Page 3 of Rescued By the Brooding Mountain Hero

I ignore the jab and change the subject. "About that storm tomorrow - I heard the warning over the radio this morning. It's going to be a big one."

Mom's expression turns serious. "How bad are we talking?"

"Bad enough that anyone caught in it will be in real danger, especially if they don't know the area. You know how fast and hard storms can strike up in the mountains."

Mom nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. As a mountain rescuer, I've seen firsthand how quickly things can turn deadly when people underestimate the power of nature, and Mom is forever worried about me when I'm on duty. Working at the resort since I was a child, she's also seen her fair share of calamities.

"I'll remind Jade to stay inside if I see her again,” Mom assures me. “Lord knows she won’t be the first to ignore your warning.”

I run a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. It's my job to keep people safe out here, but sometimes, it feels like an impossible task when they refuse to listen to reason.

"Thanks, Mom. I appreciate it." I lean over the counter and give her a quick peck on the cheek. "I better get going - I've got a lot of prep work to do before the storm hits."

As I head out of the lobby, my thoughts drift back to Jade and her stubborn determination. I just hope she has the sense to stay put tomorrow for her own sake. The last thing I need is another reckless tourist putting themselves in danger on my watch, especially when they’re as good-looking as her.

As I climb into my truck and start the engine, I find myself wondering what it is about her that has me so intrigued. Maybe it's the fact that she's clearly not from around here. Or perhaps it's the way she snapped at me earlier, her brown eyes flashing with annoyance when I dared to offer her a word of caution.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts as I pull out of the parking lot. I've never been one to get hung up on a woman, especially not one I just met. But there's something differentabout Jade, something that makes me want to know more about her.

As I drive down the winding mountain road, I can't help but imagine what it would be like to spend more time with her. Would she let her guard down around me, revealing the softer side that I suspect lies beneath her tough exterior? Or would she continue to push me away, determined to prove that she doesn't need anyone's help or advice?

I sigh, knowing that I'm getting ahead of myself. For all I know, Jade could be gone in a few days, back to her life in the city, leaving me with nothing but a memory of her captivating figure and fiery personality.

But even as I try to push the thoughts aside, I can't help but feel a flicker of hope that she might be the girl I've been waiting for all these years. After all, stranger things have happened in these mountains.

3

JADE

The sun shines through the windows of my cabin as I lace up my hiking boots, eager to immerse myself in the trails. My nap was a massive disaster. Every time I closed my eyes, images of the annoying mountain man I bumped into in the lobby invaded my dreams.

Beau. Even his name sounds arrogant. Who does he think he is, warning me about the weather like I'm some clueless city girl? I'm a grown woman, not a damsel in distress. I can take care of myself.

I grab my backpack and head out the door, determined to prove him wrong. The mountain air fills my lungs as I start up the trail behind the resort. The path is steeper than I expected, and I can feel the burn in my thighs as I climb. But I welcome the physical exertion. It helps clear my head of any lingering thoughts of Beau.

I need to focus on why I'm really here—to do research for my book. If this novel doesn’t sell well, my publisher will drop me, and then I’ll have to go back to working in retail. I can't let anything distract me from achieving success.

The trail seems to wind on forever as I make my way higher into the mountains. I pause to catch my breath and jot down some notes in my journal. The crisp mountain air, tinged with the scent of pine, fills my lungs. Rugged, snow-capped peaks rise all around me, stretching toward the vivid blue sky.

I can't help but imagine characters in this unforgiving landscape. The protagonist, a strong-willed woman not unlike myself, fighting for survival after her plane crashes in a remote valley. Injured and alone, she battles the elements and her inner demons.

As I continue up the trail, sweat drips down my face and back, dampening my shirt. I'm surprised by how much I'm sweating, considering the elevation. I thought it would be cooler up here. I stop to take a swig from my water bottle and survey my surroundings.

The terrain is growing rockier, the path narrower. I have to watch my footing on the loose stones. My mind wanders as I walk, dreaming up dramatic scenarios to put my characters through. A sudden rockslide that traps the heroine. A twisted ankle that leaves her helpless. A hungry mountain lion stalking her through the trees.

The higher I climb, the more my thoughts drift to the storm Beau and his mother warned me about. Thunder and lightning don't scare me. I've weathered plenty of storms back in Salt Lake City, huddled inside my tiny apartment as rain lashed the windows. How bad can it really be out here?

Besides, a little danger might be exactly what my book needs. If I can capture the raw fury of a mountain tempest on the page, it will add an extra layer of authenticity to my story. My protagonist will have to battle not just the wilderness but the elements themselves.

I can almost hear Beau's voice cautioning me to stay inside tomorrow. But I refuse to let anyone dictate what risks I can andcan't take. This is my dream, and I'll chase it however I see fit. If that means venturing into a storm to gather material, so be it.

As I round a bend in the trail, I'm hit by a gust of wind that nearly knocks me off balance. I glance at the sky and notice dark clouds gathering on the horizon. Maybe the storm will arrive sooner than predicted.

A thrill runs through me at the thought. I quicken my pace, determined to reach the summit before the weather turns. I'll show Beau and everyone else that this city girl is tougher than they think.

The path grows steeper and rockier, forcing me to use my hands for balance. Sweat pours down my face, stinging my eyes. My backpack feels heavier with each step, but I push on, fueled by determination and defiance.

Finally, after what feels like hours, I reach the top of the ridge. The view takes my breath away. Jagged peaks stretch out in every direction, their snowy caps gleaming in the sunlight. Far below, I can see the glittering expanse of the lake and the tiny cabins of Heartwood Resort.

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