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Maybe I’ll do something crazy and skinny dip. There’s got to be a decent size lake from the picture drawn on the map. With the mountain man as big as it is, I really doubt I’ll run into anyone while I’m up here. Might as well make this trip somewhat memorable.
Continuing to walk, the sound grows louder and louder, but I don’t see any signs of a waterfall. Once the noise is at its loudest, I take another glance at the map. Though it doesn’t exactly say the distance between the trail and the lake, I’m sure it isn’t that far away. If I want to cool off, I’m going to have to abandon the trail.
As long as I walk in a straight line, I’m not going to get lost. Once I am done cooling off, I’ll return back to the trail and make a visit to the apparently large flower field. At that point, I might as well turn around and make my way back home.
Ryder is seriously missing out. I hope he knows that. He could be taking a swim with me on his day off, but no…
“Tour guide,” I grumble out, shaking my head. Does he really think I’d want him to be working during our time spent together? What a joke. So freaking lame.
Abandoning the path, I walk straight as I follow the crashing sound of the waterfall. I don’t exactly know what I’m looking for, but I grow more and more eager as I get closer.
As I walk through the wooded area, I realize why the trails exist in the first place. There’s a lot of poison ivy and other plants I don’t want to tangle myself in, and I have to work around to get forward. When I spot a giant spider on a tree, I’m thankful that I’m alone when a shriek leaves my lips.
No matter how badly I wanted to come up here, I’m clearly not meant for the outdoors.
Once I reach the waterfall, I realize it’s worth the headache of walking.
“Wow,” I murmur as I look up at the large stream of water. If someone were to jump off from up there into the lake, they’d definitely die, no doubt about that.
Shrugging off my backpack, I kick away my shoes and walk up to the water. As fun as skinny dipping sounds, I know I don’t actually have the courage to go through with it. Instead, I step into the cool water and splash my legs, hoping to ease the ache.
Four hours of walking is pretty impressive. My blisters are going to be a badge of pride by the end of this. Wesley won’t be done with his shift and I can tell him all about it afterward when I swing by. He’ll be impressed and offer to drive me home so I can get a great night of sleep.
Setting my plan, I enjoy the feel of mud between my toes. It can’t possibly get any better than this. Maybe I’ll take another break too, milking my time by getting some relaxation here and there before going back.
Ryder
Where in the hell is she?
Not only did I waste a day off by lingering around the headquarters, but I’ve done nothing but stare at Wesley’s desk and the front door for most of the day.
The poor guy probably thinks I’m considering firing him by the way my stare weighs him down. Seeing his lack of worry for his sister, I might have to actually give him the boot.
Checking the time on my watch, I huff out in agitation. Cassi always stops by around the same time each day. Her brother is here, so where in the hell is she?
My hip and knee are aching, throbbing from my constant pacing. If it weren’t for my inability to see the front door, I would’ve tucked myself in my office a long time ago.
“You look like you could obliterate that cup, Boss.” Bryson, another one of my men wanders up to the water cooler, treating himself to a cool drink.
I don’t realize I’m crinkling the cup in my hand until I feel some liquid drip on my fingers.
How can I explain my behavior without coming off as a complete creep? I don’t need people judging me while I’m panicking.
“Your wife is young, isn’t she?” I ask, glaring at Wesley while he takes a phone call nonchalantly.
Bryson stiffens up at my side, like I’ve touched a sore subject. “What about it?”
I scratch at my bearded cheek, wondering how to phrase my next words. How do I ask him what I want to know without revealing my insecurities?
“No one gives her a hard time, does they?” Clearing my throat, I finish my drink to cut away any excuse of letting any other embarrassing words come out. “About dating an old man like yourself?”
“Not if I can help it,” he grumbles out, frowning. He’s pretty protective over his wife, Rue. He’s also closer to my age and I’m pretty sure she’s closer to the woman I’m worrying about.
If Cassi is willing to give me the time of day, could I protect her like that?
“Is this what has got you all worried, marrying some young woman?” he asks before throwing his head back and finishing his own drink. “Fuck what anyone else thinks. You want her, take her.”
Can’t believe I’m hearing advice from him. My fingers loosen around my cup before I trash it.
