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ChapterOne
Jessica
“What doyou mean you’re not coming?” I clutch my phone in my hand, wiggling the Airbnb key back and forth in the lock. “This was supposed to be a getaway.”
My best friend, Maude, rolls her eyes at me via FaceTime. “I’m sorry, love. This last freelance gig isn’t going to write itself, and it’s paying my rent for the next two months.”
As hard as I try, the key will not budge. “Shit.” I set the phone down so that I can use both hands. It’s a good thing I brought my tripod. Relying on someone else to set up the perfect shot is always a risk. But Maude’s been my bestie for years. They’re with me through thick and thin as I rose in the ranks of internet fame.
“I’ll make it up to you,” Maude says. “When you get back I’ll get us reservations at a fabulous restaurant. I won’t even tease you when you take a million pictures of your food.”
“Gee, thanks.” Gah! The key finally twists perfectly, causing the door to crack open. “That was a workout.”
“Get settled and breathe in the fresh air for your girl, who’ll be sitting in her apartment all weekend, typing until her fingers bleed.”
“A sexy thought.” I grab my phone from the porch railing. “Love you.”
“Love you. Have fun!” We make kissy faces at each other before the line goes dead.
Dead. That’s about how I feel.
In the last three months, I’ve lost over a thousand followers, and for the life of me I can’t figure out why. Frankly, I’m on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
I tuck my phone into my back pocket, kick the door open with the tip of my shoe, then bat my palm against the inside wall, fumbling for a light switch. I make contact and turn on the lights, but immediately regret it. The listing said rustic, but I had no idea how much they meant it. It’s bare bones, to say the least. It looks brighter in the photos, less dusty, and well-worn. For the next two days, it’s going to have to do. Thank God most of my shots are going to be outside in nature.
Traffic coming in from the city was a mess and I’m already losing light. I drop my overnight bag and strap on my backpack. After a quick glance in the foggy mirror near the door to reapply lip gloss and fluff my ponytail, I head out. I’ve already pinpointed a few spots that would be great locations for an introductory post. Down the hill and a half mile east lies my first destination.
Leaves crunch underfoot as I make my way down the gravel path. I wish I could let loose and enjoy the scenery. When my career as a lifestyle influencer took off, I was as shocked as anyone. At first, it was easy. Living in the city gives me the advantage of constantly being exposed to cool things. However, the pressure of consistently creating engaging content and keeping up with everyone else on the internet has started to take its toll. I needed a change of pace, a new adventure to document, which is why I’m here.
As soon as I round the corner, I realize I’ve made the right decision. The sunset boasts pink and orange beams streaming across the sky. My hand flies to my chest. “Breathtaking.”
I pull my mini tripod out of my backpack and take my time setting up my camera. It’s important I get this just right. I place myself near the cliff’s edge without getting too close. My stomach lurches at the thought of losing my balance. A fear of heights has plagued me since childhood when I fell off the monkey bars and sprained my wrist in second grade.
I let out a deep breath and click the shutter button on the remote, alternating poses and praying that at least a few of the shots are usable.
That’s when I hear it.
A rustling in the bushes nearby pulls me from the task at hand. City gal that I am, I didn’t even think twice about what else could be roaming these woods with me at dusk. Chills erupt down my arms, and I will myself to grab my gear and beat feet back to the rental cabin.
With the sun rapidly setting, I shove my camera back into my bag and turn back toward the direction of the cabin.
Suddenly, a man emerges from the bushes. A gasp escapes my lips. The dark-haired stranger is tall and muscular, with a thick beard and piercing blue eyes. He's wearing a plaid shirt and work boots, and oh my God…he's carrying an ax.
My hands fly in front of my face as I scurry backward. I’m prepared to beg for my life, but with my throat as dry as sandpaper, I’m fumbling for words.
"What are you doing here?" he growls, eyeing my camera with suspicion.
“Nothing.” I manage to eke out, my heart thudding against my ribcage. "I'm an influencer," I explain, trying to sound confident despite my fear. “I’m just taking a few shots for my followers.”
He snorts, clearly unimpressed. “This is private property.”
I gulp, realizing I may have made a mistake coming here alone. “I’m sorry,” I say, trying my best to sound sincere through the veil of panic painting my words. “I didn’t know.”
He studies me for a moment, then moves closer. The blade of his ax gleams against the last rays of sunlight. My body goes into fight or flight. On one hand, the gigantic mountain man before me can’t possibly be that fast, not at his size. I could probably outrun him. But on the other hand, he is holding a freaking ax.
My body makes the choice for me. I turn on my heel, primed to run, but I don’t make it very far. My ankle twists, and all thoughts of escape fade as I crash to the ground.
ChapterTwo
