Page 6 of Rugged Courage

“You know,” I say, breaking the silence. “I think I misjudged you earlier.”

Dane looks up, surprise evident on his face. “Oh?”

I nod, feeling a bit embarrassed. “Yeah. I thought you were just another guy trying to swoop in and save the damsel in distress. But you’re not like that at all.”

He smiles, a warm, genuine smile that makes my heart flutter in ways it shouldn’t. “I’m glad you see that now. Though I have to admit, you’re not exactly a damsel in distress.”

I laugh, raising an eyebrow. “I should think not. Or is that your way of calling me difficult?”

“Challenging, maybe,” he says, his eyes twinkling. “But definitely not difficult.”

Heat creeps into my cheeks, and I look away. “I suppose I should get to sleep.” I’m surprised at how exhausted I am. I was wide awake when I came out, but now I feel like I could sleep for a week.

Dane nods, stretching his arms above his head. The movement causes his shirt to ride up slightly, revealing a strip of toned abdomen. I bite my lip as I stare at him, then quickly avert my eyes, hoping he didn’t notice me staring.

“You should get some rest,” he says, stifling a yawn. “Early start tomorrow, remember?”

I nod, feeling a mix of disappointment and relief. As much as I’ve enjoyed our conversation, the alcohol is making me all warm and sleepy.

“Right,” I say, standing up and brushing off my pants. “What time should we head out?”

“First light,” Dane says, also standing. “I’ll keep watch for a bit longer, make sure everything’s secure.”

I hesitate, suddenly not wanting to leave. “Are you sure? I could stay up with you for a while longer.”

He shakes his head, smiling softly. “Get some rest, Cece. You’ll need your energy tomorrow. I’ll make sure you get out of here safely.”

But what if I don’t want to say goodbye to Dane?

CHAPTER 4

DANE

It’s late when Cece and I set out on our hike. She was so deeply asleep this morning that I couldn’t wake her. It’s not a grueling hike, but it’s long, and she’ll need all her energy. I’m not underestimating her abilities, but I don’t want her to get injured. I watch her walking in front of me and admire her physical strength.

I have to admit that I wasn’t sure of her fitness level because she’s not a typical super-fit hiker, but she’s keeping a solid and steady pace. There is so much more to her than meets the eye, and everything I uncover makes her more attractive.

“Watch out!” Cece calls suddenly, grabbing my arm.

The warmth of her hand burns through my shirt as I stumble, narrowly avoiding a gnarled tree root jutting out across the path.

I place my hand over hers and turn to smile at her. “Thank you.”

Cece smiles and nods. “I wouldn’t think you’d be one not to pay attention to where you’re stepping.”

I glance at Cece and smile as we continue hiking. Do I tell her that it was thoughts of her that had me distracted? No, I shouldn’t do that. This is the last place to come off like a predatory jackass.

“It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes I get in my head,” I say, striding forward to lift a low-hanging branch so Cece doesn’t have to bend.

“Thanks,” she says as she passes.

The smile she gives me makes my heart skip a beat. As soon as we’re back in town, I’m going to ask her out. I don’t think I’m misreading the chemistry between us, but I’m unwilling to risk missing an opportunity to spend more time with her.

“You should come back to King Mountain sometime,” I say, then feel awkward.

Cece glances at me and gives me another dazzling smile. “Oh?”

“Yeah,” I say quickly. “Since your trip is getting cut short now. King Mountain is a beautiful place, and it’d be a shame if you didn’t experience it properly.”

---