Page 7 of Stranded with the Mountain Man

I shrug again. "You asked for shelter, not a vow of silence.Tell me about your flowers if you want."

"Plants," she corrects automatically."I specialize in native Appalachian flora and their conservation, not decorative flowers."

There's the Deena I remember, passionate about the correct terminology always ready to educate.Some things never change.

"Plants," I concede, the corner of my mouth lifting despite myself."So prestigious Dr. Wilson had to be ordered to take vacation.Sounds like you got exactly what you wanted when you left."

She flinches slightly at my tone."My career worked out, yes."

"But?"

She takes a long sip of coffee before answering."But nothing's ever exactly what you imagine it will be, is it?"

The simple honesty of her statement catches me off guard.I'd expected defensiveness, maybe a listing of her accomplishments, proof that leaving Serenity Hollow, leaving me, was the right choice.Instead, there's a weariness in her voice that resonates with something in my own chest.

"No," I agree quietly. "It isn't."

Silence falls between us, not entirely uncomfortable.The storm rages outside, rain lashing against the windows, but in here, it's warm, the fire casting golden light across the wooden floors.

Bear, apparently deciding Deena isn't a threat, pads over and lays his massive head on her knee.She startles slightly, then carefully places a hand on his broad skull.

"Traitor," I mutter, but there's no heat in it.

She smiles, the first real smile since she arrived."Animals always liked me better than people.It's why I chose plants as a career.Less complicated."

"Smart choice." I refill my own coffee, watching her scratch behind Bear's ears.My dog, who normally won't let anyone but me touch him, is practically purring."You'll be stuck here till morning at least.This storm isn't letting up anytime soon, and the mountain roads will be washed out."

"I figured." She looks up at me, and there's that vulnerability again."I really am sorry to impose.If there had been any other option--"

"There wasn't," I cut her off."Your aunt's place was always held together with hope and baling wire.Not surprised it finally gave out."

"It's worse than I imagined. The lawyer said 'needs work,' not 'actively collapsing.'"

I snort. "Lawyers. About as useful as a screen door on a submarine."

That gets me another smile, smaller this time."I should've known better. Should've come up to check it out before committing to six months."

"Why didn't you?" The question slips out before I can stop it.

Her gaze drops to her coffee."Honestly? I was afraid of running into you."

The admission hangs in the air between us, too raw and honest for comfort.

I clear my throat. "Well, you managed almost three hours in town before that happened.Not bad."

She looks up sharply, then sees the slight quirk of my lips and relaxes."My personal best for avoiding exes.I'll mark it in my calendar."

"Just how many exes do you have, Dee-Dee?Should I be expecting more waterlogged scientists on my doorstep tonight?"

Her old nickname, paired with the joke, surprises both of us as a glimpse of the easy banter we once shared breaks through years of distance.

"Just the one worth avoiding," she replies, her voice softer now."The rest didn't matter enough to hike three miles in a thunderstorm to escape."

Our eyes lock across the kitchen, and something electric crackles between us that has nothing to do with the lightning outside.For a heartbeat, I'm twenty-three again, watching her laugh in the sunlight at Miller's Creek, planning our future together before it all fell apart.

I break the contact first, straightening from the counter."You should get some rest. Guest room's next to the bathroom.Sheets are clean."

She blinks, clearly thrown by the abrupt dismissal."Okay. Thank you again, Ross.I mean it."

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