Page 9 of Speed Dating the Mountain Man

Isigh, leaning against the cool metal counter in the resort's kitchen. "I just don't get it, Pen. One minute, we're having this amazing date, and the next, he's just... gone."

Penny looks up from the sauce she's stirring, her eyes filled with sympathy. "Honey, you did nothing wrong. Trust me."

I cross my arms, trying to hold myself together. "Then why won't he return my texts? Why'd he cancel our plans?"

She sets down her spoon and turns to face me fully. "Rena, if I was to put money on it, I'd say he got nervous because he likes you too much."

I scoff, shaking my head. "That doesn't make any sense."

"Doesn't it?" She arches a perfectly shaped eyebrow. "From what you've told me, Aaron's not exactly Mr. Social. He probably got spooked by how strong his feelings are."

I chew on my bottom lip, considering her words. Could that be it? Could Aaron be just as scared as I am of this intense connection between us?

"I don't know, Pen. I mean, I thought we had something special. The way he looked at me, the way he opened up..." I trail off, blinking back the tears that threaten to fall.

Penny comes over and wraps me in a tight hug. "You do have something special. And if he's too much of a coward to see that, then it's his loss."

I lean into her embrace. "I just wish I knew what to do. I can't stop thinking about him."

She pulls back, holding me at arm's length. "You focus on you, girl. Extra shifts, your studies, your writing. Show him and yourself that you're not going to fall apart over some guy, no matter how dreamy he is."

I manage a small smile at that. "You're right. I can't put my life on hold for him."

"Damn straight. And who knows? Maybe he'll come to his senses and realize what he's missing out on."

I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. "And if he doesn't?"

Penny grins. "Then we'll find you someone who appreciates how amazing you are."

I head back to my cabin after my shift, my mind still reeling from my conversation with Penny. As much as I appreciate her advice, I can't shake the disappointment in my chest. I want to believe that Aaron's just scared, that he'll come around, but the longer I go without hearing from him, the more I start to doubt myself.

I grab my laptop and a blanket, deciding to sit out on the front porch. The crisp mountain air helps clear my head, and I take a moment to appreciate the stunning view. The sun is setting over the lake, casting a warm glow across the water. It's moments like these that remind me why I love it here, why I'm working so hard to build a life for myself that will hopefully let me live somewhere like this permanently.

Wrapping the blanket around my shoulders, I open my laptop and browse online courses. I've been meaning to take a creative writing class for ages, and now seems like the perfecttime. Maybe channeling all these emotions into some poetry will help me make sense of them.

I sign up for a course that starts next week, feeling a flicker of excitement at the prospect of learning something new. Writing has always been my escape, my way of processing the world around me. I have a feeling I'm going to need that outlet more than ever in the coming days.

As I sit there, staring out at the lake, I let my mind wander. I think about the way Aaron looked at me on our hike, the way his lips felt against mine. I think about the stories he told me and the glimpses he gave me into his life. I can't help but feel like there's so much more to discover about him, so much potential for something real and lasting.

But I also know that I can't force it. If Aaron's not ready, if he's not willing to take a chance on us, then I have to be okay with that. I have to focus on myself, on my own growth and happiness.

I take a deep breath, inhaling the pine-scented air. No matter what happens with Aaron, I know I'll be okay. I have my writing, my friends, my books. And while it might be nice to share those things with someone someday, I don't need it to be happy.

I take a deep breath, wiping away my tears. This isn't the end of my story, just the beginning of a new chapter. And I'm ready to see where it takes me, even if that means going it alone.

8

AARON

I'm hunched over my workbench, fletching arrows, when I hear the crunch of tires on gravel outside my cabin. I freeze, hoping whoever it is will go away, but then there's a knock at the door. I know that knock.

"Aaron, open up! It's Wes."

I sigh, setting down the arrow and wiping my hands on my jeans before trudging to the door. I crack it open, peering out at my brother. "What do you want?"

Wes pushes past me into the cabin, his eyes sweeping over the cluttered space. "What's going on with you, man? You missed the barbecue, and now you're holed up here like a hermit."

I shrug, avoiding his gaze. "Just been busy with work. Got a lot of trips coming up."

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