Page 11 of Beauty and the Beard

“I could show you how,” Leaf blurts and quickly looks away. “But you tap the trees early. It’s a February or March thing. When there’s still snow. Most people don’t come here much then. But I mean, that’s when sap happens. For the syrup.”

He clears his throat and stares into his cup. It was an adorable ramble about… well, I’m not quite sure, but I know it means something for him to say it.

“I’d consider it. Being here with snow, I mean.”

He puffs a small breath before gracing me with a real smile.

“Uh, good. You might change your mind after fishing. If you still want to go, that is.”

Pushing my empty plate aside, I’m shocked I finished the entire stack of pancakes.

“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to go.”

Leaf shifts in his chair and stares back into his coffee cup. His body language is hard for me to read, but I’m positive Leaf is just as careful around people as I am.

“Okay.” He finally nods, committed to the idea. “Millie made us lunch. Perry is on his way and I already made sure the boat was ready to go this morning. You can change and we’ll head out.”

“Change?”

I dressed very conservatively today in my white linen pants, loafers, and a loose fitting t-shirt in a gorgeous pastel blue. It’s the softest material and perfect for a day on the lake. Or at least I thought so.

“Um… do you have jeans? A long sleeve shirt and shoes you don’t mind if they get wet? Clothes that might get dirty?”

My phone chooses that moment to buzz with a text and we both glance at it. Right there for Leaf to see is the response from my best friend, Roman.

Roman:A hot lumberjack! Do tell!

Mortified doesn’t begin to describe how I feel, but I flip the phone over with a grace I didn’t know I possessed.

Clearing my throat, I meet Leaf’s curious gaze.

“I have jeans, but I’m afraid I just brought t-shirts. And hiking boots. And a gorgeous pair ofMichael Korssandals.”

“I don’t know who Michael Kors is, but I’ll take your word for it. Even a pair of running shoes is fine. I’ll get you a long sleeve shirt to borrow.” He pushes out of his chair. “I’ll meet you back here in twenty minutes. Is that enough time?”

“Yep. I can do that.”

He nods, and before he walks away, he gestures to my phone with a knowing smile.

“Tell your friend I’m not a real lumberjack. I just look like one.”

Closing my eyes and drowning with embarrassment I wait until he’s gone before answering Roman’s text.

Sasha:He saw this text! I’m going to die of embarrassment!

Roman:Or get plundered by a lumberjack! Oh, wait. That’s a pirate thing. Anyway, so he’s cute? You’ve been there one day and you’re already crushing.

Taking a chance, I dart out the lodge doors and check my service. I still have a three-bar signal, so I hit Roman’s contactand duck behind the corner of the lodge. The docks are down the grassy slope to the lake, and the view is just as beautiful as it was this morning.

“Sasha, is everything ok? I was only kidding about the plundering! Sort of.”

“It’s easier than texting, and I’m fine. I only get limited reception here, but listen, I need to be fast. Last night he brought supper to my cabin and showed me how to use a propane stove. We talked, and he’s nice. And he says he only looks like a lumberjack, by the way. But he was super hesitant about things. Like, I’m pretty sure he’s interested, but he’s not a rushing kind of guy.”

“And he’s not actually a lumberjack. That’s disappointing.”

“Ugh. I can’t believe he saw that text. And it’s not disappointing, believe me. Listen, I need to change and he’s taking me fishing.”

“Like for fish?”

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