Page 14 of Jack Raider

Nate chuckled. “Why would I yell at you? I can’t wait to see them. Drive carefully. What time are you leaving?”

“Eight. We should be there by ten. Can we get a room at that bed and breakfast?”

“Max doesn’t run it as a B&B anymore, but I’ll call and see if he has space for you.”

“Okay, see you tomorrow.”

I had just hung up when my phone rang again.

“Grandma, why are you calling this late?”

“Ellie, thank you for including Mable in the trip. Her kids never seem to have time for her. That’s all I wanted to tell you.”

Her words hit me hard. I’d been guilty of the same thing with Grandma. That was going to change.

“I’m glad you called. Nate’s so excited to see you. He’s checking with his friend about getting us rooms.”

Grandma sighed happily. “That would be wonderful. There’s a trail behind the B&B that leads to the most beautiful waterfall. Grandpa took me there on our honeymoon. We’d go back every year starting on our first anniversary; Grandpa carved our names in a tree along the path. I wonder if it's still there.”

A lump formed in my throat. “We’ll find out tomorrow. Get some rest, Grandma. I’ll see you at eight.”

“Goodnight, Ellie.”

“Goodnight, Grandma.”

6

Jack

I doveinto the water and surfaced with a sharp gasp—the cold hit me like a wall. Just as I was about to swim back to the rock where I’d left my clothes, I heard voices. Female voices. Crap.

Panicking, I slipped behind the falls, hoping they wouldn’t spot me. My clothes were sitting out in plain view. I’d only meant to take a quick dip—now I was freezing, naked, and hiding behind a waterfall like a fool.

“How funny would it be if I just walked out butt-naked?” I muttered to myself.

A moment later, I heard one of them speak.

“Hey, someone left pants, a shirt, boxers, and shoes here. I think we’ve caught someone skinny-dipping! If you’re in the water, don’t worry, we’ll all turn around so you can get out.” Her voice was light and teasing. “Come on, ladies, let’s turn around, and no peeking.”

The second she spoke, I knew exactly who it was. Eloise.

I chuckled under my breath, grabbed my clothes, and started tugging them onto my wet body behind the nearest rock. I sawone elderly woman sneak a glance. I smiled—thankfully, I’d already gotten my pants on.

“Ladies, you can turn around now,” I called.

Eloise spun to face me, grinning. “I bet that water was freezing.”

“You’d win that bet,” I said with a smile. “What brings such lovely ladies up the mountain?”

“We’re visiting Nate,” Grandma chimed in warmly. “How many years has it been, Jack? You’re still the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” I said as I walked toward them.

“My grandparents spent their honeymoon at the bed and breakfast,” Eloise explained. “Grandpa even carved their initials into a tree around here.”

“I know exactly where that tree is,” I said. “It’s right in front of my cabin. I can show you if you’re up for a little more walking.”

Mable had been quiet this whole time, her eyes fixed on me with an odd intensity.

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