Page 14 of Rugged Hero

“Where are we going?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of me.

He flashes me a grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I want to show you more of my life. I’m taking you to King Mountain.”

CHAPTER 8

MOSES

Wait till you see the view from my office,” I say, glancing over at Bridget beside me in the pickup truck cab.

The road up King Mountain winds through dense alpine forest, giving way to sweeping valley vistas below.

Her smile is radiant as she looks at me. She reaches over to stroke my arm, and heat flares through me at her touch. God, I want her in my arms again. But I know we need to talk first. My chest tightens. I’m not good at baring my soul. The only person I’ve opened up to is my VA therapist, and I haven’t even told him everything going on in my head. But I know if I want a real future with Bridget, I’ve got to do this.

I tighten my hands on the steering wheel and work to steady my nerves. Lush green scenery blurs past the windows.

“It’s so beautiful up here,” Bridget says as my truck climbs higher up the mountain. “I can see why you love it.”

“Yeah.” My voice is gruff. “The mountain is...a special place.”

I steal another glance at her. She’s gazing out at the dramatic landscapes, eyes full of wonder. Happiness blooms in my chest. I want to share my world with her. My real world. I want her to be a part of it.

The truck bounces into the lookout’s small parking area, and I cut the engine. Bridget is already opening her door, excitement on her face as she hops out.

“Oh, wow, Moses! This place is stunning.”

She spins in a slow circle, drinking in the majestic forest rising all around us. Pride swells in my chest. I’m so glad she likes it here.

“I knew this mountain was here, but I’ve never been up here before,” she marvels. “It’s incredible!”

“Sure is,” I agree, coming around to join her. “Best office view in the county.”

Bridget laughs, and the sound is pure sunshine. “No arguments here! You’re a lucky man, Moses Butcher.”

“Starting to feel that way,” I say, giving her a meaningful look.

A pretty blush pinks her cheeks. The urge to take her in my arms again is powerful. I need to tell her what she’s come to mean to me, even in this short time. But I know I need to do this right.

I nod toward a narrow trail. “Want to take a short walk? There’s an even better view a little ways in.”

“Actually, I’d love to sit if that’s okay. It’s been a long day.”

“Sure thing. The lookout has a great deck. C’mon.”

I lead the way up the wooden steps and motion her to one of the chairs on the deck.

“Have a seat. I’ll grab us a blanket and something to drink.”

“Sounds perfect.” She smiles up at me.

Inside, I pause to take a deep, centering breath. My gut’s a jumble of nerves and anticipation. I know I’m on the cusp of changing my life forever, for better or worse. God, I hope it’s for the better...

I snag a thick wool blanket and a bottle of whiskey, tucking two enamel mugs under my arm. Then I square my shoulders and head back out to Bridget.

I pour Bridget a generous two fingers of whiskey into one of the mugs. Her slender fingers brush mine as she accepts it, sending sparks racing up my arm. She takes a small sip, coughing lightly at the potent burn.

“Whoa! That’s, um...intense.” She laughs, her eyes watering.

“Too much? I can get you something else—”

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