Page 7 of Emergency with the Mountain Man
"Bad breakup?"
The question is gentle, without pressure, but it still makes my chest tighten. I've gotten good at deflecting inquiries about my past, at giving vague answers that don't invite follow-up questions.
But something about this place, this moment, this man makes me want to tell the truth.
"Bad relationship," I correct. "Dr. Sebastian Hoffman, my research partner and fiancé. Turned out he was taking credit for my work, undermining my career, and sleeping with half the department. All while telling me I was paranoid and oversensitive for questioning his behavior."
Jake's jaw tightens, and something dangerous flashes in his brown eyes. "What a bastard."
"The worst part wasn't the cheating or even the stolen research. It was how he made me doubt my own perceptions, my own worth. By the time I finally left, I didn't trust my judgment about anything."
"That's not your fault. That's what manipulative people do—they make you question reality until you're completely dependent on their version of events."
The understanding in his voice, the lack of judgment or advice, makes my throat tight with unexpected emotion. "You sound like you know something about that."
"My ex-girlfriend in Vancouver. Different tactics, same result. Jessica had a talent for making me feel like I was never quite good enough, never trying hard enough, never enough period. Took me months after we broke up to realize that the problem wasn't me."
"How long were you together?"
"Three years. Should have been three months, but she was... persuasive about my shortcomings. Always had an explanation for why I was wrong to feel hurt or frustrated."
I turn to face him fully, seeing past the confident exterior to the man who understands what it's like to have someone systematically dismantle your self-worth. "Is that part of why you moved here?"
"Big part. I needed to get away from all the people and places that reminded me of who I was with her. I needed to remember who I actually am."
"And did you? Remember?"
His smile is soft, genuine. "Yeah. Turns out I'm someone who likes getting up before dawn to work in the forest. Someone who finds peace in physical labor and takes pride in sustainable practices. Someone who values authenticity over sophistication, community over career advancement."
"Someone who rescues injured bear cubs and shows newcomers hidden waterfalls?"
"Someone who believes in taking care of people and places that matter."
The way he's looking at me makes it clear that I've somehow ended up in the category of things that matter to him. "Thank you," I say quietly. "For sharing this place with me. For understanding about... before."
"Thank you for trusting me with it."
We stand in comfortable silence, watching the water cascade into the pool as the golden light gradually fades to dusky purple. There's something magical about this moment, this place, this man who makes me want to believe in the possibility of new beginnings.
When Jake reaches out to brush a strand of hair from my face, I don't pull away. When he steps closer, I meet him halfway. When he leans down to kiss me, I rise on my toes to meet his lips with mine.
The kiss is gentle, questioning, nothing like Sebastian's demanding possessiveness. Jake kisses me like I'm something precious, something worth treasuring, something he's grateful to be allowed to touch.
When we finally break apart, both breathing hard, he rests his forehead against mine.
"Was that okay?" he asks quietly.
"More than okay."
"Good. Because I've been wanting to do that since the moment I met you."
"Jake..."
"I know. You're not ready for anything serious. You came here to start over, to focus on your practice. I'm not asking for promises or commitments. I'm just asking for a chance to show you that not all men are like your ex.”
The sincerity in his voice, the patience in his eyes, makes my carefully constructed walls feel suddenly fragile. "I don't know if I'm ready for this."
"Then we'll take it slow. As slow as you need. I'm not going anywhere, Norma. I've waited thirty-five years to meet someone who makes me feel like this. I can wait as long as it takes for you to feel safe enough to try."
