Page 8 of Speed Dating the Mountain Man

I'm leading a group hike today, a bunch of middle-aged women from the city who want to "reconnect with nature.” I'm going through the motions, pointing out the different tree species and the best spots for photos, but my heart's not in it.

One of the women, a tall blonde, starts chatting with me as we walk. She's trying to flirt, I can tell, but all I can think is how her laugh is too high-pitched, not like Rena's warm, genuine one. Another hiker, a petite brunette, asks me about my favorite trails, but her eyes don't light up the way Rena's do when she's excited about something.

I catch myself comparing every woman to Rena, and they all come up short. It's ridiculous. I've only known her for a few days, but she's gotten under my skin in a way no one has before.

If I’m being honest, it scares me. I've always prided myself on my independence, on not needing anyone. But now, I findmyself craving Rena's company, wanting to share my thoughts with her, to hear her perspective on things.

Once we stop for lunch, I find a quiet spot away from the group, settling on a fallen log. I need some space, some time to clear my head. It's ironic, really. My job requires me to be social, to interact with people constantly, but it's not something I enjoy. I prefer the solitude of the forest, the peace of being alone with my thoughts.

I pull my phone out of my bag, hoping to see a message from Rena. But there's nothing, just a missed call from Wes. I sigh, debating whether to call him back. I know he means well, but his constant attempts to draw me out of my shell can be exhausting.

I hit the call button, bracing myself for Wes's usual barrage of questions.

"Hey, bro!" Wes answers, his voice annoyingly cheerful. "I'm having a barbecue this weekend. You should come."

"I don't know, Wes," I start, but he cuts me off.

"And bring one of the girls you met at that speed dating thing. It's time you got out there, man."

I freeze. "What makes you think I met someone?"

Wes laughs. "You just admitted it by not instantly shutting me down."

I curse under my breath. He's right. Normally, I would have dismissed the idea without a second thought. But now, with Rena in the picture, I find myself hesitating.

"I'll think about it," I mutter, hoping to end the conversation.

"That's all I ask, bro. Just think about it. It could be good for you."

I end the call with Wes, his words echoing in my mind. Could bringing Rena to the barbecue be good for me? The thought of introducing her to my brother, to my world outside of work, is both thrilling and terrifying.

I can't do this. I can't let myself fall for her, not when I know how it'll end. My parents' divorce taught me that. Love, relationships; they're all just a recipe for heartache.

But even as I think it, I can't shake the memory of Rena's smile, the way she tasted when I kissed her. I've never felt this way before, this pull towards someone. It's like she's a magnet, and I'm helpless to resist.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. No, I can't let myself go down this path. It's not fair to Rena, and it's not fair to me. I need to end things now before they get too serious.

I open my phone and start a new text, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. What do I say? How do I tell her that I can't see her anymore, that I'm not ready for this?

I start typing, then delete it. Start again, delete again. Nothing seems right. I don't want to hurt her, but I know I have to do this.

"We're ready to hike again," the tall blonde shouts, instantly irritating me.

"Give me a minute," I reply gruffly, all patience gone.

Finally, I settle on a message. "Hey, something's come up this weekend. I need to head out of town and won't be able to take you out. Sorry." I hit send before I can second-guess myself.

I stare at the screen, waiting for her response. Minutes tick by, each one feeling like an eternity. When my phone finally buzzes, I almost drop it in my haste to read her message.

"Oh, okay. No worries. Is everything alright?"

I close my eyes, hating myself for what I'm doing. I can't reply.

I lock my phone, shoving it back in my bag. I need to get through this hike and focus on doing my job. I can't let myself get distracted by thoughts of Rena, of what could have been.

7

RENA

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