Page 16 of Stranded with the Mountain Man

Elisa

Themorningsunisboth brilliant and blinding against the snow. After days of relentless winter, the brightness feels almost obscene. I stand at the window, coffee mug warming my hands, watching as the world begins to thaw.

"Roads should be clear by tomorrow morning," Jace says from behind me. "Highway patrol just radioed."

My stomach drops at the words I've been simultaneously hoping for and dreading. "That's... good."

Five days. Five days of snowbound isolation that have somehow shifted everything I thought I knew about myself.

"I should help you get things in order before I leave," I say, turning to face him. "It's the least I can do after you've put up with me all this time."

The smile that touches his lips sends warmth through my chest. "Put up with you, huh?"

"You know what I mean." I feel my cheeks flush, remembering exactly how little "putting up with" has been involved. My bodystill hums from last night's tenderness, so different from our first desperate encounter in the workshop.

We spend the morning in companionable silence, organizing tools and supplies that were hastily used during the storm. I'm surprised by how easily we move around each other now, anticipating needs, passing items without asking. It's a dance we've somehow learned in less than a week.

"What's this?" I ask, finding a folder of drawings tucked beneath a workbench. The pages inside take my breath away—architectural renderings of an expanded Darkmore Lodge, custom furniture designs, and what appears to be plans for a larger workshop space.

Jace glances over, something like embarrassment crossing his features. "Just some ideas I've been working on. The lodge owners are considering an expansion."

I flip through the pages, my former architectural aspirations stirring. "Jace, these are incredible. The integration with the existing structure, the way you've maintained the character while creating something entirely new..." I look up at him. "This is professional-level work."

He shrugs, but I can see my words have pleased him. "Engineering background helps."

"This is more than engineering. This is vision." I continue examining the drawings, noting the attention to detail, the thoughtful flow of spaces. "You could be doing this on a much larger scale, you know."

"Not interested in larger scale," he says, returning to his organization. "I like building things with my own hands, seeing them used in real life. Not just designing for someone else to execute."

The statement hangs between us, highlighting the fundamental difference in our worlds. I build events that last a day; he creates things meant to endure generations.

My phone buzzes, Victoria Harrington's name flashing on the screen. With a deep breath, I answer, bracing for complaints about my extended absence.

"Elisa, darling!" Her voice is unexpectedly warm. "I've been looking at the concept drawings and the Darkmore Lodge photos you sent. Absolutely divine! And those design concepts you included—the natural wood elements and custom furnishings? It's exactly the elevated rustic elegance we're looking for."

I freeze, confused. The design concepts she's referring to were rough sketches I'd made during the storm, influenced by Jace's work—ideas I hadn't even realized I was incorporating until my pen was moving across the page.

"The Chapmans secured that trite Banff venue, so we'll be the only ones with this authentic mountain aesthetic. I've already spoken to Charles at Alpine Catering about incorporating local ingredients."

As she continues enthusiastically, I catch Jace watching me with curiosity. I give him a thumbs-up, still processing this unexpected turn.

"So you're pleased with the direction?" I finally manage to ask.

"Pleased? I'm ecstatic! This will be the event of the season. We need to secure Darkmore immediately. When do you return to Toronto?"

"Tomorrow," I say, the word sticking in my throat. "My flight leaves from Calgary at 2 PM."

"Perfect. We'll meet the following morning to finalize everything."

After ending the call, I stand in stunned silence.

"Good news?" Jace asks, wiping his hands on a rag.

"Victoria loves the venue and the design concepts I drew up." I shake my head, still processing.

A small smile plays at his lips. "Is that a problem?"

"No, it's..." I gesture helplessly. "It's actually perfect. She's thrilled. It could mean a huge boost for my business."

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