Page 3 of Craving the Mountain Man

"Thank you, Mr. Wells," she says softly. "I promise I won't let you down."

As she leaves my office, I can't shake the feeling that Skylar Hayes is going to be more trouble than I bargained for. Not because she's incompetent—quite the opposite. She's proving to be frustratingly capable, despite her lack of outdoor experience. No, the real danger is the way she's already worming her wayinto the hearts of my team... and threatening to do the same to mine.

I force myself to focus on the stack of reports in front of me, pushing thoughts of sunny smiles and determined green eyes out of my mind. I've spent years building walls around myself, keeping everyone at arm's length. One perky assistant isn't going to change that.

A commotion outside draws my attention. I look up to see Skylar balancing a towering stack of boxes, wobbling dangerously as she navigates through the crowded office.

"Hayes!" I bark, rising from my chair. "What are you doing?"

She peeks around the boxes, her face flushed with exertion. "Just... bringing in... the new trail guides," she pants. "Thought I could... save everyone a trip."

Before I can tell her to put them down, she loses her balance. The boxes tumble from her arms, spilling their contents across the floor. Skylar lands with a soft "oof," surrounded by a sea of glossy trail guides.

The office goes silent for a moment, then erupts in laughter. To my surprise, Skylar joins in, her musical giggle rising above the rest.

"Well," she says, brushing her hair out of her face, "I guess I made quite an entrance."

I find myself fighting back a smile as I watch my team rush to help her up and gather the scattered guides. Even Howard, who hasn't cracked a genuine smile in years, is chuckling as he hands Skylar a stack of books.

"You alright there, sunshine?" Jake asks, helping her to her feet.

She nods, still grinning. "Nothing bruised but my pride. Sorry for the mess, everyone."

As I watch her interact with the team, joking and thanking them for their help, I'm struck by how quickly she's become apart of the group. In just two days, she's managed to bring a lightness to the office that I didn't even realize was missing.

I clear my throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, show's over. Back to work, people."

The team disperses, still chuckling. Skylar approaches my desk, her cheeks still pink from embarrassment.

"I'm sorry about that, Mr. Wells," she says. "I was just trying to be efficient."

I study her for a moment, taking in her earnest expression. Despite my best efforts, I find my stern facade cracking.

"Next time," I say, my voice softer than I intended, "ask for help if you need it. We're a team here, Hayes. No one expects you to carry everything on your own."

Her eyes widen slightly at my words, and I see a flicker of something—gratitude? Understanding?—pass across her face.

"Yes, sir," she says softly. "I'll remember that."

As she turns to leave, I find myself calling out to her again. "Hayes?"

She pauses, looking back at me curiously.

"Good hustle," I say, allowing a small smile to tug at the corner of my mouth. "Just try not to take it out on any more innocent trail guides, alright?"

Her answering smile is radiant, lighting up her whole face. "I'll do my best, Mr. Wells."

As she walks away, I can't help but watch her go, feeling a strange mix of apprehension and... something else I can't quite name. Skylar Hayes is a force of nature, as unpredictable and powerful as the mountain itself. And like the mountain, I have a feeling she's going to challenge me in ways I never expected.

I shake my head, trying to clear it of these unsettling thoughts. I have a business to run, and a mountain to protect. I can't afford to be distracted by a pair of green eyes and a sunny smile.

But as I hear her laughter drift in from the main office, mingling with the voices of my team, I can't help but wonder if maybe—just maybe—a little sunshine might be exactly what Fire Mountain Expeditions needs.

CHAPTER 3

SKYLAR

I've been at Fire Mountain Expeditions for nearly a month now, and I'm finally starting to feel like I belong. The team has welcomed me with open arms, teaching me about gear, trails, and all things outdoors. Even Grayson seems to be warming up to me, in his own gruff way.

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