Page 7 of Rugged Mountain Man
“How’s the ankle?” he asks, breaking the silence.
I move it carefully under the table. “Sore, but I think it’s okay.”
“Good.” His dark eyes settle on me. “You’ll need it.”
“For what?”
“Walking. Getting back to your city nonsense.”
The reminder stings, a sharp jab to the bubble I didn’t realize I was in. I set my fork down, suddenly not hungry. “Yeah. That.”
His gaze sharpens. “What is it?”
“Nothing.” I force a smile. “Just… work stuff.”
“Sounds like more than that.”
I sigh, pushing my plate away. “It’s just a lot. I haven’t sold a house in six months. My boss is breathing down my neck, and if I don’t make something happen soon, I’m out of a job.”
“Doesn’t sound like much of a job to lose.”
I blink at him, startled. “Excuse me?”
“It’s a dead-end, isn’t it?” He leans back, crossing his arms, his biceps straining against the fabric of his shirt. “Doesn’t sound like you even like it.”
“I worked hard to get that job.”
“Doesn’t mean it’s right for you.” His tone is calm, but the words cut deep. “Why’d you come here? To figure it out?”
I look away, my throat tight. “Yeah, but…”
“Then figure it out,” he says simply. “Stay. A few more days, at least.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “I can’t just… stay. I have responsibilities.”
“To what? A boss who doesn’t appreciate you? A career that you are not sure about it?” His voice softens just a fraction. He see’s right through me, how selling houses wasn’t in my ten-year plan, how I pursued something just to make some money and get on my feet. It’s not what I love, it’s not what I’m passionate about.
“You said you’re staying at Sweet Haven, right? Checked in with them last night. Told them you’re safe. You’ve got time.”
My chest tightens. He’s right, I do hate my job. I thought it was what I wanted and that my personality was perfect for it. But it wasn’t giving me joy. “I don’t know. I’m supposed to leave tomorrow anyway.”
“You came here for a reason,” he says, his voice quieter now. “Maybe you haven’t found it yet.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“It is. You’re not ready to leave. So don’t.”
I blink, sure I’ve misheard him. “I don’t know if I want to extend my stay at Sweet Haven, it’s great it just has the wrong crowd and vibe.”
“I have some cabins I rent out at my outfitters camp. You’re welcome to move there.”
My heart stutters. “You’d do that? For me?”
He shrugs, like it’s no big deal. “They’re empty this time of year. Besides, it’ll give you a better idea of what the mountains are really like. Sweet Haven’s nice, but it’s frou-frou. Not the real thing.”
A laugh bubbles out of me, unexpected. “Frou-frou? Is that your professional assessment?”
His lips twitch, almost a smile. “Something like that.”
