Page 8 of Love By a Landslide

The romantic couple’s nature retreat.

Lucy’s chest deflated and she stopped pacing for a moment as her shoulders slumped forward. “Maybe I should try to cancel. I doubt I’d get a refund, but it’s no big deal eating the cost, considering.”

Todd thought for a moment then shook his head. “Vetoed. I think you should still go.”

“Really? Why?”

“Get back to what you love and treat it like therapy. It’s already bought and paid for. And, you said so yourself, you probably can’t get yourmoney back.”

“Maybe I could find a friend to come with me . . .” Lucy slowly grinned at Todd, who vigorously shook his head.

“Nice try, sweetie, but I can’t say this emphatically enough.Hell no.”

She eyed her friend, who wiggled an outstretched hand, requesting another drink from the champagne bottle. Finding it drained, Todd carelessly tossed the empty onto the couch. Lucy resumed marching back and forth in the living room, wringing her hands together. “So, I should go alone?”

“Yes! It would be veryEat, Pray, Loveof you.” His mischievous grin made Lucy wary. “Live your Julia Roberts fantasy and do a little soul searching.”

“Hmm. A trip alone. It feels a little sad. Don’t you think it would be sad?”

“No, I think it’s empowering.” Todd stood and adjusted the hem of his dress then walked to his pacing friend. He laid a hand on each of her shoulders. “This. Is. A. Good. Thing. Trust me. You can move in with me until you find a place of your own. Go on your trip, and once you get some distance, you’ll see that you’re better off.” He pulled her in for a strong hug. “I promise.”

Lucy relaxed into her friend’s embrace, inhaling the scent of roses, tequila, and a faint whisp of cigarette smoke. “You’re probably right.”

“Like I said—”

“I know, I know,” Lucy interrupted. “You’re always right.”

“That’s my girl. Now, finish packing your shit while I get changed, then let’s go get some breakfast. Mama’s hungry!”

Chapter four

One month later, on a Friday evening: Jonathan

Jonathan Miller finished a final lap around the supply room. Life vests, paddles, ropes, trekking poles—everything was accounted for on the inventory list. He signed the bottom of the page, removed it from the clipboard, and strode into the back office to file it with the rest of the end-of-day paperwork. Off the Beaten Adventures had already seen an unprecedented surge of business this year, and summer hadn’t even kicked off yet.

Warmer-than-usual temperatures accompanied record-breaking rainfall. The snow had long since melted, even atop the jagged peaks that surrounded the Bavarian-themed town. With the unseasonable warmth came an early influx of out-of-towners—mostly city dwellers—seeking adventures in the wilderness. Leavenworth was close enough to Seattle, Olympia, and Spokane for a quick getaway but also far enough to make travelers feel as though they had escaped to unknown lands.

The region was home to Jonathan. His parents were die-hard nature-loving adventurers and ensured he and his sister, Frankie, found a lifelong appreciation for the great outdoors. They’d spent the bulk of their childhood either gallivanting through the woods or doing homework in the guiding company’s back office.

At the ripe old age of twelve, Jonathan started accompanying his father on excursions as an assistant guide. He idolized his dad, loving every second of their time spent exploring. Jonathan alwaysknew he would take over the Miller family business one day; he just hadn’t expected it to be so soon.

“We’re fully booked for the next three months. Can you believe it?” Janet’s sharp hazel eyes peered above the rim of her reading glasses as her boss entered the administrative office. “Business is good, Johnny, business isreallygood.”

“I thought we had a lull in the middle of July?”

“We did, but I just got off the phone with some folks out of Tacoma. A large youth group reserved that entire week. About thirty teens and six chaperones will be coming out to backpack, climb, and white water. Booked up the rest of our guides.”

Jonathan’s eyes widened as he nodded in acknowledgment and walked to stand beside Janet. The calendar filled the computer screen, emblazoned with various bright colors attached to each type of activity. “Ok, well, schedule me where you want me. Our guides will need the support.”

“Since you mention it. I do have one excursion next week without a guide attached.”

He shrugged. “Now you don’t. Put my name down.”

“It’s a rafting trip.” Her words were drawn out as she peered at the monitor, unwilling to meet his eyes.

Jonathan’s stomach bottomed out. Throat completely dry, palms damp. Beads of sweat formed along his forehead. Flashes of churning, white water accosted his senses; he could see the swells, feel the mist and splashes on his skin, smell the silt. His once steady heartbeat accelerated, thundering so aggressively in his ears that he could barely hear Janet’s worried voice.

“Johnny.” He jerked as she laid a cool hand on his forearm and gently squeezed. “You all right?”

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