Page 4 of Craving the Mountain Man

But today, everything changes.

I'm organizing client files when Grayson bursts out of his office, his face set in grim lines. "Hayes, my office. Now."

Confused and a little worried, I follow him inside. He's pacing behind his desk, running a hand through his dark hair.

"We've got a situation," he says without preamble. "The Donovan group wants to do a survival tour of Fire Mountain. It's a make-or-break deal for the company."

I nod, remembering the important client from my first day. "Okay, so what's the problem?"

Grayson fixes me with an intense stare. "They want it to be an exclusive tour. The rest of the team are experienced climbers and will be able to help Donavan and his group while walking. But I need someone to handle logistics, coordinate with base camp, that sort of thing."

My heart starts to race as I realize where this is going. "You want me to go on the tour?"

He nods curtly. "This is your job. It's going to be tough, Hayes. This isn't a nature walk."

I swallow hard, excitement and terror warring in my chest. "I... I can do it, Mr. Wells. I won't let you down."

His expression softens slightly. "I know you won't. But Skylar," he says, using my first name for the first time, "this is serious. The mountain is unforgiving. Are you sure you're up for this?"

I meet his gaze, my chin lifted defiantly. "I am. I'll do whatever it takes to make this work."

A ghost of a smile flickers across his face. "Alright then. We leave in three days. I suggest you start preparing."

As I leave his office, my mind is reeling. I've never even been on a real hike, let alone a survival expedition. But I refuse to let my inexperience hold me back. I'm going to prove to Grayson—and to myself—that I belong here.

I spend the next three days in a whirlwind of preparation. Jake and the other guides give me crash courses in basic survival skills. I pore over maps and trail guides, memorizing routes and landmarks. I even convince Howard to take me on a practice hike, much to his grumbling amusement.

The morning of the expedition dawns clear and crisp. I'm a bundle of nerves as I double-check my pack, going over my mental checklist for the hundredth time.

"Ready for this, sunshine?" Jake asks.

I nod, trying to project more confidence than I feel. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Jake gives me an encouraging smile. "You've got this, Skylar. Just remember what we taught you, and stick close to Grayson. He knows that mountain better than anyone."

I take a deep breath, shouldering my pack. "Thanks, Jake. For everything."

As I make my way to the group gathering near the trailhead, I catch sight of Grayson talking with a well-dressed man I assume is Mr. Donovan. Grayson's eyes find mine, and he gives me a slight nod.

"Ah, and this must be your assistant," Mr. Donovan says as I approach. "I hope you're prepared for a real adventure, my dear."

I smile politely. "Absolutely, sir. I'm looking forward to it."

Grayson clears his throat. "Alright, everyone. Final gear check, then we head out. It's a long climb to our first campsite."

As the group bustles around, doing last-minute preparations, Grayson pulls me aside.

"Remember, Hayes," he says in a low voice, "your job is to keep things running smoothly. Handle the paperwork, coordinate with base camp, and leave the guidance to me. Got it?"

I nod, determined. "Got it, Mr. Wells. You can count on me."

He studies me for a moment, his gray eyes unreadable. "I know I can," he says finally, his voice softer than I've ever heard it. Then, as if catching himself, he straightens up and addresses the group. "Let's move out!"

As we set off up the trail, the looming peaks of Fire Mountain ahead of us, I feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. This is it—my chance to prove myself, to show Grayson and everyone else that I'm more than just a sunny smile with organizational skills.

Little do I know that this expedition will test me in ways I never imagined, pushing me to my limits and changing my life forever. But as I fall into step behind Grayson, watching his confident stride and broad shoulders, I can't help but feel that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.

The trail winds upward, becoming steeper and more challenging with each passing hour. I'm grateful for all the preparation I've done, but nothing could have truly prepared me for the reality of this grueling climb. My legs burn, my lungs ache, and I'm pretty sure I've developed blisters in places I didn't even know could blister.

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