm. The faint scent of hay tugged at my nostalgia. The worn leather seats cradled me like an old friend, while the familiar rattle of a toolbox under the seat completed the feeling of home.
“So,” Elia started, glancing over at me. “How long are you planning to stay here?”
I shrugged, trying to keep it casual. “Don’t know yet. I really like it here, so maybe a few months. How’s the town treating you?”
“Same old, same old.” He grinned. “The gossip’s still thriving, the diner’s still greasy, and Koda’s still convinced he’s the boss of everyone.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Some things never change.”
He turned onto a narrow dirt road I didn’t recognize, and as we climbed higher up the hill, the scenery shifted. The trees seemed denser, the air crisper. Buffaloberry Hill had never been so intriguing.
“I had no idea this place was here.” I glanced around. The landscape was jagged and rocky—different from the rest of Buffaloberry—almost like we’d stumbled near a cave or something.
“Not many people do. This spot’s a bit of a secret.”
He slowed the truck as we approached a bend. “Now, just a heads-up. There are real moose around here, so keep your eyes peeled. And if you see one with a calf, try not to spook her. Moose moms don’t take kindly to strangers near their babies.”
I grinned. “Don’t worry. I’ll give Mama Moose her space. No need to get on her bad side.”
Elia nodded, sneaking a side glance while keeping his hands steady on the wheel. “Good.”
We parked the truck and stepped out onto the trailhead. The moment we started walking, the world seemed to fall into a peaceful stillness. There was no one else around—not a soul insight. It was just us, the rustling leaves, and the occasional chirp of birds. The air smelled of pine and earth, crisp and clean. The silence was soothing, broken only by the sound of our footsteps and Koda’s panting as he trotted ahead.
