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“Jesus!” She throws her hands up in the air. “Fine. What if you live here until you’re eighty and there’s an emergency? You’re having a heart attack and need an ambulance.” Jessica’s fingernail taps against the coffee table with each point she feels she’s making. I give it a beat; let her think she’s got me.
“You’re old enough to have heard of this thing we used to call a landline, right?” I point behind me to the kitchen, where mine is attached to the wall. “It works just as well as your cell phone but without all the bullshit.”
“Hey! That bullshit is what pays my bills.”
“Oh yeah,” I say, wondering if this is flirting or arguing. Both? Either way, it’s the most stimulating conversation I’ve had in a long time. “What exactly does an influencer do?” I use finger quotes. Jessica’s face turns pink. “Pull faces, take pictures of their dinner?”
A humorless laugh escapes her mouth. “No. I’m not telling you.”
“What? Why?”
“Because, Judge Judy, you’re acting all high and mighty like what I do is trivial.” I can tell I’ve gotten her goat. Her words come faster, sharper. “Look, I could say the same for you. What does a mountain man do? Cut wood, fix steaks, howl at the moon?”
“I don’t howl at the moon.” I roll my eyes. “Most nights.”
“We couldn’t be more different.” She drains the rest of her beer. It’s a sign that I should be getting her back. She’s right. We are two humans with absolutely nothing in common.
“You ready to go?” I ask, pushing my beer to the side. I’ll finish it later, in peace and quiet.
“Oh yeah,” she says. I don’t know whether to take that as an insult. My brain is scrambling to keep up with her. Is she playing games with me, or does she hate my guts for being too simple? Not that I care; I love my life. There’s a great joy that comes with doing your own thing, not worrying about what people think. I have a feeling Jessica would never understand.
We walk to my truck in silence. The drive isn’t much livelier. When I pull up in front of the Airbnb, a strange feeling washes over me. I’ve been alone for so long; then having someone as outgoing as Jessica explode into my life, I don’t want to see her go just yet.
“So you’re here to get pictures?” I ask before she opens the door.
“Uh-huh. Content.”
“You want a guide?” I can’t look at her. She’ll see how vulnerable I am. How much I’ve enjoyed tonight, even though it’s hard for me to admit, let alone understand.
“Depends on who it is.” Her voice is soft.
“I can take you to spots that’ll knock your socks off.” I finally face her. When I do, she’s smiling. My heart melts. She’s so beautiful.
“Pick me up tomorrow at ten.” She throws her door open.
“That’s a late start.” I call as she hops out of the truck.
“Ten.” She repeats, then closes the door behind her. As she walks up to her Airbnb, where Mr. Riley waits on the porch for her, something inside me melts, and for the first time in a long time, I find myself smiling.
ChapterFive
Jessica
I stare at my closet,feeling clueless about what to wear for a date in the woods. Is it even a date? My heart races at the thought of Luke, his rugged features and warm smile making me feel both excited and anxious. I want to impress him, to look effortlessly beautiful among the trees and the fresh air. But what if I wear something too casual or too dressy? My mind races with questions as I frantically search for the perfect outfit, hoping it'll make the right impression.
After much deliberation, I finally settle on a t-shirt, long flannel, and a pair of khaki shorts with my rugged-looking ankle boots, then scrutinize myself in the mirror. This will have to do.
Why do I care so much anyway? I’ll look great for the photos, and that’s all that matters—not what Luke thinks of me. I let out a sigh. Hell, even I don’t believe that lie.
When I hear his truck pull up outside, I take a deep breath and try to act nonchalant as I lock up and head out. Walking towards him, I feel my heart racing with excitement and anticipation, but he doesn't seem to notice. Despite my nerves, seeing him still sends a wave of butterflies in my guts. As I approach, I wonder if this date was a mistake, but it's too late now.
“You’re right on time,” I beg my heart to stop beating so fast. What is it about this guy that sends my senses into overdrive? He stares at me with those sparkling blue eyes of his.
“I’m always on time, Jess.” His dark brow furrows, and I can’t quite tell if he’s making a joke or if he’s just being his normal unreadable self. He puts the car in drive, leaving me wondering if he’s just another in a long line of men I’ve dated who are emotionally unavailable and therefore pulling me in hook, line, and sinker.
Only time will tell. I crush the thought as soon as it arrives. Tomorrow I head back to the city, and the chances of me ever seeing Luke Warren again are slim to none. That shouldn’t make me feel as sad as it does.
“How far is it?” I ask, lowering my sunglasses. All of the greenery surrounding us looks the same. I wouldn’t know how to get back to my Airbnb alone if I tried.
