Page 26 of Liberated By the Logger

“Alright,” I say after taking my first sip of my drink. “Bring on the questions.”

My dream woman wastes no time getting down to business. “You’re single, right? No girlfriend or wife?”

“Single and available—you’re the only one on my radar. I don’t condone cheating of any kind.”

“Good. I feel the same. And I’m recently single.” Groaning, Aspen pinches the bridge of her nose. “Geez. I sure know how to pick the winners.”

Taking another sip, I say, “It’s fine, Aspen. You saved the best for last.”

Before she can protest, I ask my question. “You said you’re finishing your doctoral in forest science at CSU. That’s badass. What made you want to pursue a field in forestry?”

“Oh.” Her brows shoot up her forehead. She seems genuinely surprised I’m interested in her studies.

“Well, I’ve always enjoyed being out in nature. Spent most of my childhood exploring the wilderness with my earth-loving parents. During these adventures, I’d collect bugs, rocks, and leaves—whatever caught my attention. I’d spend hours drawing my treasures in my journals and jotting descriptions of my findings. I was convinced I was going to discover a new species of something, and I’d talk anyone’s ears off about it. You can imagine how popular that made me amongst my peers. Didn’t stop me from continuing my hobby. And here I am—two bachelor degrees in plant and animal science, a master’s in forestry management, and soon a doctorate in forest science.”

Goddamn! The woman is super brainy. She’s impressive. And I’m digging her geeky energy.

Aspen pauses, eyeing me. “Um, why are you staring at me with a goofy grin?”

Caught, my smile widens. “Can’t help it. You’re stinking cute. Listening to you talk about your love for what you do, instilled in you from when you were a kid, is wholesome. Not everyone is brave enough to turn a hobby into a career. I applaud you for going the extra lengths to make your dream a reality.”

Aspen stares at me for a beat, her eyes going misty with unshed tears.

“That’s probably one of the nicest things anyone has said to me regarding my choice in career,” Aspen says. “Most people couldn’t care less about my aspirations.”

“Good thing I’m not most people,” I state, wanting to keep talking and learn everything I can about her in our brief window of time.

“What’s the plan after graduation? You want to go into field research for the Colorado State Forestry Department, teach at the university, or join the state’s conservation management services? You got lots of options with all those extra letters after your name.”

My woman gets a dreamy look on her face, smiling as she continues. “Research is where my heart is, but it rarely pays enough. I’d like to continue my research while working part-time or full time in a company offering flexibility in the schedule. I’m open to using my skills in other avenues as long as I can continue my research and publish my findings.”

“Sounds like you got a plan.” I pause, thinking about mentioning my company needing a forest scientist to help my brother’s case load.

Working part time with us would give her the flexibility she needs to continue doing the field studies she’s passionate about. O’Mara Timber would benefit having someone of her education and tenacity on our crew. I shelve the idea, ready to present the offer when the time is right.

Aspen cocks her head at me quizzically. “Does it bother you?”

“Does what bother me?”

“That I’m, you know, book smart. I spend most of my time invested in my studies. Most of the guys I’ve come across have a hard time with me being more educated than them and correcting them when they’re wrong.”

Hearing her talk about other dudes has me squeezing my glass, imagining it’s the neck of every guy who turned her down for being intelligent. I don’t like the fact they hurt her with their rejections. Their fragile egos cost them an amazing woman.

Sucks to be them. She’s mine now.

“I know I gave you shit for being chained to a dead tree, but I know better now. If a man can’t handle your brains, they can go find someone far less. You didn’t lose out on anything, darlin’. They’re idiots for not snatching you up when they had the chance.”

Her entire face brightens like I handed her the moon. “Really?”

“Yeah, really. I’ll never have, nor do I want, all the fancy degrees you have. But I’m not going to be intimidated because you do. That’s boy mentality, and I ain’t no boy. I’m a thirty-six-year-old man who can handle having a partner who is more educated. Does it bother you I only have a bachelor in business management or that I prefer getting my hands dirty over sitting behind a desk in a suit?”

She shakes her head with a lazy smile. “Not at all.”

“Good to know. I’m a sixth generation logger and damn proud of it. My brother and I started our own business fresh out of college and put the knowledge that our grandpa, dad, and uncles passed down to us to good use. It’s been fourteen years and our logging company is going strong. There’s room for improvement, but overall we’re solid.”

“What would you improve?”

Opportunity comes knocking. It’s too easy, and I will not waste the chance to pitch my offer.