By eleven thirty, she’d accomplished a lot—worked out and read five pages of the romantic second-chance story from book club before her high energy level forced her to put the e-reader down and clean her apartment. She dabbed the sweat from her face with a tissue. Shower? Nah. She’d just get sweaty again on the hike. She got dressed in her tick-repelling clothes, grabbed her sun hat and purse, and headed out the door. She got all the way to her car and halted unsteadily. She wasn’t driving; Ethan was picking her up. Her stomach did a jittery dance.
Okay, calm the fuck down. Her shoulders sank, disappointed in herself for getting so worked up over seeing him when she’d tried so hard not to be. She had to let go of all this guy angst and steady herself. That sologamy ceremony meant something. Oh! She’d forgotten her silver heart necklace. That would be a good reminder.
She turned, heading for the stairs when she ran into Ethan. “Hey! You’re early!”
He gave her a slow sexy smile that made her stomach dip and her pulse thrum. His dark blue eyes ate her up, lingering on her lips, drifting to her neck, and then a slow perusal down her body. Her breath hitched. Finally his eyes locked with hers. Hungry and hot.
She gulped.
“I made better time than I thought,” he said gruffly. “Ready to go?”
“Just need to grab one thing.” She headed for the stairs and he followed. She glanced over at his gorgeous profile, sharp cheekbones, just a hint of scruff on his square jaw. Deliciously rugged good looks. She quickly faced forward. “Oh, you’re coming with, well, okay, sure, I wouldn’t leave a friend out in the cold.” Not that it was cold. It was freaking hot whenever he got close.
He stopped. “I can wait here if you’re not comfortable.”
“Don’t be silly. No big.” She picked up the pace, anxious energy driving her. “So what’s the deal with this cave? Is it really old?”
“It’s been there a long time, don’t know exactly how long. Legend is the Furman lived there all winter.”
“The Furman? You mean like a trapper?”
“Yeah. But he was kind of a wanderer. He traveled all over the Northeast, trading furs, but he wintered in that cave. They called him the Furman not just because he sold furs, but because he wore a huge fur coat made up of all kinds of animal furs stitched together. This was back in Civil War times. They say he never spoke.”
“That is cool!”
He flashed a smile that made her pulse skyrocket. “It might just be a legend. There weren’t good written records back then. Though there is an old picture of him at the Trailside Museum.”
“Ooh!” She grabbed his arm impulsively, met hard warm muscle, and quickly dropped her hold. “I’ve got to see that.”
“Sure thing. After the hike.” He grinned. “Got to give you some motivation.”
“Ha! I’m going to own that trail.”
“Own it, huh? Nice.”
They reached the top of the stairs and she opened the door to her apartment. He followed close behind, looking around curiously. “I haven’t had time to do much decorating,” she said.
“It’s nice.”
“I like more color. I’ll probably paint the walls a deep gold. Be right back!” She headed to her tall chest of drawers, where she’d left the necklace in the narrow top drawer, and slipped it on. She closed her eyes, deep breathing as she held the heart, rubbing her finger over the rounded surface, bringing back the contented feeling when she’d put it on at the ceremony. She opened her eyes, centered again, and headed back to the living room.
Ethan was standing in the center of the room, arms crossed. He wore a simple gray T-shirt and faded jeans, but still held an air of authority. In fact, when he wasn’t smiling, he made an imposing figure, sort of filling up the space with barely restrained masculine power. Not just strength, but a tightly coiled energy. Like a grizzled outlaw in the Old West. She was glad he was on her side.
“Ready,” she chirped.
He immediately headed for the door and opened it for her. “I got you tick repellant.”
She halted in front of him. “You got me tick repellant?”
“It was highly rated. Works for twelve hours.”
Her heart squeezed at this kindness, a warm glow spreading through her. He wasn’t expressive, but then he did this kind of gesture, knowing her concern about ticks. “Thank you, Eth. I really appreciate it.”
His lips parted in surprise. “No problem.” His tone was brusque like he was embarrassed by her appreciation.
She locked up and they headed downstairs.
“So what’d you have to get?” he asked.
