Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 102(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 102(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
“I don’t need a babysitter,” I finally say, my voice quieter now.
“No,” he says, his eyes holding mine. “But you need someone watching your back.”
The words hit harder than I expect, and I look away, unable to hold his gaze any longer.
“Come on,” he says after a moment, his tone softer now. “Let’s get you back.”
I follow him without argument, the weight of his presence both comforting and overwhelming.
Later that evening, I find myself at The Devil’s Brew, nursing a whiskey I don’t particularly like. The place is loud and crowded, filled with the usual mix of ranchers and loggers, and yet all I can think about is Flint.
He’s sitting at a table in the corner, surrounded by his brothers and friends. They’re laughing and talking, but Flint looks distracted, his eyes flicking to me every so often.
Zane leans over, saying something that makes Flint scowl, and I can’t help but smile. Whatever Zane said, it clearly hit a nerve.
“Pretty city girl,” I hear someone say, and I turn to see one of Flint’s friends grinning in my direction.
Flint glares at him, but the man just laughs, raising his glass in a mock toast.
“Don’t mind him,” a voice says behind me, and I turn to see Hudson, one of Flint’s quieter friends from the firehouse, smiling at me as he leans against the bar. “He’s just jealous he doesn’t have anyone to argue with.”
I laugh despite myself, and Hudson’s smile widens. “Flint’s... not the easiest guy to get along with,” he admits, glancing at his friend. “But he means well. Even if he doesn’t always show it.”
“Yeah, well,” I say, lifting my glass. “He’s definitely got the brooding mountain man act down.”
Hudson chuckles, clinking his glass against mine. “Welcome to Devil’s Peak, Juniper.”
“Thanks,” I say, my gaze drifting back to Flint. He’s still watching me, his expression unreadable, and I can’t help but wonder what’s going on behind those intense eyes.
Whatever it is, I’m pretty sure it’s going to complicate my life in ways I’m not ready for.
Chapter Four
Flint
“I’m not helpless, you know.” Juniper’s voice carries from behind me, that sharp, defiant edge slicing through the crisp mountain air. She’s got a tone like she’s daring me to argue, which is just about the only thing she’s been consistent about since we met two days ago.
I glance over my shoulder, boots crunching on the rocky path. She’s lugging her camera gear, her backpack slung awkwardly over one shoulder, and her hair catching the sunlight in a way that irritates me more than it should.
“Could’ve fooled me,” I mutter, just loud enough for her to hear.
Her gasp of outrage pulls a smirk from me, one I quickly smother. Can’t let her think I enjoy riling her up—she’d use it against me in a heartbeat.
“You are insufferable,” she snaps, picking up her pace to match mine. “I’ve trekked through rainforests and climbed volcanoes for my films. I can handle a little forest.”
“This isn’t just ‘a little forest,’ princess,” I reply, not bothering to hide my sarcasm. “This is Devil’s Peak. The Rockies. Steep trails, unpredictable weather, and wildlife that sees you as dinner.”
Her eyes narrow, and she plants herself in front of me, forcing me to stop. She tilts her chin up, which is almost endearing considering I’ve got at least a foot of height on her. Almost.
“Don’t call me princess,” she says, her voice low and sharp.
“Whatever you say, princess.” I let the word roll off my tongue, watching as her cheeks flush. It’s a mix of anger and something else—something that tightens in my chest and makes me want to see how far I can push her.
She huffs, turning back toward the trail, and I follow, my longer strides easily keeping up. Her determination is written in every step she takes, and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t... impressive.
“Why do you care so much, anyway?” she tosses over her shoulder. “If I want to stumble around and get eaten by a bear, that’s my business.”
I snort. “Because it’ll be my ass the sheriff comes for when Barron finds out I let his cousin get mauled on my watch.”
Juniper whirls around, stopping me dead in my tracks. Her eyes flash, and she’s close enough now that I catch the faint scent of whatever floral shampoo she uses.
“You’re doing this for Barron?” she arches an eyebrow.
“No,” I say evenly, holding her gaze. “I’m doing this because I don’t like burying people. Especially people who clearly don’t know what the hell they’re doing out here.”
Her mouth opens and closes, and for once, she doesn’t have a snarky comeback. I take the win and step around her, continuing up the trail.
“Keep up, city girl,” I call over my shoulder.
“You’re impossible,” she mutters, but she follows, her footsteps quickening to match mine.
By the time we reach the clearing, the tension between us feels as heavy as the gear she insists on carrying. I’ve offered to take it twice, but she refused both times, her stubborn pride getting in the way of common sense. I admire her determination, I’ll give her that.