3. Skylar
CHAPTER 3
SKYLAR
I 've been at Fire Mountain Expeditions for nearly a month now, and I'm finally starting to feel like I belong. The team has welcomed me with open arms, teaching me about gear, trails, and all things outdoors. Even Grayson seems to be warming up to me, in his own gruff way.
But today, everything changes.
I'm organizing client files when Grayson bursts out of his office, his face set in grim lines. "Hayes, my office. Now."
Confused and a little worried, I follow him inside. He's pacing behind his desk, running a hand through his dark hair.
"We've got a situation," he says without preamble. "The Donovan group wants to do a survival tour of Fire Mountain. It's a make-or-break deal for the company."
I nod, remembering the important client from my first day. "Okay, so what's the problem?"
Grayson fixes me with an intense stare. "They want it to be an exclusive tour. The rest of the team are experienced climbers and will be able to help Donavan and his group while walking. But I need someone to handle logistics, coordinate with base camp, that sort of thing."
My heart starts to race as I realize where this is going. "You want me to go on the tour?"
He nods curtly. "This is your job. It's going to be tough, Hayes. This isn't a nature walk."
I swallow hard, excitement and terror warring in my chest. "I... I can do it, Mr. Wells. I won't let you down."
His expression softens slightly. "I know you won't. But Skylar," he says, using my first name for the first time, "this is serious. The mountain is unforgiving. Are you sure you're up for this?"
I meet his gaze, my chin lifted defiantly. "I am. I'll do whatever it takes to make this work."
A ghost of a smile flickers across his face. "Alright then. We leave in three days. I suggest you start preparing."
As I leave his office, my mind is reeling. I've never even been on a real hike, let alone a survival expedition. But I refuse to let my inexperience hold me back. I'm going to prove to Grayson—and to myself—that I belong here.
I spend the next three days in a whirlwind of preparation. Jake and the other guides give me crash courses in basic survival skills. I pore over maps and trail guides, memorizing routes and landmarks. I even convince Howard to take me on a practice hike, much to his grumbling amusement.
The morning of the expedition dawns clear and crisp. I'm a bundle of nerves as I double-check my pack, going over my mental checklist for the hundredth time.
"Ready for this, sunshine?" Jake asks.
I nod, trying to project more confidence than I feel. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Jake gives me an encouraging smile. "You've got this, Skylar. Just remember what we taught you, and stick close to Grayson. He knows that mountain better than anyone."
I take a deep breath, shouldering my pack. "Thanks, Jake. For everything."
As I make my way to the group gathering near the trailhead, I catch sight of Grayson talking with a well-dressed man I assume is Mr. Donovan. Grayson's eyes find mine, and he gives me a slight nod.
"Ah, and this must be your assistant," Mr. Donovan says as I approach. "I hope you're prepared for a real adventure, my dear."
I smile politely. "Absolutely, sir. I'm looking forward to it."
Grayson clears his throat. "Alright, everyone. Final gear check, then we head out. It's a long climb to our first campsite."
As the group bustles around, doing last-minute preparations, Grayson pulls me aside.
"Remember, Hayes," he says in a low voice, "your job is to keep things running smoothly. Handle the paperwork, coordinate with base camp, and leave the guidance to me. Got it?"
I nod, determined. "Got it, Mr. Wells. You can count on me."
He studies me for a moment, his gray eyes unreadable. "I know I can," he says finally, his voice softer than I've ever heard it. Then, as if catching himself, he straightens up and addresses the group. "Let's move out!"
As we set off up the trail, the looming peaks of Fire Mountain ahead of us, I feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. This is it—my chance to prove myself, to show Grayson and everyone else that I'm more than just a sunny smile with organizational skills.
Little do I know that this expedition will test me in ways I never imagined, pushing me to my limits and changing my life forever. But as I fall into step behind Grayson, watching his confident stride and broad shoulders, I can't help but feel that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.
The trail winds upward, becoming steeper and more challenging with each passing hour. I'm grateful for all the preparation I've done, but nothing could have truly prepared me for the reality of this grueling climb. My legs burn, my lungs ache, and I'm pretty sure I've developed blisters in places I didn't even know could blister.
But I refuse to complain. Every time I feel like I can't take another step, I catch sight of Grayson glancing back at me, his expression a mix of concern and something else I can't quite read. It spurs me on, determined to show him I can handle this.
As the sun begins to dip behind the peaks, Grayson calls for us to make camp in a small clearing. I breathe a sigh of relief, my legs trembling as I lower my pack to the ground.
"Not bad for your first day on the mountain, Hayes," Grayson says, his voice gruff but not unkind. "Get some water and help set up the tents."
I nod, too exhausted to speak, and fumble for my water bottle. As I take a long drink, I survey our group. Mr. Donovan and his team look nearly as worn out as I feel, but there's an excitement in their eyes as they take in the breathtaking views surrounding us.
Grayson, on the other hand, looks completely at ease. He moves around the campsite with fluid grace, his body clearly accustomed to the rigors of the mountain. I find myself watching him, admiring the way he seems so at home in this rugged wilderness.
"Like what you see, sunshine?" Jake's teasing voice startles me out of my reverie. I feel my cheeks flush as I realize I've been staring at Grayson.
"I was just... observing," I mumble, busying myself with unpacking a tent. "Learning from the expert, you know?"
Jake chuckles. "Sure, sure. Just remember, our fearless leader isn't as tough as he likes to pretend. I've seen the way he looks at you when you're not watching."
Before I can process that startling piece of information, Grayson's voice rings out across the camp. "Hayes! I need you to check in with base camp. Let them know our position and status."
Grateful for the distraction, I hurry to grab the satellite phone and make the call. As I relay our coordinates and confirm that everyone is safe and accounted for, I can feel Grayson's eyes on me. When I finish the call and look up, he gives me an approving nod.
"Good work," he says. "Now get some food and rest. Tomorrow's going to be even tougher."
As the group gathers around the small campfire for a meal of trail rations, I find myself seated between Jake and Grayson. The conversation flows easily, with Mr. Donovan regaling us with stories of his business exploits. But I'm acutely aware of Grayson's presence beside me, the heat of his body a stark contrast to the cooling mountain air.
When a particularly cold gust of wind makes me shiver, Grayson wordlessly drapes his jacket over my shoulders. The gesture is so unexpected, so uncharacteristically gentle, that I find myself staring at him in surprise.
"Can't have my assistant freezing to death on the first night," he says gruffly, but there's a softness in his eyes that makes my heart skip a beat.
As the fire dies down and we retire to our tents, I find myself lying awake, my mind racing. The day's exertion should have knocked me out, but I'm too keyed up—a mix of lingering adrenaline, aching muscles, and confusing thoughts about Grayson.
I toss and turn, replaying the moment he draped his jacket over my shoulders. Such a simple gesture, and yet it felt monumental coming from him. I remember the warmth of his body next to mine, the subtle scent of pine and something uniquely him clinging to the fabric.
A rustling outside my tent snaps me out of my thoughts. I hold my breath, listening intently. There it is again—the sound of footsteps crunching on gravel.
Curiosity gets the better of me. I unzip the tent as quietly as I can and poke my head out. In the pale moonlight, I see a familiar silhouette moving away from the camp.
Grayson.
Without thinking, I slip out of my tent and follow him. The night air is crisp, biting at my exposed skin, but I barely notice as I carefully pick my way through the campsite.
He leads me to a small outcropping of rocks just beyond our clearing. As I approach, I see him sitting on a boulder, his head tilted back as he gazes at the star-filled sky.
"Couldn't sleep either, Hayes?" His voice, low and gravelly, startles me.
I freeze, caught. "I... how did you know I was here?"
He turns to look at me, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You may be good at organizing files, but stealth isn't your strong suit."
I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude. I just saw you leave and..."
"And you were curious," he finishes for me. He pats the space beside him on the boulder. "Well, since you're here, you might as well join me."
Hesitantly, I make my way over and perch next to him. For a long moment, we sit in silence, both of us looking up at the vast expanse of stars above.
"It's beautiful," I breathe, awed by the sight.
Grayson nods. "This is why I do what I do," he says softly. "To protect this. To share it with others who understand its value."
I turn to look at him, struck by the passion in his voice. In the moonlight his usual stern expression has softened, revealing a vulnerability I've never seen before.
"Is that why you agreed to this trip?" I ask. "To share it with Mr. Donovan?"
He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Partly. But mostly... it's about securing funding to keep Fire Mountain Expeditions running. To keep this mountain safe from those who'd exploit it."
The wind whips around us, but I don’t shiver in response, I’m so drawn to Grayson that I can’t help but step closer to him. I lean in closer, drawn to the intensity in Grayson's voice. "What do you mean, exploit it?"
He turns to look at me, his eyes dark and serious in the moonlight. "There are people who see Fire Mountain as nothing more than a resource to be used up. They want to build resorts, install ski lifts, turn it into just another tourist trap."
His jaw clenches as he continues, "But they don't understand. This mountain is alive. It's wild and dangerous and beautiful. It needs to stay that way."
I'm struck by the passion in his words, seeing a side of Grayson I've never glimpsed before. "Is that why you started Fire Mountain Expeditions? To protect the mountain?"
He nods slowly. "That, and to give people a chance to experience its true nature. Not some sanitized version, but the real thing - with all its challenges and rewards."
We lapse into silence for a moment, the enormity of the wilderness around us sinking in. I shiver slightly in the cool night air.
Without a word, Grayson shifts closer, his arm brushing against mine. The warmth of his body seeps into me, and I find myself leaning into him almost unconsciously.
"You should get some rest," he says softly, but makes no move to pull away. "Tomorrow will be challenging."
I nod, but don't move. "Just a few more minutes," I whisper, not wanting to break the spell of this moment.
As we sit there under the vast canopy of stars, I feel something shift between us. The gruff, closed-off man I've known for the past month is revealing hidden depths, and I find myself wanting to dive in and explore them all.
Finally, with obvious reluctance, Grayson stands. He offers me his hand, pulling me to my feet. "Come on, Skylar. Back to camp."
The use of my first name sends a little thrill through me. As we make our way back to the tents, his hand on the small of my back to guide me in the darkness, I realize that this expedition might change more than just my outdoor skills.
It might just change everything.