Page 6 of Craving the Mountain Man

"Is that why you agreed to this trip?" I ask. "To share it with Mr. Donovan?"

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Partly. But mostly... it's about securing funding to keep Fire Mountain Expeditions running. To keep this mountain safe from those who'd exploit it."

The wind whips around us, but I don’t shiver in response, I’m so drawn to Grayson that I can’t help but step closer to him. I lean in closer, drawn to the intensity in Grayson's voice. "What do you mean, exploit it?"

He turns to look at me, his eyes dark and serious in the moonlight. "There are people who see Fire Mountain as nothing more than a resource to be used up. They want to build resorts, install ski lifts, turn it into just another tourist trap."

His jaw clenches as he continues, "But they don't understand. This mountain is alive. It's wild and dangerous and beautiful. It needs to stay that way."

I'm struck by the passion in his words, seeing a side of Grayson I've never glimpsed before. "Is that why you started Fire Mountain Expeditions? To protect the mountain?"

He nods slowly. "That, and to give people a chance to experience its true nature. Not some sanitized version, but the real thing - with all its challenges and rewards."

We lapse into silence for a moment, the enormity of the wilderness around us sinking in. I shiver slightly in the cool night air.

Without a word, Grayson shifts closer, his arm brushing against mine. The warmth of his body seeps into me, and I find myself leaning into him almost unconsciously.

"You should get some rest," he says softly, but makes no move to pull away. "Tomorrow will be challenging."

I nod, but don't move. "Just a few more minutes," I whisper, not wanting to break the spell of this moment.

As we sit there under the vast canopy of stars, I feel something shift between us. The gruff, closed-off man I've known for the past month is revealing hidden depths, and I find myself wanting to dive in and explore them all.

Finally, with obvious reluctance, Grayson stands. He offers me his hand, pulling me to my feet. "Come on, Skylar. Back to camp."

The use of my first name sends a little thrill through me. As we make our way back to the tents, his hand on the small of my back to guide me in the darkness, I realize that this expedition might change more than just my outdoor skills.

It might just change everything.

CHAPTER 4

GRAYSON

The morning dawns crisp and clear as we break camp. I watch Skylar out of the corner of my eye, noting how she winces slightly as she shoulders her pack. She caught me off guard last night—both with her unexpected appearance at my stargazing spot and with her genuine interest in the mountain. I shake my head, pushing away thoughts of how right it felt to have her close in the darkness.

"Alright everyone," I call out to the group. "We've got a long day ahead. Steep climb to Falcon Ridge, then we'll traverse along the ridgeline to our next camp. Stay alert and stick together."

As we set off, I fall into step beside Skylar. "How are you holding up?" I ask gruffly.

She flashes me a bright smile that does funny things to my insides. "Ready for anything, Mountain Man. Lead the way!"

I grunt in response, torn between amusement and annoyance at her chipper attitude. We begin the ascent, the trail quickly becoming steeper and more treacherous. I keep a watchful eye on Skylar, noticing how she grits her teeth with determination even as fatigue sets in.

About an hour into the climb, disaster strikes. Skylar steps on a loose rock, her ankle twisting as she loses her balance. I lunge forward, catching her before she can tumble down the slope. She cries out in pain as I steady her.

"Easy," I murmur, helping her to a nearby boulder. "Let me take a look."

I crouch down, gently probing her ankle. It's already starting to swell, but doesn't seem broken. Skylar hisses in pain as I manipulate the joint.

"It's just a sprain," I tell her. "But it's going to make the rest of this climb hell."

She looks up at me, her green eyes blazing with determination. "I can do it. I'm not quitting."

I study her for a long moment, weighing our options. We're too far up to easily turn back, but continuing with her injured could be dangerous. Something in her expression makes the decision for me.

"Alright," I say finally. "But you stick close to me. I'm not having you tumble off this mountain on my watch."

Relief floods her face, quickly replaced by a teasing grin. "Aw, I didn't know you cared, Mr. Wells."

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