Page 3 of The Mountain Man's Curvy Boss

I grunt noncommittally as we head inside, her clicking heels grating on my nerves. Once out of the downpour, she pushes wet strands off her face. "Whew! Quite the welcome from Mother Nature. Is it always like this?"

"The mountain's got a mind of her own. Your fancy duds won't last long up here," I mutter.

“It’s a Good thing I’m adaptable, then,” Madison retorts. Her direct gaze unnerves me, and I look away.

Clearing my throat, I set her bags down. "Anything else?"

"Actually, I was hoping we could chat. My grandmother raved about what an asset you've been over the years. She said you've worked here over a decade?"

"Yep, going on twelve years now," I confirm. "Eleanor--sorry, Mrs. Callahan--was the best boss I ever had. She'll sure be missed 'round here." Sadness flickers across Madison's delicate features, and I immediately regret my callousness. "My condolences for your loss," I tack on awkwardly.

"Thank you," she murmurs. “I know I have big shoes to fill if I stay, but I’m excited to see what she’s done with the place. It doesn’t look like it’s changed much since I came here as a child.”

I tense. Here we go. I knew it was too good to be true, Eleanor's granddaughter swooping in to see what she can change. She'll probably turn it into some yuppy yoga retreat.

Madison notices my dark expression. She touches my forearm, and I nearly jump out of my skin. "Don't worry, I plan to preserve the heart of the resort. I just want to enhance the guest experience and make some upgrades. I could really use your expertise if you're willing."

I study her, searching for any sign of deception. But her deep brown eyes are earnest and hopeful. And I'll be damned if I can say no to this woman already.

"Sure," I relent at last. "I'll do what I can to help."

Her resulting smile is brilliant. "Fantastic! I appreciate that, Archer."

Suddenly feeling like I need some air, I take a step back. "I better get back to work."

"Of course. I won't keep you. But I'd love a full tour of the property soon if you're available."

"Just say when."

"Perfect. I'll be in touch." She flashes me another of those devastating grins before turning to go, her large hips swaying enticingly as she walks away.

Damn. What was I thinking, agreeing to help her? This is a disaster waiting to happen. But as much as I hate to admit it, I'm intrigued by Madison Callahan. There's a whole lot more to Eleanor’s granddaughter than meets the eye. And even though I know better, I have a feeling I won't be able to stay away...

I watch Madison walk towards one of the cabins on the far side of the lake, her dark hair blowing in the mountain breeze as she pulls a suitcase behind her. Even in her unsuitable city clothes, she moves with a surprising grace. I shake my head, trying to clear the unwanted thoughts. I cannot be thinking about my boss this way.

Needing to keep busy, I head to the maintenance shed to grab some tools. The old barn door creaks as I yank it open. I scan the organized shelves and pegboards, my eyes landing on Eleanor's garden shears. A pang of grief hits me unexpectedly. Eleanor was more than just my boss; she was the closest thing I had to family.

I swallow hard. "Keep it together, Archer," I mutter to myself. I have a job to do, and I won't let Eleanor down, even if that means working with her city-slicker granddaughter to fix up the resort. Why she left it to her, I don't know.

My thoughts drift back to Madison as I gather my tools. Her warm brown eyes and soft smile are already etched into mymemory. I curse under my breath. I can't afford any distractions, especially not in the form of a beautiful woman who'll probably be hightailing it back to the city before long.

I've seen her type come through here before - all designer clothes and naivete, completely out of their element in the rugged mountains. They never last. But there's a determination in Madison's eyes that makes me wonder if she'll be different.

“There’s only one way to find out,” I grumble to myself as I pocket a wrench and head out to tackle the leaky faucet in Cabin 4, steeling myself against the dangerous pull I already feel toward Madison. I’ve got to keep my head on straight, and my heart locked down tight if I'm going to survive this summer.

3

MADISON

After a surprisingly good night's sleep with just the sound of nature outside my window, I spoke to Ivy on reception and asked her to contact Archer for me. I'd kept away from the main resort after our meeting yesterday, choosing to eat in my cabin instead of the resort's restaurant, but I’d spent a lot of time thinking about him last night. Now I see him striding towards me, his flannel shirt hugging his muscular form, his stern face softened by the morning sun. He stops a few feet away from me, crossing his arms over his wide chest. His piercing blue eyes hold mine, and I'm startled by the intensity in them.

"Morning, Madison.” His voice is gruff but not impolite.

"Hi, Archer. I thought we might take that tour today if you're available." I twirl a strand of my hair, my nerves getting the better of me.

"Sure thing,” he replies, and even though it's brief and to the point, relief floods through me. Not because I was worried he'd say no, but because I'm not entirely sure how to navigate this dilapidated resort I now own on my own.

I follow Archer out of the lodge, trying to keep up with his long strides as he leads me down a winding path that I recognizefrom my drive up here yesterday. The sun filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. I can't help but admire the way his broad shoulders fill out his shirt, the fabric stretching taut over his muscular back.

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