Page 4 of Rugged Courage

Who is this woman? Why is she out here alone? And why do I care so much?

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. It doesn’t matter. Tomorrow, we’ll hike out, and that’ll be the end of it. I’ll probably never see her again.

So why does that thought bother me so much?

I sigh, leaning against my pack. It’s going to be a long night.

The sound of rustling from Cece’s tent catches my attention. A moment later, she emerges, zipping up her parka.

“Can’t sleep?” I ask.

She shakes her head, moving to sit across from me at the fire. “No.”

I nod, understanding the feeling. “Want some company?”

“Sure. We might as well stay up together.”

CHAPTER 3

CECE

Nightcap?” I pull the flask from my coat pocket and hold it up.

Dane raises an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Trying to get me drunk on the job, Miss Charles?”

I roll my eyes but can’t help smiling back. “Please, it’s just a little whiskey. Consider it a peace offering.”

He hesitates for a moment, then nods. “Alright, but just a little. We’ve got an early start tomorrow.”

I unscrew the cap and take a swig before passing it to him. The whiskey burns pleasantly as it goes down, warming me from the inside out.

Dane takes a careful sip, his eyes widening slightly. “That’s good stuff,” he says, handing the flask back.

“Thanks.”

It’s refreshing to be around someone who doesn’t know who I am or who my family is. Dane is much more mindful and interesting than frat boys who guzzle expensive whiskey and don’t bother to taste or appreciate it. He recognizes quality.

We sit in silence for a moment, the crackling of the fire filling the space between us. I study Dane’s profile, the flickering light casting shadows across his strong features. Despite my initial irritation at his presence, I can’t deny he’s attractive. And huge as hell. Seeing him emerge from the woods was scary, but now I can appreciate his tall body, thick with muscle.

As he pokes the fire to keep it going, I glance between his sturdy thighs to see if he’s as big there as he is everywhere else. Sadly, I can’t tell, but it doesn’t mean I don’t want to find out.

“So,” I venture, breaking the silence. “What brought you to a mountain like this?”

The light in Dane’s blue eyes dims, and his expression closes off. “I could ask you why you’re out here, too. I’m sure it’s not a surprise to say there aren’t that many solo women campers out here this time of year.”

I shrug, taking another sip of whiskey. “I asked first.”

He chuckles, but there’s little humor in it. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Fair enough,” I say, trying to hide my disappointment. “I don’t want to talk about my reasons, either.”

Dane nods, seeming relieved. “Glad we got that settled. Now, about those mountain lions...”

I lean forward, aware that this is something I need to pay attention to. “What about them?”

“They’re more active than usual this season,” he explains, his voice taking on a serious tone. “If we encounter one, it’s crucial you know how to react.”

I listen intently as Dane outlines the proper safety protocols. His deep voice is soothing, even as he describes what could be a life-threatening situation.

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