Page 2 of Surrendering to the Mountain Man

I start walking, my boots crunching on twigs and pine needles. The familiar forest smells help calm my anger, reminding me of what's at stake. Generations of Nilssons have depended on these woods and mountains. I can't fail them now.

Whatever it takes, I'll save this mountain from those greedy outsiders. They have no idea who they're messing with in the Nilssons. But they're about to find out.

2

GEMMA

Iwalk briskly through the open meadow, Nova trailing behind me as I gesture grandly at the land around us. "Just imagine it," I say. "Right over there will be the check-in office, built from beautiful reclaimed wood with a stunning stone chimney. Guests will arrive to the smell of a crackling fire and our warm welcome."

Nova smiles, her eyes bright. "It's going to be incredible, Gemma. I can already picture guests lounging in the Adirondack chairs out front, taking in the gorgeous mountain views while sipping local wine."

"Exactly!" I say. "And the tents will be just beyond, each one custom-designed for luxury glamping. Plush beds with cozy linens, private outdoor hot tubs, and fully stocked minibars. People will pay top dollar for this kind of secluded indulgence."

I squeeze Nova's arm excitedly. "Over there will be the community campfire pit. Can't you just envision it? Guests mingling at sunset, roasting marshmallows and swapping stories while our chef prepares gourmet campfire meals."

Nova nods, gesturing to a cleared patch of ground. "I can see the yoga platform right there, too. Morning classes as the sunrises over the peaks, the sound of the stream flowing nearby. It's going to be so tranquil and beautiful here."

I take a deep breath, picturing everything coming together at last. The office, the tents, the community areas - my vision made real. Nova grins at me, her enthusiasm matching my own. I'm filled with anticipation, ready to welcome our first guests to this little slice of luxury paradise.

I'm lost in my visions of the glamping retreat, picturing guests enjoying yoga by the babbling stream when a rumbling roar of engines shatters the tranquility. I whirl around to see a small fleet of logging trucks lumbering up the dirt road, their massive tires churning up plumes of dust.

The trucks roll to a stop nearby, and a tall, bearded man hops down from the lead vehicle. He strides toward me, his piercing blue eyes fixed in a stern gaze beneath the brim of his worn ballcap.

“Afternoon,” he says gruffly. "You must be the lady setting up this new campground."

I lift my chin. "Gemma Wells. And it's a luxury glamping retreat, not just a campground."

The man snorts. "Right. Well, I'm Ash Nilsson of Nilsson Timber. My crew and I will be logging in these parts for the next few weeks."

I frown. This must be the local lumber company my contractor warned me about.

"I see," I reply coolly. "Well, I hope your... operation doesn't impact my retreat or my guests once we open."

Ash folds his burly arms across his broad chest. "Shouldn't be a problem if y'all stay out of our way. Wouldn't want any of your city slicker campers getting hurt out here."

His condescending tone raises my hackles. "We have every right to utilize these public forest roads and trails. My guests willbe hiking and enjoying the mountain scenery, not interfering with your work."

Ash steps closer, his imposing frame looming over me. "Just keep 'em clear of active logging sites if you know what's good for ya." He pauses, his icy eyes flickering over me. "Wouldn't want that pretty little face of yours getting all scratched up."

I scowl, defiance rising in me. I jab my finger at his rock-solid chest. "Now you listen here. I don't take kindly to threats. This is my land, and you will not intimidate me."

Ash's eyes widen briefly in surprise before his expression returns to impassive stone. Without another word, he turns and climbs back into his rumbling truck. I stand rooted in place, fuming, as the logging convoy pulls away in a cloud of dust.

I storm back to where Nova waits by the check-in office, my boots stomping on the gravel road.

"The nerve of that man!" I burst out. "Waltzing in here acting like he owns the whole damn mountain."

Nova raises her eyebrows. "So I take it things didn't go well with the local lumber king?"

I let out an exasperated sigh. "That's putting it mildly. He told me to keep my guests away from active logging sites. Can you believe it? As if we'd be encouraging that in the first place."

"Yikes. He doesn't mess around, does he?" Nova says.

"No kidding. All broad shoulders and brooding intimidation." I throw my hands up in frustration. "And the way he looked at me, with those icy blue eyes. So infuriating."

Nova grins knowingly. "Methinks the lady doth protest too much. I sensed a little chemistry there."

My eyes go wide. "What? No way. He's arrogant and bullheaded. Not my type at all."

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