Sawyer

Reese is the most adorable woman on the planet, slinging snarky comments my way and pretending she doesn’t like me one bit, while I can see her cheeks flush pink right here in front of me.

I know she hates that I track mud all over her pristine floors every time I step inside, but what does she expect? I work as a hiking guide for Hartley Peak Adventures, and dirty boots come with the job. Besides, the visitor center gets cleaned every other day, so I don’t get why she always gets so worked up about every single speck of dirt.

“Well, are you going to ask me that favor or what?”

Her words snap me out of my thoughts. “Here’s the thing. I’ve been working hard to get my ranger certification. There’s an exam, and when I pass that, I’m a ranger.”

“Good for you, but what does that have to do with me?”

“A huge section of the exam focuses on the region’s history, and I swear, none of it sticks in my brain. I really need to pass this thing, Reese. I was hoping you’d help me.”

She blinks dumbfoundedly, then laughs. “Good one, Sawyer.”

“I’m being serious here. Help a guy out. Please. I’m begging you,” I say between gritted teeth. “How’s that for begging?”

“It’s a start,” she says, unable to contain a smile. “Why do you even want to be a ranger? You love being a hiking guide. You getpaid to stomp around in the woods all day and occasionally ruin my floors.”

I smirk. “Ruining your floorsisthe highlight of my career, sure, but being a ranger is the next step. It means I’d be certified for search-and-rescue or conservation efforts. You know, actually make a lasting impact instead of leading tourists to scenic overlooks. It also means I get benefits and a retirement plan.”

“Wait, Hartley Peak Adventures doesn’t offer you health insurance or paid time off?”

“No, so you can see why I want to become a ranger, right? And trust me, it’s not just for the benefits. The work itself speaks to me a lot.”

Reese exhales, her lips pressing together. She’s trying to find a way to say no. I see it in the way her fingers tap against the counter, the way she shifts her weight from one foot to the other.

Finally, she sighs. “I don’t have time to tutor you, Sawyer.”

I arch an eyebrow. “Why? ReadingHistoric Gems Quarterlytakes up all your free time?”

She rolls her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. “For your information,Historic Gems Quarterlyis a very important journal, thank you very much. But I suppose you wouldn’t understand the thrill of learning about Victorian buttons anyway.”

I grin, enjoying her irritation. “Victorian buttons, huh? Fascinating stuff. But I’m guessing those buttons won’t help me pass my ranger exam, will they? I need some hands-on tools and a good tutor.”

She gives me a pointed look. “Maybe you don’t need a history magazine, no, but I’m sure your hiking skills will come in handy when you’re lost in a sea of historical facts.”

“So does that mean that you’ll do it? You’ll tutor me?”

“I’m not sure. I mean, what do I get out of it besides seeing you succeed?”

I shrug, unsure of how to convince her. “For starters, I’ll make wiping my boots on the welcome mat of the Visitor Center my main priority when coming in here, and I’ll talk up the exhibits in the museum to my hiking clients. Heck, I’ll help you with whatever you want, Reese.”

Her shoulders soften. “I guess I could use your… help,” she says as if it’s a dirty word. “How are you with woodwork?”

“Woodwork?”

“Yeah, the shelves for the botanical pressings in the Natural History exhibit are starting to sag, and some of the samples have been damaged from a lack of proper storage. But there’s no budget for carpentry, so…” She shrugs as if she’s reluctant to admit she does need me after all.

I grin. “Well, I’m pretty good with my hands, Reese.” I lean against the counter, giving her my brightest smile. “Fixing a few shelves sounds like something I can manage. You’ve got yourself a deal.”

She bites her lip. “I guess I don’t have a choice. I need those shelves fixed.”

“Great, that’s settled then.” I extend my hand. “Let’s shake on it.”

She rolls her eyes, but a slight smile tugs at the corner of her mouth when he accepts my handshake. “You’re lucky I’m letting you do this at all.”

I laugh. “Guess I’ll make sure it’s worth your while then.”