Mom leans in, her mascara slightly smudged. "How could you let this happen? You were babysitting!"
I sigh, but she doesn't notice. "Mom, I was in my own room studying with headphones on. How was I to know that you wanted me to babysit?”
"I sent you a text!" she shrieks.
"I’m pretty sure you didn't." It's as if I'm talking to a child. "Check your phone.”
Jeremy watches intently as Mom scrolls through her phone. Then she rolls her eyes. "Well, Imeantto."
"That's not the same thing."
"How the hell did they get out of the room?" Jeremy huffs.
"They are six years old. They can work doors. You know this."
"Well," he grumbles, "this never would've happened if you’d been watching them."
"Again, how was I supposed to know? You both know that I’m studying for an exam."
I quickly catch up with Nate, who is pointing out another marker. "I'm halfway up the hill with the ranger. I'm pretty sure we’re finding trail markers the boys left."
Jeremy scratches his head, looking vaguely like an ape. "But why would they go for a hike this late?”
"Yesterday, you told them that was how they could see the sunset twice," I snap. “You made it sound like a cool adventure. And you know whenever they’re left alone, they like to make up adventures.”
“But they weren’t?—”
“You. Left. Them. Alone.” My voice is forceful without being a shriek. “It’s not the first time this has happened. You are not caring for your children properly. Go back to the lodge and wait there. I’ll text you when we find them."
Maybe it's rude to hang up on him. I feel it's even ruder to be such a terrible parent.
Nate looks at me with pity in his eyes as a shaky sigh-growl escapes my throat. "Sorry you had to hear that. But honestly, I'm twenty-one years old. They treat me like a child, and yet they expect me to parent their other children."
“Some people are assholes," he says. "Hopefully you can get away from them soon."
"That's the plan." The trees are thinner here, so I can walk beside him. “I'm taking a specialized online course in cross-platform development coding. I just have to pass my certification exam, then I have three different job opportunities lined up."
Nate nods, pointing out another pile of sticks. "And then you just have to stay with them long enough to save up for your own place?"
“Oh no. I've already saved up a deposit plus six months’ rent and have a list of apartment buildings with vacancies. I just think it would be better not to sign a lease before I have a job locked down."
Nate stops in his tracks, looking at me with admiration. "You know, Bailey, I've seen a lot in my thirty-four years. And I have to say, most people live their whole lives without amassing the common sense and linear thinking that you already have."
A sudden wave of pride causes me to flush. Is Nate saying he’s attracted to me? Even though I have zero experience there, and know it's ridiculous to think about… It's what I feel acrossthe width of my shoulders, snuggled in his faintly pine-scented jacket.
He did make a point of telling me his age, though. Could that be a warning?
Nate's phone beeps, and he nods after reading. "We've got five men spread across the bottom of the trails. They're going to start working inward, calling for the boys."
"Tell them to say it's Bailey's turn to buy ice cream."
His smile lights up his striking eyes and draws attention to the faint sunlines at the corners. His thumbs tap out a message with meticulous precision for someone with such thick digits. "Great idea."
I should not be admiring how sexy this man is. I have a job to do. I’m never, ever distracted when I have a task at hand – especially not something this important.
But this lightning-quick attraction to Nate is the most incredible thing I’ve ever felt. All I can think about is how long I’ll be able to walk beside him before we have to go our separate ways.
3
