Page 1 of Big & Bearded on the Mountain

Chapter One

Emily

I look at the address of the local Search and Rescue Team my boss Grizz has scribbled on a piece of paper and frown. Unless the SAR team uses a bakery for pet treats as their base, I’m definitely not in the right place. The sign above the door says Winnie & Woof.

I squint at the paper. Grizz’s handwriting might not be the best, but the numbers he wrote down are clearly legible. This should be it.

I decide to head inside and ask for directions. The sooner I can get started on my research, the better. If anyone knows where the SAR team’s office is located, it’s one of the locals.

The bells above the entrance jingle as I push the door open. Behind the counter, a brown-haired woman is putting dog treats in a cellophane bag. There’s a yellow labrador at her feet, fast asleep.

“I’ll be right there,” she calls out to me, tying a ribbon around the top of the bag.

She puts it aside and gives me a warm smile. “Hi, I’m Winnie, and this is my dog, Woof. How can I help you?”

“Uhm, hi, I’m Emily,” I reply. “I’m looking for directions to the local Search and Rescue team. According to my boss, it should be located right here.”

Winnie shakes her head. “No, that’s not here. This building is number sixty-nine. You’re looking for ninety-six. It’s right next to the police station.”

“Oh, so the numbers were inverted. That makes sense. Thank you.” I pocket the piece of paper with the wrong address.

“No worries. I hope there’s not a problem like someone being stuck on the mountain?” Winnie asks, a frown creasing her forehead.

“Nope, not a problem. I’m here for a few weeks to do research about bird feeding patterns. It’s a requirement for my bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology.”

“That sounds interesting.”

I light up at her words. Normally, people’s eyes glaze over whenever I talk about wildlife biology and what it entails. “Thanks. I love this kind of stuff. I work at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Montana, but my boss was kind enough to give me a few weeks off to conduct my research here in the mountains of Frosty Crest. He has done some work here himself a few years ago, so he’s familiar with the area.”

Winnie gives me an amused smile. “That’s great, Emily. I wish you all the best with your research. Oh, and if you happen to see Brody at the SAR office, tell him he should drop by soon. I’ve made some special treats for his dog.”

“Is he your boyfriend?” I ask.

She laughs so hard the corners of her eyes crinkle. “Hell no, Brody is my cousin.”

“Oops, sorry for jumping the gun on that one. Anyway, I should get going. Apparently, everyone who wants to venture up the mountain for more than a day needs to inform the SAR team. The sooner I can start my research, the better.”

She nods. “Yeah, it’s a safety thing. You wouldn’t believe how many people get stuck up there every year. The men from the SAR team already have their hands full with skiers andsnowboarders going off the designated trails. Are you staying at one of the town’s lodges?”

I shake my head. “No, I found a cozy cabin a bit further down the mountain. Thought it would be more peaceful for the research.”

Winnie smiles. “Sounds nice. Just be sure to keep an eye on the weather. It can change pretty fast up there.”

“Will do,” I reply, grateful for her friendly advice. “Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.”

“No worries. Good luck, and maybe I’ll see you around.”

I head out the door and walk to the Search and Rescue office.

When I get to number ninety-six, I’m relieved to see that I’m finally in the right place. The office is located in the same building as the police station, just like Winnie told me.

I take the steps to the entrance and get inside. The SAR team’s office is on the left and the police station is on the right. I nod to a police officer who rushes by me while he’s talking on the phone and looking at a file. He doesn’t even acknowledge me. I guess he’s got more important things to focus on than greeting a girl who looks like a tourist. After all, I’m wearing a backpack and am dressed in hiking boots, a big jacket, and not-so-flattering pants with lots of pockets. I need those to easily access all my gear, so they do come in handy. Too bad they don’t exactly highlight my assets, but who’s going to notice anyway? I’ll be all alone while I’m doing my research.

I politely knock on the SAR team’s door and push it open. I’m greeted by the sight of the biggest men I’ve ever seen. If I didn’t know any better, I’d assume they’re giants. All three of them have full beards and broad, sculpted shoulders. They all look bigger than the Eifel Tower and could probably crush me with their thumbs if they wanted to.

I swallow. I have to talk to these men about doing research on birds? Suddenly, I feel a bit silly. These big and bearded mensave lives for a living. Hell, they probably pick up fallen trees from the mountain roads without an effort. Their days consist of heroic stuff. And here I am. Short and curvy, in the ugliest outfit I own, about to ask permission to go up the mountain and install my bird feeders. It sounds so ridiculous compared to what they do on a daily basis that I chuckle.

One of them turns toward me at the sound of my laughter, and he’s so gigantic that I instinctively take a step back.

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