by Claire Angel
“It’s ten, right now. We can be back before it gets dark easily and then let everyone go get some dinner.” I offered as he nodded. “Maybe you should look at this like a vacation, Mark.”
“It’s my job, not downtime.” Mark looked around. “Let’s head up, everyone. There are some steep hills coming up, and I’d like to give you time to scale them and have a moment for a break. The view is beautiful from the top and well worth every step.” He stepped back in the front and we all followed.
Mark was fucking sexy and I bit my lip as I watched him gesture to an upcoming slope.
“Everything okay?” Jacob asked as we walked in a smaller line for the trail.
“He’s just in a rush. That man needs to learn to relax,” I replied, smiling back at him and Jessica.
We kept moving, alternating between steep areas and the easier hills as everyone snapped pictures along the way. I saw the scowl on Mark’s face as he’d look us over, but it was subtle. I just felt like I knew him a bit better than everyone else. Not that I thought that was a good thing. It irritated me.
I focused on my conversation with Jessica as we hiked. She was a tough little girl and held her own on that trail. I liked her.
I also noticed that Mark watched her a lot. I wasn’t sure why, but he seemed to be protective of Jessica, even helping her in a few places. He treated her with kindness, not coddling her at all. Jacob stood back and let Mark do his job, smiling as Jessica responded easily to the huge man.
I came to the conclusion that Mark must be an uncle. He didn’t seem like the type to settle down with a family despite his affection towards the little girl.
When we climbed up one rockier hill, I stood on the plateau and gasped. It was beautiful and I spun around slowly letting the scenery take me over.
This place was perfect. I felt complete not just like the small-town girl that everyone knew back in Chester.
I felt smaller and realized how big the world was. I needed to see more of it.
Everyone walked around, talking, and taking pictures. I headed to the edge alone and stood quietly. I had a beautiful view of the green grass and mountains that ran across the expanse of the park. There were miles of it and I sensed the issues that plagued me before this day draining away.
I raised my phone and snapped several pictures to send to Hallie later tonight. Down the line, she had to come here with me. I knew that our girl time was different now, particularly with a baby coming soon. We’d have to get away on our own from time to time.
She’d love this place and I could see Colton and a couple of kids along for a trip as well. Tears burned my eyes as I missed her and the time that we’d lose after I’d just gotten her back. I wiped at my cheeks with the back of my free hand and breathed in the fresh air deeply.
“Are you okay?” I heard a voice and blinked as I looked down to see Jessica gazing up at me.
“This place is so amazing that it makes me emotional, Jess. Do you feel it?” I asked as I stroked her hair gently.
I knew that Jacob was a few feet away, but she was safe with me. We’d bonded. Jessica nodded somberly.
“Can we take a selfie?” I asked with my hands shielding my eyes from the sun.
“Yes!” Jessica replied as we turned to get the scenery in the back before snapping a picture.
Jacob offered to take one of us as well and I hugged her to me with a big smile, feeling eyes on us. I looked over to see Mark watching us a few feet away with a serious look on his face, phone in hand. Was the man taking a picture? The idea made me happy. He did have a heart, but I already knew that.
We kept walking around to look from every possible angle and I filled my phone with photos. After several minutes at the top of the mountain, Mark suggested heading down before darkness set in. I made sure to look at everything on the way. I wasn’t sure when or if I would be back.
I knew that I wanted to add travel to my life but thought it might be nice to see other places as well. I wondered if they would all have someone as hot as Mark as I observed him scaling down a rocky hill carefully. His ass was amazing just like the rest of him. I blushed as I waited my turn to head down, followed by Jacob and Jessica.
It seemed too soon that we were approaching the SUV. I wanted to turn around and go back and gave the trail a longing glance.
A quick look at my phone told me that it was past three and I knew that we’d have time to do something else. I guess I’d find something when we were back in the main park again and took my seat in the front seat of the vehicle, smiling as my muscles ached.
“How does everyone feel? Are you up for another small adventure?” Mark asked as I looked over at him.
Everyone laughed, telling him they were sore before asking what he had in mind.
“There’s an easy trail to a waterfall nearby. We’d be headed down by the time it started getting dark. I think there’s a good sunset shot as well,” He hinted that we would be fools to miss out on it.
I smiled, listening to the rousing agreement in the car. He turned left at a small intersection and we headed towards more trees. I knew how great a soak in the bath would feel later but wanted to see everything I could. I was also going to be ravenous, but I could wait for that.
Mark handed out protein bars from his pack and checked that we all had cold water before starting the next hike.
This trail was easier with only slight slopes. It led through some trees and ran parallel to a creek. Somehow, I ended up walking with Mark as he told everyone about this area of the park. I watched him walk with confidence with slow glances. I was trying to figure this man out. He’d shown me some of his personality and I knew that he was kind underneath his tough front.
He led us to a ledge that overlooked a wide part of the creek with a gorgeous waterfall that fell from about ten feet above us. I took shots of that and some more selfies with Jessica as Mark watched us. I was going to miss her when this trip was over and wondered if I’d ever have kids. It wasn’t something that I obsessed about but now that my best friend was pregnant, I couldn’t help but wonder about my future.
There was a gorgeous sunset at the end of the hike, and we watched it drop between the mountains before making our way to the SUV. Mark took us back to the inn and everyone made their own plans for dinner.
I watched as Mark walked to the edge of the parking lot on his phone as Jessica asked me to go to pizza with them. I nodded, and we made the short trek to the restaurant, discussing the hike on the way.
The food was amazing and I drank several glasses of water along with some wine. I was looking forward to getting a bottle for my room and soaking in the bath until bed.
The following day, he planned to take us fishing at a local lake for some downtime. It was low key, and we were going to grab breakfast on the way to eat there.
When I went back to my room with the bag in hand, I knew that I was tired. I thought about dinner and the way that Jacob looked at me. He was such a nice guy and I loved his daughter, but not in the way that I’d like to be a serious part of their life. He wasn’t fling material either though I didn’t know when that would even happen with Jessica around. I knew that nothing would happen other than keeping in touch.
I’d be down for a visit to California.
I saw Mark in the bar, sitting alone on a stool. He seemed to be deep in thought as I paused to take him in, sipping a beer. He was dressed in a fitted Henley that matched his eyes and showed his muscular torso off, making me drool a bit. What would it be like to have that man control me for a night? I hadn’t been with a guy like him despite dating Montana men.
They were small-town guys, but Mark struck me as a man that could do anything he set his mind to and handle things. He was probably amazing in bed. I licked my lips and headed to the elevator to get to my room. I wanted to go ask him why he seemed distant and gruff one moment and then looked at Jessica the way that he did when I was interacting with her. What was in the brain underneath all the muscle and intimidation
that he seemed to ooze from every pore of his body?
Chapter 6
Mark
I allowed myself one beer before going to my room. I didn’t like to drink and kept it limited. After I split with Lindsay’s mom, I went through a patch where it was all I did. I couldn’t understand how a woman could walk away from her child the way she did. I wasn’t even hurting for me as much as I was my daughter.
I could be, would be fine on my own. It broke me inside and I knew that I was spiraling. It was my mom that took care of her and suggested that I make a home in the mountains and focus on my job. It was as much a part of me as anything else. She’d take care of Lindsay and I could stay there whenever I had time off.
Mom lived in a warm, small town that offered everything a little girl could need right now. I knew how much Lindsay loved it as well as how much everyone there adored her.
I thought ahead to the next few days. I’d be going to see them soon for a few days after this tour. I smiled weakly as I unlocked the door to my room, remembering the conversation with Trey. He’d called to tell me that the original guide was healthy again and ready to take over.
“I think I want to see it through.”
“What the fuck? Why? You would normally jump at the chance to isolate yourself in that creepy cabin of yours.” Trey sounded shocked.
“They’re a good group and it’s just another few days. I forgot how gorgeous it was here.” I lied as I was met with silence. “I’ll finish up and then head out to see Lindsay.”
“Okay,” Trey spoke slowly as I heard voices. “I’ll see you in a few days. Thanks, Mark.” There was a tone to his voice that displayed how surprised he was, but I heard appreciation as well.
I’d tried to get out of tours since my life changed and focused on planning them. Being close to nature was great even if the tourists took forever to get anywhere. They never hurried up when I told them and then Brianne challenged me on my thoughts. She called me out on the fact that I was being an impatient asshole.
That girl had some fire in her. Hell, she had balls. I was shut down with people and wanted things to go my way. It was some control issue with me since I’d lost it in my divorce. I had it all: my job, a house in a small town, and a family. I’d been too blind to see that there was so much going on behind the scenes.
I sat down on the bed and blinked. I hadn’t thought of a woman since I took over with Lindsay. I’d had offers from plenty of women and even considered them sometimes. At the end of the night, I had my hand and that couldn’t hurt me deep down inside. Brianne was making me feel things that had been long buried.
She didn’t live near me. I knew that from the time we’d spent together. I wasn’t into a long distance anything, but I considered spending more time with her.
I knew it would never work. Was it wrong to extend our time together?
I slept fitfully even after a shower and a long session of jerking off. I imagined her flashing eyes as she called me out and that full mouth. I wanted to shut her up with my cock in her mouth, holding onto her blonde hair as I told her how to suck me off. I had taken in Brianne’s small frame with those perky tits and great ass many times and wondered what it would feel like to sink inside of her. Jesus. I hadn’t been this aroused by anyone in a while.
I woke up early the following morning, showering again and dressing in my standard worn jeans and flannel. I went to the restaurant early to arrange breakfast to go as planned, gratefully taking the coffee the hostess handed me with a flirtatious smile. I leaned against the wall and sipped it, thinking back to my night.
Familiar voices floated towards me and I turned my head to see Jacob walking with Brianne and Jessica. The girls were laughing, and I took in the conservative man with a shrewd gaze for a moment, wondering what his intention was with Brianne. I knew that he was single from listening in to conversations and it would be understandable if he wanted Brianne. She was gorgeous. I just knew that she would be mine before she was anyone else’s.
That idea caught me off guard and I stood straight as I forced a smile to my face. “Morning.”
“Hi,” Brianne greeted me with a sweet smile.
Her hair was in two braids today and she looked so soft and natural. She was wearing a pair of dark brown leggings with hiking shoes and a loose pink sweatshirt that hung from one shoulder. She had something slung over her arm that I assumed was to keep her warm, but I wanted her to keep it off.
I enjoyed that portion of her creamy skin.
“I am getting the food and we’ll be off.” I made myself scan the lobby instead of staring at her and she looked at my coffee.
“Did they get that for you?” Her voice was eager, and I nodded slowly.
She stepped to the counter and ordered two coffees to go, along with a hot chocolate. She paid with a smile and I noticed how natural it was for her to do that.
I had to wonder about Jacob. They did spend time together. I took a long look at Jacob as he spoke to his daughter softly. He glanced at me before Brianne walked over to hand him and Jessica their drinks. He raised his brow in a subtle manner.
I kept my gaze hard until Brianne was back with her own coffee, telling us how her day wasn’t complete without it. Jacob looked away and sipped his cup, his dark eyes staring past me.
Brianne sipped her coffee, casting a look from Jacob to me. She gave me a speculative look and I met it, taking in the bright hue of her eyes. The others started to join us after that and I explained that we’d be heading out with the food shortly. I told them to grab a coffee or anything they wanted while we waited.
They formed a line as Brianne took a seat on the bench. She was talking closely to Jessica and I saw how much the little girl looked up to her. Was her mother as shitty as my ex? The curiosity of what Lindsay would think of her crossed my mind fleetingly and I breathed in slowly.
I swore I’d never risk Lindsay getting hurt by someone again. She didn’t remember too much about her mom, but she would if I were to get involved with someone now. I couldn’t risk it.
We headed to the SUV and headed towards the lake. Much of the way was driving up the curvy road. Once I parked, then we would be climbing a bit further. I had fishing poles if people wanted them in the back but most just wanted to enjoy the peace. I was all too aware of Brianne beside me, smelling faintly of citrus as she clutched her coffee. Everyone else was chatting in the back but Brianne and I were quiet.
I only answered any questions that they might have.
She stared forward as we drove. It was a steep climb at parts but offered great views on either side. I pushed my hair back as I pressed the gas to get over a bump, smiling slightly as she jumped.
“I see why they provide us with a guide.” Brianne murmured as I chuckled.
“I know every inch of this place, every bump. I know that the weather can change in an instant and what to do if that happens. My guests are my priority,” I assured her as she gazed at me. “I know what I’m doing.”
“I’d imagine so,” Brianne said softly as I frowned.
What did that mean? I couldn’t react because we were approaching the small lot to park. We would have to climb the rest of the way. I maneuvered the SUV into a spot and turned the key before looking in the mirror.
“Does anyone want me to bring fishing gear?” I called out as I saw people exchanging glances.
They all shook their heads or told me no, which I liked. I felt like these lakes and creeks were mine to protect in some way. It wasn’t that I’d never fished.
My dad took me when I was young before he died. I just didn’t love it and I despised hunting.
“Okay. We have a slight hike ahead of us and then we can settle down and eat breakfast. I think you’ll like the lake a lot.” I said with pride in my voice.
We all got out and people adjusted their packs. I reached for the food in a thick bag and held it in one hand, setting it on my seat as I made sure that I had everything that I needed.
Brianne fo
llowed me straight away and I climbed the makeshift rock trail, telling her to be careful. It was about a half an hour before we reached the lake and her mouth dropped open as she stood on a flat rock, allowing others to pass her. The lake was a bright blue that wasn’t common in any body of water.
“It’s so pretty,” Jessica said as she stood beside me, her eyes taking everything in. “I’ve never seen something so blue. It’s better than the ocean.”
“I agree,” I said as Brianne stared at me.
I carried the bag to a higher rock and glanced around, seeing plenty of spaces for everyone to eat. I unpacked it and told everyone to help themselves. I had a thermos full of coffee.
I had a little of everything and plenty to go around. I watched as people filled their paper plates with eggs and meat. Brianne went last and selected eggs, fruit, and some bacon before she reached for a fresh cup of coffee from the holder on the right. She glanced around and walked over to a flat rock that offered a stable seat.
Jacob and Jessica were on some grass a few feet away, talking as they ate.
I helped myself to what was left and approached her as she chewed on a grape. “May I?” Brianne glanced up at me and nodded slowly. I took a seat and looked over the smooth surface of the water. “Like it?”
“This is amazing. I have always loved the mountains of Montana, but this water is breathtaking. I don’t want to go home.” Her voice was soft as she stared forward, and I nodded.
This trip was due to end in two mornings and I licked my lips slowly.
“Do you have to?” I asked as I felt her eyes on me.
“What are you asking me?” Brianne whispered and I glanced at her.
“We’ll talk later,” I told her as her eyes widened.
I had no idea where the fuck I was going with this and took a big bite of the eggs. I had the afternoon to sort it out and watched as everyone finished, cleaning up before they started to walk around.
