Page 40 of Eco-Activist's Mountain Men
He points. “Bingo. Women are wired to be drawn to strength, confidence, and capability. Not because they’re weak, butbecause survival used to depend on it. Walk around like a sad puppy and yeah, they’ll pity you—but pity doesn’t spark desire.”
“So… fake confidence?”
“No. Build it. Play to your strengths. You’ve got them—you just don’t see them.”
“Like what?”
“Like your hair. Your skin.”
I laugh bitterly. “They used to call me Carrot Top.”
“And that makes you rare. You stand out. With the right cut and clothes, you’d turn heads. Women love a makeover—hell, half of them live for it. Ask one to help you. Tell her you admire her style and want advice. She’ll be flattered.”
I blink. “Seriously?”
“Dead serious. And beyond that, you’re a damned environmental scientist, for fuck's sake. You’re smart. You care about something bigger than yourself. That’s sexy—if you own it.”
For a second, I can’t answer. No one’s ever framed me like that before.
“You don’t need to be me, or Jack, or Luke. Just be Eric. But own being Eric.”
I nod slowly. “Thanks. That… helps.”
But then he shifts, uneasy, scratching the back of his neck. “Actually, there’s something I should tell you.”
A chill runs through me. “Okay…”
“I, uh… I’ve been with Luna, too. Just once. Figured you should hear it from me.”
The words hit hard. I stare, numb. “…Oh.”
“I’m not telling you to screw with your head. I just didn’t want you finding out later and thinking I hid it.”
“Right. Yeah. Thanks.” My stomach knots, but I force myself to meet his eyes.
“Look, I don’t think Luna’s playing anyone. I think she’s figuring herself out. Same as you. Same as me.”
I manage a nod. “…And you? How do you feel about her?”
He pauses, really thinking, then shrugs. “Truth? I don’t know.”
“Oh.” The breath leaves me slow. “Okay. Thanks for being straight with me.”
We sit there in silence for a while, the hum of the barn around us. Not uncomfortable—just… full.
Finally, he stands up. “Right, Prof, I'd better get back to these coolant checks before Jack gives me grief.”
“Yeah. Thanks again. For listening. For the advice.”
He grins. “Anytime. And hey—why not go find her now? After Luke’s little blow-up this morning, she probably needs a friendly shoulder. You’re just the guy.” He winks.
I hesitate. “You don’t mind?”
His smile softens. “Truth? I don’t know if I mind or not. But if she chooses you, who the hell am I to stand in the way? Either it’s meant to be, or it ain’t.”
“…That’s generous.”
“Nah.” He tugs his cap back on. “Just realistic.”
