Page 5 of Speed Dating the Mountain Man

"Hey," I say, my heart beating a little faster. "I was thinking... maybe we could spend some more time together? Like, outside of a five-minute speed date?" I bite my lip, hoping I haven't misread the situation.

Aaron's eyebrows raise slightly, but he doesn't look displeased. "What did you have in mind?"

I take a deep breath, gathering my courage. "Well, I'm only scheduled for the breakfast shift tomorrow. Maybe you could take me on one of your shorter guided hikes when I finish? Show me some of those amazing views you were talking about?"

For a moment, he's silent, and I worry that I've overstepped. But then, slowly, a smile spreads across his face. “Sure. I'd love to show you around."

Relief and excitement flood through me. "Perfect! I finish my shift at 11. Should I meet you at the guide office?"

He shakes his head. "Nah, I'll pick you up at the resort. Save you the trip into town."

I grin, already looking forward to tomorrow. "It's a date," I say, the words slipping out before I can stop them.

Aaron's smile widens, his blue eyes sparkling with something that looks a lot like anticipation.

"If you say so," he smiles.

4

AARON

I'm standing in my cabin, coffee mug in hand, staring out the window at the misty mountains. Yesterday's conversation with Rena keeps playing in my head. The way she boldly invited me on a date, the sexy curves I can't stop staring at... Dammit, I can't be thinking like this.

I take a gulp of coffee, trying to shake off these thoughts. I'm a loner, always have been. Getting involved with someone, especially a resort girl like Rena, is asking for trouble. Look what happened to my parents - they were all starry-eyed once, too, and look how that turned out.

But even as I try to talk myself out of it, I find myself thinking about the hike I promised her. I can't take her on my usual routes - they're too tough for a beginner. I need something easy, scenic... maybe the trail up to Clearwater Falls? Yeah, that could work.

I set my mug down and head to my gear room. I start pulling out equipment—ropes, carabiners, and a first aid kit. I’m usually a no-fuss kind of guy when it comes to my gear, but today, I find myself double-checking everything. I can’t have anything go wrong on Rena's first hike with me.

Next, I start rifling through my clothes. I usually grab whatever's clean, but today, I'm actually thinking about what to wear. I settle on my best pair of hiking pants and a flannel shirt that's a little less worn than the others. As I'm rolling up my sleeves, I catch myself.

What am I doing? I'm acting like some lovestruck teenager, fussing over my clothes like it matters what I look like. This ain't me. I'm Aaron Hanson, the guy who's happier in the woods than with people.

But even as I'm thinking this, I can't help the little flutter of excitement in my chest at the thought of seeing Rena again. I shake my head, trying to clear it. One hike. That's all this is. Just showing a girl a bit of the local scenery. It doesn't mean anything.

Right?

I load my gear into the truck, my mind still churning. Why the hell did I agree to this? I'm not some resort entertainer ready to give pretty girls a thrill. But here I am, packing up my truck to take Rena on a hike like it's no big deal.

As I drive towards the resort, I feel my stomach tightening with nerves. It's an unfamiliar feeling. I'm used to being in control, to knowing exactly what I'm doing out in the woods. But with Rena... I feel off-balance like I'm stepping into unknown territory.

I pull up to the resort and see her waiting outside, wearing a bright set of hiking gear and a big smile. She's talking to some of her co-workers and laughing, and damn if it doesn't make me question what I'm doing… again.

I park the truck and take a deep breath before stepping out. Rena looks up and waves, her smile widening. I nod back, trying to ignore the way my heart speeds up at the sight of her.

"Aaron, hey!" She bounces over to me, her ponytail swinging. "I'm so excited for this hike. I've been looking forward to it all morning."

"Yeah, well, don't get too excited," I grunt, busying myself with sorting the gear in the truck for absolutely no reason. "It's just a short hike, nothing special."

"But it is special," she insists, and I glance at her, raising an eyebrow. She blushes a little but holds my gaze. "It's special because it's with you."

I clear my throat, not sure how to respond to that. "Right. Well, we should get going. It's a bit of a drive to the trailhead."

I put the truck in reverse, my mind reeling from Rena's words. She thinks this hike is special because it's with me? What does that even mean? I'm just a guide, doing my job. But the way she said it, the look in her eyes... it's throwing me off balance.

I pull out of the parking lot, trying to focus on the road ahead. But I can feel Rena's presence beside me, catch her scent—a mix of something floral and fresh mountain air. It's distracting as hell.

"So, tell me about this hike," she says, turning to face me. "Where are we going?"

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