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I don’t blame her. I kind of want to wander into the woods right now.
I wonder if he would carry me out with those nice big arms…
People in the crowd thank him and begin to slowly disperse. We watch him until everyone is gone and he’s alone with the cute dog.
Julian leans down and whispers something to the bloodhound while scratching behind his big floppy ear. Lucky fucking dog.
“That’s Charlie,” she says, filling me in on all of the town details. “He’s the best Search and Rescue dog in the state.”
Charlie is cute, but I can’t stop staring at his owner. The way he’s so strong yet so tender and gentle with the dog. I can’t help but picture those hands on me and it’s giving me shivers.
Julian stands up and heads back inside the Search and Rescue office with Charlie. My heart sinks when the door closes and I can no longer ogle him.
Trish stands up and laughs when she sees me still staring at the door in shock.
“Get used to it, girl,” she says as she puts a hand on my shoulder while walking past me. “The Greene Mountains are full of hot mountain men like him. Hottest spot in the universe.”
“But… Why? How?”
She shrugs. “It’s best not to ask too many questions and just enjoy the view.”
I’m already feeling like this guy has gotten under my skin. I want to see him again. I need to see him again.
“Does Julian ever come in here?” I ask. Even I can hear the desperation in my tone.
Trish laughs. “Pace yourself, Abby. You just got here.”
“But does he?” I have to know.
“Once in a while,” she says. “But people with abs like those don’t eat a lot of Danishes. He’s also part owner of the bungee jump. It operates on the Angel Arc Bridge on the weekends. You can try your luck there.”
Bungee jumping?
A customer walks into the bakery, so Trish excuses herself and hurries down the stairs.
My head is spinning as I stare at the closed door of the Search and Rescue across the street.
Bungee jumping sounds terrifying. It’s something I never would have done in the past. I wouldn’t even have considered it. I would have laughed in your face if you asked me to go.
I rub the tattoo on my wrist as I take a deep breath.
“Be bold,” I whisper.
Fuck caution and fuck playing it safe.
I’m here to be adventurous. I’m here to be bold.
I look around at my amazing new apartment and smile. Look what being daring has gotten me so far… All of this.
That’s it. Tomorrow morning, I’m heading to the Angel Arc Bridge. I’m going to flirt with the hot owner and then I’m going to leap right off the bridge without any hesitation.
I’m going to be bold.
Even if it terrifies me.
Chapter Two
Abby
“Where are you off to looking all cute?” Trish asks when I walk through the bakery the next morning. I’m heading for the door in my running shoes, shorts, and a tank top.
She glances at my tank top and smirks. It’s a tad on the low-cut side. It’s a tank top for getting noticed and that’s what I have planned for today—to get noticed.
“Going out and about,” I say innocently as I pass the customer standing at the cash. It’s a woman in her late twenties with big sunglasses propped up in her long black hair.
“Are we getting lost in the woods or are we leaping off a bridge?” Trish asks with a chuckle.
The customer turns and looks at me funny. Trish laughs when she sees the woman’s face.
“She’s new in town,” Trish explains to the confused customer. “She saw Julian Long yesterday.”
“Ohhh,” the woman says, looking like it’s all coming together. “He’s so hot. My sister was in love with him for ten years.”
“Ten years?” I say, feeling horrible for her poor sister. I’ve been in love with him for ten hours and it’s been torture. I can’t imagine a decade of unrequited love with that gorgeous man.
“Give or take,” she says with a shrug. “She’s married now. Her husband is so annoying. He only talks about golf. Gross.”
“So, what is it?” Trish says, ignoring her. “Woods or bridge?”
“Bridge,” I say with a nervous fluttering in my stomach. I’m still not sure if I can actually take the leap. I’m not a fan of heights, and I’m definitely not a fan of launching myself over them.
“Here, eat something,” Trish says as she tosses me a warm bagel. “Try not to puke it out all over the hot bungee instructor.”
I thank her and hurry out with a laugh. Knowing me and my luck, that’s probably something I’d do.
The sun is out and the weather is perfect. I can’t help but smile as I look around at this incredible town. I still can’t get over it. I’m still shocked that a place like this exists. Why didn’t I move here sooner?
