Page 7 of Owning His Girl

"Life's full of surprises." I smirk, killing the engine and stepping out into the crisp mountain air. "Besides, the other board members are arriving later in the day. I thought it would be nice for us to get here early, get a feel for the place."

It's chillier than I anticipated, and I can tell by the way Fiona wraps her arms around herself that she feels it too. Before I can offer my jacket, the main cabin door swings open, and Colt Walker steps out onto the porch, his arm wrapped protectively around Sophia, his wife, who’s sporting a baby bump that wasn't there last time I saw her. Fiona's eyes soften at the sight—a rare crack in her armor.

"You guys are here early!" Colt booms, his voice carrying easily across the distance. Sophia waves, her smile warm and welcoming.

"We wanted to soak in the atmosphere before everyone else arrives," I respond, my gaze meeting Colt's.

Colt, a billionaire just like his brothers, had always been different. He and Sophia had chosen a life up in the mountains, away from the glitz and glamour. It suited their personality perfectly, and I admired them for it.

We reach them, and Colt clasps my hand in a firm shake, the kind that speaks of mutual respect and old bonds. His gaze shifts to Fiona, and I introduce her. "This is my business partner, Fiona."

He takes in her stunned expression and chuckles. "Didn't expect to rough it, did you?" he teases, reading her like an open book.

"Guess it's good to get out of my comfort zone," she replies, and I can hear the genuine effort in her voice. Maybe this weekend will peel back some layers, show us a different side to each other.

Sophia leads the way with an ease that suggests she's done this dozens of times. "Come on, we'll show you around."

As I watch Colt and Sophia, I can't help but think about how this could be us someday—content, connected, building something together. But for now, it's just a weekend retreat. A start.

"Most folks think of Fit Mountain Resort and picture the luxury suites up top," Colt says, casting a look over his shoulder. "But Sophia and I, we keep this place running like a well-oiled machine."

Sophia nods, her hands resting on the swell of her belly. "It's our little slice of heaven. We live just over that ridge." She points toward a gentle incline where a cozy-looking cabin peeks through the trees.

"Nice setup." I can't help but admire their dedication; it takes a certain kind to carve out life in the wild.

Colt grins, pride lighting up his features. "Let's show you the main cabin first." He ushers us into an open space that smells of pine and earth—a sharp contrast to the sterile office air I'm used to.

"Here's the heart of the campsite," he explains as we step inside. The main room is spacious, with a large stone fireplace dominating one wall. The furniture looks handcrafted, sturdy and inviting.

"Got a fully equipped kitchen through there," Colt continues, pointing to a door on the right. "And the washrooms are back that way."

"Guest cabins are spread out for privacy. Yours is this one." He stops at a cabin that mirrors the main one in design but smaller, more intimate.

"Queen bed, linens included, and a front porch with a hell of a view." Colt's hand sweeps across the horizon where the sun is starting to dip low, painting the sky with strokes of orange and pink.

"Thanks, Colt," I respond, a sense of peace settling over me. "The queen bed is a nice touch."

Colt chuckles. "Well, we try to make it comfortable. Anyway, if you guys don't need anything else, Sophia and I will get out of your hair." His handshake is firm, the warmth radiating fromhis palm. "Oh, and congrats again on the new gig. Majority shareholder and CEO of Parker & Sons Trucking. That's big news."

I can't resist a cocky grin. "Well, someone has to keep the industry on its toes." Colt laughs, slapping me on the shoulder. "Just don’t bring that up in your toast at Harold's retirement party. The old man might have a heart attack.”

Suddenly, Fiona's sharp intake of breath cuts through the jovial atmosphere. "My dad asked you to give the toast?" she asks, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Yes, he did," I reply, taken aback by her reaction. Something flickers across her face - disappointment? Anger? It's hard to tell.

Colt and Sophia exchange glances, sensing the tension.

Fiona, usually so composed, is radiating unease.

She stands rigid, her back straight as a board. "Excuse me," she says abruptly, her voice colder than I've ever heard it. "I need some air."

Without another word, she strides out of the cabin, leaving a stunned silence in her wake.

"What was that about?" Colt asks, breaking the silence.

I shrug nonchalantly, though inside my emotions are churning.

"Fiona's just... Fiona."

Colt nods, his gaze thoughtful, and I'm left standing there, my own thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and concern.

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