Page 7 of Grump

“Not far. Maybe another ten minutes.” His arm muscles flex as he grips the wheel. “True me, it’ll be worth it.”

“It better be.” I tease. A short silence passes between us.

“So, if you don’t mind me asking. What is it that you post that makes people follow you?”

“Yikes,” I say.

“Oh no.” His brow furrows again. “I’m not trying to be offensive. I’m trying to understand.”

“Well…gee. How do I explain this?” I scratch my forehead, searching for the right words. “There’s not just one answer. Some people see themselves in the things I post. Some people just want to escape, and my content provides them with the aspiration to get up and do something instead of sitting there and scrolling. Like today, I’ll be taking pictures that show that even a city girl can get out on her own and explore nature.”

“But you’re not.”

“Excuse me?”

“Exploring nature alone. I’m taking you. Do you think you could do this on your own?”

“Well, no, but—“

“So you’re really just selling a life that isn’t real.”

“Hey.” My head snaps in his direction, ready to fight him. “You know what, never mind.” I laugh it off. “Social media’s not your thing, and I get it, but you’re definitely in the minority.”

He shrugs his massive shoulders. “I’m aware.”

I shouldn’t even worry about trying to convince him of anything, but dammit, there’s something about him that’s like a fucking magnet. I want him to understand. I want him to accept that what I do is valid.

“Fine, Mister Wilderness, what’s so special about your life? What’s so real about hiding out in the woods alone?”

“I don’t hide out.”

“Hm.” I tap my finger against my chin. “Okay, who do you talk to on a regular basis?” His mouth hangs open. I can’t help but stare at his full lower lip. So kissable, so biteable. “Exactly.”

“Give me a minute.” He growls but after a full minute, doesn’t say a word. “I’m not a big socializer, okay, sue me.” He lets out a sigh. “I guess you’re the only person I’ve really talked with in a long time.”

“Why? What do you have against people?”

“They’re never really who they say they are.” He says, raising his voice enough to make me gasp. I wasn’t expecting that. It seems like there’s more here beneath the surface than just a grumpy, reclusive mountain man. Color me intrigued. “That whole social media thing is all just a big old mask.”

I choose my words carefully for the second time on this car ride. “Maybe you’re right. It’s definitely a curated existence.”

“Only showing people a part of your life makes it somewhat of a falsehood.” He opens his mouth to say more but shakes his head, changing his mind. “We don’t have to talk about this.”

I’m completely interested now and not wanting to change the subject, but his truck makes a turn, and the trees give way to a small road.

Luke puts the car in park and turns to face me. “We’re here.” He’s so beautiful I can barely stand it. His square, strong jaw is prominent even underneath his dark beard. I know there’s a story behind his angry, somewhat judgmental demeanor, and I'm going to figure it out.

“Well, almost.” He takes his keys from the ignition. “Got about a quarter-mile hike.”

“Seriously? We can’t drive there?”

He points at the narrow walking path ahead of us. “Pretty sure my truck won’t fit. Come on, city girl. I got you.” He climbs out of the truck, and I am left wondering what I’ve gotten myself into.

ChapterSix

Luke

Jessica may not bethe most outdoorsy, but she sure is entertaining. Not bad to look at, either. With the sun shining through the trees, hitting her hair like a halo, she looks like an angel. Part of me wonders if she could ever go for a guy like me, but I’m sure I’m too bland for her. Hell, she can’t even come to terms with the fact that I refuse to own a cell phone. I’m an idiot for thinking anything could happen between us. I’ll just enjoy our time together today.

---