Page 7 of Speed Dating the Mountain Man

And just like that, we're off, talking about our favorite books and characters like old friends. I learn that Aaron has a soft spot for Hemingway while I gush about my love for Virginia Woolf.

As we talk, I realize there's so much more to this rugged mountain man than meets the eye. Behind that gruff exterior is a thoughtful, intelligent person who challenges me in all the right ways.

I don't ever want this moment to end.

As we pack up the remains of our picnic, I can't stop smiling. Who knew that behind that taciturn exterior, Aaron was hiding a love for classic literature? We've spent the last few hours discussing everything from Dickens to Dostoevsky, and I'm amazed at how easy it is to talk to him.

"We should probably get a move on," Aaron says, shouldering his backpack. "It's a bit of a hike back to the truck, and we don't want to get caught out here after dark."

I nod, trying to hide my disappointment. I wish we could stay here by the waterfall forever, lost in conversation. But he's right.The afternoon has passed so quickly that the sun is starting to dip behind the trees.

We set off down the trail, and I find myself struggling to keep up with Aaron's long strides. He moves through the forest with the ease of someone who's spent countless hours among the trees, while I feel like a clumsy city girl in comparison despite growing up in Colorado.

I'm so focused on trying to match his pace that I don't notice the gnarled root jutting out across the path until it's too late. My foot catches, and I stumble forward with a yelp.

Strong hands grip my arms, stopping my fall. I look up to find myself inches from Aaron's chest, his face close to mine. My breath catches in my throat as I meet his gaze, those blue eyes intense and unreadable.

Before I can second-guess myself, I lean in and press my lips to his. It's a bold move, one that's completely out of character for me. But something about being here with him, in the wilderness, makes me feel brave.

For a heart-stopping moment, he's still, and I fear I've made a terrible mistake. But then his arms tighten around me, and he's kissing me back, his lips firm and insistent against mine.

I melt into him, my hands sliding up his chest to tangle in his hair. He tastes like the oranges we ate with our lunch, sweet and tangy. His beard rasps against my skin, sending electricity shooting to my core.

When we finally break apart, we're both breathing hard. Aaron rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed.

"Rena," he murmurs, my name sounding like a prayer on his lips.

I smile, my heart so full it feels like it might burst. I don't know what this means for us, but right now, I don't care. All that matters is this moment and the way he makes me feel.

Aaron releases me, and I see a flicker of something in his eyes - uncertainty, maybe, or a hint of fear. For a moment, I think he's going to say something more, but instead, he clears his throat and steps back.

"We should, uh, we should get going," he says, his voice gruff. "It's getting late."

I nod, trying to hide my disappointment. I don't want to pressure him, not after that amazing kiss. So I force a smile and joke, "Yeah, we don't want to be out here after dark. Who knows what kind of creatures might be lurking in the shadows? Besides, I've already proven my clumsiness once today."

Aaron's lips twitch into a small smile, and he shakes his head. "Come on, let's get you back to civilization."

The hike back to his truck is quiet, but it's a comfortable silence. Every now and then, our hands brush against each other, sending sparks racing up my arm. By the time we reach the parking lot, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

As we stand by his truck, an awkward tension fills the air. I don't want this day to end, but I also don't want to overstep. Finally, I muster up the courage to ask, "So, um, would you maybe want to do this again sometime? I mean, not the tripping over roots part, but the hiking and talking and..." I trail off, feeling my face heat up.

Aaron's eyes meet mine, and for a second, I'm worried he's going to say no. But then he nods, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I'd like that. How about this weekend? I can plan something if you're free."

"I'm definitely free," I say, perhaps a bit too quickly. "I mean, I'll have to check my schedule, but I'm sure I can make it work."

We exchange numbers, and I can't help but grin as I type my name into his contacts. Aaron might be complicated, with his brooding silences and guarded expressions, but there's something special growing between us. I can feel it.

As Aaron drops me back at the resort, I give him a little wave. "Thanks for today, Aaron. It was really great."

He nods, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'll call you about this weekend."

"I'll be waiting," I say, and then I'm watching him drive away, my heart full of promise and possibility.

6

AARON

Ican't get Rena out of my mind. It's been three days since our hike and that electric kiss, but her smile, her laugh, the way her eyes sparkle when she talks about books - it's all I can think about.

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