Page 6 of Don't Want to Fall
Fuck. Me.
“A name’s an important thing,” I say, forcing my eyes front and pretending I didn’t enjoy the way she just called meDaddy. Maybe I’d believe it was silly and innocent if the electrical current sparking between us wasn’t already dialed up to fucking twenty-two on a scale of one to ten.
It makes no sense, considering we met all of a few minutes ago.
The only thing thatisclear: If I’m not careful, I’ll be totally fucked when it comes to Devin Rollins.
Chapter Three
Devin
“This is my favorite spot,” Tabby announces when we step out of the van just past a one-lane wooden bridge. We’re surrounded by mountains, stark fall colors that pop against the overcast sky, and a small but mighty rushing stream below the bridge.
This is absolute heaven.
The only thing that would make this better is a moose.
In the past four hours, I’ve seen deer, fox, a variety of birds, a small black bear, and more elk than I could possibly count. But the one creature who’s remained elusive today is the moose. Since we’ll be headed back to the lodge before dusk tonight, the odds of seeing my bucket list animal are slimming.
“Where is everyone else?” I ask, scanning the area for other cars or hikers but finding none.
“This is a private road,” Flynn explains, grabbing a cooler from the back of the van. My stomach rumbles on cue. I hadn’t thought to ask Winnie if I needed to pack snacks before we leftthis morning. I haven’t eaten since I swiped a snickerdoodle cookie from the check-in counter before my tour began.
“You have to have special access,” Tabby explains.
“You have special access?”
“Daddy does.”
“Are you a park ranger or something?” I ask, scanning him up and down. I’ve never seen a park ranger who wore jeans and flannel while working. Maybe he’s some sort of special, undercover park ranger. Is that a real thing or something I just read in a romance novel recently? Either way, I’d really like to find out what he’s hiding under the cover of that mountain man attire. I bet there’s a lot of muscles and tattoos I could trace with my tongue.
“Or something,” Flynn answers, raising an eyebrow at me. As if to asklike what you see?
I turn away, only mildly embarrassed that I’ve been caught ogling him likehe’smy next meal. Or maybe I could be his.
If Tabby wasn’t with us, maybe I’d be getting eaten out on the picnic table right now.
Where didthatthought come from?
Fuck, I need to get laid.
Or least have an orgasm that wasn’t of the DIY version, enhanced by whatever dirty romance novel I’ m reading.
“Where’s the park ranger hat?”
“My dad and grandpa are the park rangers,” he explains. “I’m just lucky to have family access.”
“I’m going to be a park ranger one day,” Tabby announces proudly, reminding me there are little eyes watching me.
“You are?”
She nods enthusiastically, the green ribbons tied around her pigtails bopping with the movement. She’s the most adorable, intelligent little girl I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. The typeof daughter I hope to someday have. If ever I find a man who’s willing to make it through a whole date with me, that is.
“I thought about being a park ranger once,” I admit, slowly walking to the middle of the bridge to take a picture of the scenery I never want to forget. If the photo’s any good, I’ll blow it up and frame it on my wall.
“Why didn’t you do it?” Tabby asks.
“I became a nurse instead,” I answer with a shrug.
