Page 4 of Speed Dating the Mountain Man

My heart beats a little faster at this new information. "We didn't get to talk much," I confess. "The five minutes were up before I knew it."

Penny gives me a sly look. "Well, what are you waiting for? Go find him!"

I hesitate, doubt creeping in. "I don't know, Pen. What if he's not interested? What if I read too much into it?"

Penny rolls her eyes. "Rena, I've known you for three years, and I've never seen you this smitten after just five minutes with a guy. That's got to mean something." She places a hand on my shoulder, her expression softening. "Take a chance, girl. What's the worst that could happen?"

I take a deep breath, Penny's words sinking in. She's right. I can't just let this opportunity pass me by. "Okay," I say, resolve strengthening my voice. "I'll do it. I'll go find him."

Penny grins, squeezing my shoulder. “Good luck!”

Before I can change my mind, I find myself clocking out and hitching a ride into town. I walk down Main Street, scanning the storefronts for the guide office. When I spot it, I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I have no idea what I'm going to say to him or if he'll even remember me. But I know I have to try.

Squaring my shoulders, I push open the door, the bell above it announcing my arrival. And there he is, looking up from a map spread across the counter, those blue eyes widening in surprise as they meet mine.

"Hi," I say, my voice coming out a little breathier than I intended. "Aaron, right? From the speed dating event last night?"

He nods, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. "Yeah. Rena, wasn't it?"

My heart leaps at the fact that he remembers my name. "That's me," I confirm, a smile spreading across my face. "I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop by to say hello."

It's a lie, of course. I came here specifically to see him. But he doesn't need to know that.

Aaron's brow furrows slightly as if he's trying to figure out my angle. "Hello," he says, his tone guarded.

I fidget with the strap of my purse, suddenly feeling nervous under his intense gaze. "I was wondering," I begin, the wordstumbling out before I can stop them, "if you might want to grab a coffee with me? There's a great little café just next door."

Aaron's eyes widen in surprise, and for a moment, I think he's going to refuse. But then, to my delight, he nods. "Sure," he says, his gruff exterior softening slightly. "I could use a break."

He comes out from behind the counter, and I get a better look at him. He's wearing a flannel shirt over a white t-shirt paired with well-worn jeans and hiking boots. It's a simple outfit, but on him, it looks damn hot.

We walk out of the guide office together, and I can't help but steal glances at him as we make our way to the café. Up close, he's even more handsome than I remembered, with his chiseled features and a jawline that could cut glass.

As we enter the café, the rich aroma of coffee envelops us. We find a table near the window, and a waitress comes over to take our order. "I'll have a caramel cappuccino," I say, smiling at her.

Aaron glances at the menu briefly before setting it down. "Black coffee for me, thanks."

I raise an eyebrow at his choice. "Not a fan of the fancy stuff, huh?"

He shrugs, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I like to keep things simple."

"Nothing wrong with that," I say, leaning back in my chair. "So, tell me more about this wilderness guide thing. It sounds fascinating."

Aaron's eyes light up at the mention of his work. He tells me about the trails he leads people on, the wildlife they encounter, and the breathtaking views they witness. As he talks, I find myself lost in his words, drawn in by his passion for the outdoors.

"I can't even imagine some of the things you've seen out there," I say, taking a sip of my cappuccino. "The mostadventurous thing I've done lately is trying a new hiking trail near the resort."

Aaron leans forward, his eyes sparkling with interest. "Oh yeah? Which one?"

"The Lakeview Trail," I reply. "It's beautiful but pretty tame compared to what you're used to, I bet."

He chuckles, shaking his head. "Nah, that's a great trail—stunning views of the lake. And not every hike needs to be an extreme adventure. Sometimes it's just about getting out there, you know?"

I nod, understanding exactly what he means. There's something soul-nourishing about being in nature, even if it's just a gentle walk in the woods.

We talk more about our favorite local spots—the hidden waterfalls, the best places to catch a sunset, and the trails that offer a challenge without being too overwhelming. As we chat, I realize that despite our different backgrounds, we share a deep appreciation for the natural world.

There's a lull in the conversation, and I find myself studying Aaron's face, admiring how his eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles. Suddenly, an idea strikes me.

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