by Elena Aitken
“Come on, Clara.” He emphasized her name.
“It’ll be fine.” Justin stepped forward and gently led Clara to the platform. “Bruce is on the other side and he’ll catch you. All you have to do is step off. Put your legs straight out in front of you; put your right hand here.” He placed her hand on the clip he’d just fastened while he spoke. “And enjoy the ride. You’ll never experience anything quite like it. Are you ready?”
To Max’s surprise, she nodded. Before she could change her mind, Justin gave her a little push and she stepped off the platform.
Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God.
Those were the only three words repeating in Tess’s head as she hurtled through the air at a zillion miles an hour. But the only sound coming out of her mouth was a blood-curdling scream. Her eyes were squeezed so tight they stung but after a moment, when she realized she was neither dead, nor did she think she was going to die in the immediate future, Tess slowly opened one eye.
Time both seemed to slow down and speed up as the world hurtled past her in a blur of trees. To her total surprise and delight, she opened both eyes then to take in the incredible sight. And it was incredible. Never in her life had Tess seen anything like the view she had from the treetops.
And then it was over.
Her feet, in the sneakers borrowed from Amanda, made contact with the platform, and Bruce expertly slowed her. “Put your feet down,” he instructed.
She did and just like that, her trip through the air was over.
“That’s it?”
“That’s it. You did great. How was it?”
“It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever done! I can’t believe it went so fast. The trees—they were…the air…it was…up so high…incredible.”
Bruce laughed. “I’m glad you liked it.” He quickly unclipped her harness and led her up to the other side of the platform. “Stand here and you can watch your friend come in. He should be taking off in three…two…here he comes.”
She could only barely see Max’s dark form as he began his trek, but could she ever hear him. He wasn’t screaming the way she had, but instead was making a noise that could only be described as Goofy’s laugh as he flew toward her. And then he was there, expertly landing on the platform, with very little assistance from Bruce. When he was unclipped, he turned immediately to find her.
“What did you think?” He joined her where she stood, still in awe as to what she’d just done. “Never mind. I can tell that you loved it.”
She couldn’t even bother to pretend she hadn’t. A smile split her face. “It was incredible. I’ve never experienced anything like it. It was as if…I don’t…”
“As if you came alive for the first time?”
“Yes!” She grabbed his arm and squeezed. “That’s it exactly. You have to put a zip line in at Castle Mountain. You have to. For your guests to experience something like that. For them to come alive like that. Like I did…you have to.”
Max laughed and if she hadn’t been so preoccupied with the euphoria running through her, she might have noticed how incredibly good-looking he was when he laughed. At least, she would have noticed a little bit more than she already did. “So now you think it’s a good idea? I thought you were just testing me.” He held up his hands and made air quotes.
Dammit. She’d forgotten about that.
Tess shook her head and made a split-second decision. One Clara would probably kill her for. But she didn’t care. Clara had a lot of explaining to do on her own. She’d deal with her later. “I’ve changed my mind,” she announced. “Based on firsthand experience, I think you absolutely should put a zip line in. After all, I’m the expert, right?”
He shook his head and laughed. “That you are.”
A moment later, Justin zipped through the air and landed on the platform next to them. “By the smiles on your faces, I’d say you enjoyed that. Ready for more?”
Never in a million years did Tess think she would find herself nodding eagerly and jumping to be the first in line. But that’s exactly what she did for the rest of the course. When they were finished, they joined Justin and Amanda for a quick chat and a tour around the rest of the grounds. Spending time with the couple, who were both equally enthusiastic about their business and the activities that they offered, was exactly what Tess needed. Both to come down from the excitement of the day and to let someone else do most of the talking. Max peppered them with questions and Tess dutifully scribbled notes and made a list of questions to ask Clara when she could finally get her friend on the phone. This acting job was turning out to be a great deal harder than she’d expected. Max turned to see her watching him and he gave her a smile that made her melt like a chocolate bar on a summer’s day. But it was worth it.
The thought popped into her head out of nowhere but she didn’t bother to push it away, because it was definitely worth it.
By the time they got back in the car and Max pulled out of the Mountain Ridge Outdoor Adventures parking lot to head back into Hope Falls, he had a decidedly different attitude. He snuck a glance over at the woman who’d done nothing but surprise him all day. The hair that had been so perfect earlier in the day was now tousled with a sexy look, very reminiscent of a woman who’d just had a romp in bed. The thought shot a spark through him, directly to his core. Damn. He had no business thinking of this woman in any way but a professional one. But then again, she obviously wasn’t the woman he hired, so really it didn’t cross any lines or break any rules if he wanted to think of her any way at all. And much to Max’s surprise, he did want to think about her.
In fact, he wanted to think about her a lot. He’d experienced all of the activities that they’d just participated in. He’d zip-lined, he’d climbed through ropes courses; heck, he’d climbed mountains before. But doing it with her was as if he’d done everything for the first time. Sure, Max had expected to have a little fun with her, pushing her and teasing her. But he’d never actually expected to really enjoy himself. And he had.
More than that, he really didn’t want the day to end.
“So, I guess you have enough now to make a decision?” Her question broke his train of thought and the daydream he was having about extending their little meeting. Possibly into the evening. “Max?” she prompted when he didn’t answer right away. “Are you ready to make a decision?”
He needed to answer her. But he didn’t need to give her the truth—that long before she’d even met with him, he had his answer. She was waiting for him to say something, but all he could think about was how to keep her there with him a little bit longer.
“No,” he said before he realized the word had come out of his mouth. “But I’m getting closer. There’s one thing I really think we should do before I make up my mind.”
Her brow wrinkled up in question. “We already went through my entire report, went on the zip line, climbed the ropes…what else could you possibly need to make a final decision?”
“We’ll need to go to the Lodge.” The second the idea popped into his head, he spoke it out loud without thinking it through. But he didn’t need to. It was a brilliant idea. “Yes,” he said, confirming his idea. “I need you to visit Castle Mountain Lodge and see the site for yourself so you can help me make the best decision.”
He was spouting a pile of nonsense, but if she noticed, she didn’t show it. Instead, worry and confusion lined her face. “I don’t know, Max. I mean, isn’t that outside the scope of what I’m supposed to be doing?”
“Nonsense. We hired you to do a job, and I think the only way you can make an informed decision is to actually see the Lodge. Don’t you?”
“Umm…” She pulled out her phone and frantically tapped. “I just need to send a text. Can you give me a second?”
Of course she did. He’d forgotten for a brief second that she wasn’t who she said she was. She’d need to check with whoever was really in charge of the little deception she was playing at. Possibly the real Clara Clark.
It
only took a few minutes of frantic texting before she tucked her phone away and sighed. “Okay,” she said. “I can go. I’ll need a few days to make arrangements, though.”
Max nodded. “Of course. I’ll tell you what: I’ll change my flight to stay an extra few days and I’ll book you on the same flight.” He pulled into the parking lot in front of Sue Ann’s, where they’d left her vehicle. “I can meet you at the airport on…Thursday? Does that give you enough time?”
“No!” Her pretty face contorted into a frown and for a minute he thought she might be sick. “I mean Thursday is fine but…I’ll book the ticket. Just send me your flight information. I’ll take care of it.” She gathered her things, opened the door and was standing outside before Max even realized what had happened.
He rolled down the window and called to her as she practically sprinted across the parking lot to her car. “Clara.” When she didn’t answer, he called louder. “Clara!” She stopped and turned. “Thank you for today,” he said. “I had fun.”
The smile that crossed her face gave him that funny feeling in the pit of his stomach again.
“So did I,” she said. “I’ll see you Thursday.”
It wasn’t until he watched her drive away that Max realized she’d likely panicked about the flight because if he was in charge, she’d have to reveal her real name. No matter. He planned to get to the bottom of whatever game she was playing. And he was going to have fun doing it, too.
Because whatever her name was, one thing was certain: Max couldn’t remember the last time he’d enjoyed himself so much. And he didn’t plan to let that feeling get away so easily.
4
There wasn’t enough wine to get her through this. But at the same time, there could definitely be too much wine. Two days after more or less running from Max’s car in Hope Falls, Tess found herself sitting at the airport, nursing a glass of white wine in the departures lounge. What she really wanted to do was drain the glass and order another one. She was going to need all the strength she could get to make it through more pretending to be Clara. Even if it was liquid courage.
As long as she didn’t get drunk. She needed her wits about her to be sure. Especially considering she couldn’t help but get the distinct impression from Max that he was testing her in some way. Almost as if he knew she had no idea what she was talking about. If she got fired—or really…got Clara fired from that job—that would mean no commission and no rent money. No. It wasn’t an option. She needed to pull it together. But one more sip couldn’t hurt.
She had just lifted the glass to her lips when the deep voice she’d actually dreamed about came from behind her. She couldn’t react fast enough and Tess sort of half choked and half spat out the mouthful of wine. She didn’t need a mirror to tell her that her face was likely the same shade of bright red as her carry-on suitcase.
“Are you okay?”
Max slid his hand between her shoulder blades and gave her back a small rub that sent shock waves of something that was way too close to desire through her body.
“I’m fine.” Tess gave him what she hoped was a convincing smile as he took the seat next to her. “I probably shouldn’t be drinking anyway. After all, it is a business trip.” The thought just occurred to her. “I’m so sorry. It’s terribly inappropriate of me to—”
“Wine is a little inappropriate.” His face was stern and Tess held her breath, hoping he wouldn’t fire her on the spot. Which was ridiculous, because besides feeling insecure about her terrible acting skills, she’d really not given him any reason at all to fire her. “We’re heading to the Canadian Rockies.” He waved his hand to catch the bartender’s eye. “You should be having beer.” He grinned at her and in that instant, all her reservations about taking the trip were gone. “I’ll have a pint of Canadian.”
The beer appeared and Max paid both bills before he turned to face her. “Are you ready for this?”
“For the trip?” She nodded and reached into her bag to pull out the file that she’d more or less memorized since their last meeting. Tess felt much more prepared, and after a few phone calls with Clara, had some solid points to discuss with Max. “I am.” She started to open the file. “I have a few more ideas that—”
His warm, much larger hand covered hers, forcing her to close the file before she could open it completely. “No,” he said. “No business.”
“But that’s why we’re going.” She couldn’t take her eyes off his hand, which hadn’t moved from hers.
“No.” Her eyes flew up. “I mean, yes,” Max quickly. “But I hope that’s not the only reason for the trip.”
What the heck did he mean by that? Of course it was the only reason for the trip. There was no way she’d voluntarily get on a plane to fly to Canada with a strange man if it wasn’t for business. Unless, of course, the man had dark eyes that were currently piercing her with an intensity that was doing all kinds of crazy things to her insides.
No. Eyes or not, she would never take a trip like this if it wasn’t out of need.
When Tess didn’t answer right away, Max continued, “Have you been to Canada before?” She shook her head. She’d never had the opportunity to travel north. Or anywhere, really. “It’s the most beautiful country. Especially where the Lodge is. The mountains are…well, they’re just something else. It’s almost magical. Hard to explain, really.” His eyes glossed over as he lost himself in the memory, and then it was gone and he put a bright smile back on his face as he took a deep drink of his beer. “But you’ll see for yourself soon enough. I think we’re almost ready to board.” He tipped his drink up and finished the beer he’d just barely started. Tess took one more sip of her wine and decided it was better if she left it unfinished.
“I’m ready,” she lied.
The truth was, she didn’t think she’d ever be ready for spending the next few days pretending to be someone she wasn’t, doing something she had no idea how to do, as if her future depended on her doing the job well. Which it did. As if that wasn’t bad enough, she had to maintain her composure in close proximity to a ridiculously sexy mountain man who happened to have been the star of all her dreams—both sleeping and waking—for the last few days.
Max grabbed her bag away from her, the perfect gentleman, and Tess sent a silent prayer up. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d called on a higher power, but if the last few minutes was any indication, she was going to need all the help she could get.
Tess Rogers.
Tess.
That was her name.
It was like a little secret, and the moment he’d seen the name printed on her passport as she handed it to the airline attendant before she boarded, he almost wished he hadn’t. No, that wasn’t true. He was glad he knew. It was a beautiful name and it suited her perfectly. But it did make it harder to continue his role in the little game they were playing. The truth was, he didn’t care whether she was Clara Clark or Tess Rogers, or Julia Roberts. And he really didn’t care whether she had anything to say about adventure activities at Castle Mountain Lodge. All he cared about was spending more time with her.
It was all he’d thought about since he’d watched her walk away two days earlier. Clara—no, Tess—had been the star of every waking thought and every sleeping thought, too. He couldn’t remember the last time he had a woman take over his thoughts so completely. Probably because it had never happened.
And it shouldn’t be happening now.
There was nothing about Tess Rogers that he should be attracted to.
Except her long, soft hair, her curves that just begged to be touched, her crystal-clear blue eyes and those lips that curled up into the most delicious smile. There was all that.
But there was also the stylish, likely overpriced clothes, the heels so high they’d snap off the second she stepped onto a trail, and the perfectly manicured hands that he could guarantee had never held an oar. She was a city girl through and through, and he was a self-declared mountain man. He thrived in the woods. He
needed to be on a trail, surrounded by trees and high peaks. Give him a river to cast into over a grocery store any day. They were total opposites. Never mind the fact that he wasn’t even supposed to know who she was.
That was a little detail he focused on during the four-hour flight. Of course he’d suspected she was playing games with him, but suspecting and knowing was different. He should have been upset with her for playing him a fool. And he probably would have been if he hadn’t been so completely taken with her.
Max had done little more than think about the perfectly polished city girl and the wild look in her eyes after she’d flown across her first zip line. No. Wild wasn’t even the word to describe it. It was more like free. In that moment, Tess had looked completely free, as if she had been holding back her entire life and he’d been the one to bring it out in her.
He liked that idea. A lot. It didn’t matter one bit that she was lying to him. Okay…it mattered a little.
By the time they landed and made their way through the airport to his truck, Max had made a decision. He wanted to get to know her, despite her secrets. Maybe because of them. Either way, it didn’t matter. There was something about her. Besides, surely after a few days together, she’d come clean with the truth. She’d have to.
“It’s beautiful here.”
“June is one of my favorite months in the mountains,” Max said. “The chill of the spring has gone away, but it’s still not quite summer.”
Tess had been mostly quiet on their journey, choosing to immerse herself in the information she’d researched on mountain lodges, Castle Mountain Lodge specifically, before falling asleep on the plane. Once they got into Max’s truck, he’d kept up a steady stream of chatter as they drove, leaving the city behind, and made their way closer to the mountains. But once their travels finally brought them into the Rocky Mountains, Tess could no longer bite her tongue. She’d never seen anything quite as spectacular as the stone peaks that rose up all around her.
