6. Skylar
CHAPTER 6
SKYLAR
A s the morning light brightens, I lie in Grayson's arms, tracing lazy patterns on his chest. The storm has passed, thankfully, and I’ve been able to get a little sleep. Grayson and I slept in each other’s arms and although I only managed a little sleep, it was without a doubt the best one I’d ever had. I felt fully refreshed waking up this morning.
"What happens now?" I ask softly, voicing the question that's been lingering in the back of my mind all night.
Grayson's arms tighten around me. "I don't know," he admits. "This... us... it complicates things."
I prop myself up on one elbow, looking down at him. "Do you regret it?"
His hand comes up to cup my cheek, his thumb tracing my lower lip. "Not for a second," he says, his voice husky. "But Skylar, there's so much you don't know about me, about my past. And this expedition there's more at stake than you realize."
I frown, sensing the weight behind his words. "What do you mean?"
Grayson sighs, sitting up and running a hand through his tousled hair. "The Donovan deal it's not just about funding for Fire Mountain Expeditions. If it goes through, they want to develop parts of the mountain. Ski resorts, luxury cabins, the works."
My eyes widen in shock. "But that would destroy everything you've worked for! The wilderness, the protected lands..."
He nods grimly. "Exactly. I've been trying to find a way to keep the company afloat without selling out, but it's been tough. This expedition was supposed to be my last shot at convincing Donovan to invest without the development plans."
I sit up fully, clutching the sleeping bag to my chest. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"
"I didn't want to burden you with it," he says softly. "And honestly, I was afraid you might try to talk me out of it. But now..."
"Now what?" I ask, my heart racing.
Grayson reaches out, taking my hand in his. "Now, I realize I can't do this alone anymore. Skylar, you've shown me there's more to life than just surviving. You make me want to fight for something better."
I squeeze his hand, feeling a surge of determination. "Then let's fight. Together. There has to be another way to save the company and protect the mountain."
A slow smile spreads across Grayson's face, lighting up his eyes in a way I've never seen before. "You really are something else, you know that?"
I grin back at him. "So I've been told. Now come on, Mountain Man. We've got a wilderness to save and a future to plan."
As we emerge from the tent into the crisp morning air, I can feel the shift between us. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together. And somehow, I know that with Grayson by my side, we can conquer any mountain—literal or metaphorical—that stands in our way.
The rest of the group is already stirring, assessing the damage from last night's storm. Mr. Donovan approaches us, his brow furrowed with concern.
"Wells, we need to talk," he says, his tone grave. "After last night, I'm having serious doubts about this whole venture."
Grayson nods, his jaw set in determination. "I understand, Mr. Donovan. And there's something I need to discuss with you as well. Perhaps we could speak privately?"
As Grayson leads Donovan away for their discussion, I busy myself helping the others clean up the campsite. But my mind is racing, wondering what Grayson will say, how he'll handle this crucial moment.
An hour later, Grayson returns. The look on his face is unreadable as he gathers the group together.
"Listen up, everyone," Grayson says, his voice carrying across the clearing. "There's been a change of plans. Mr. Donovan and I have come to an agreement."
My heart races as I wait for him to continue, unsure of what this means for the future of Fire Mountain.
Grayson's eyes find mine as he speaks. "We will be ending the expedition early and returning to base camp today. However, this is not the end of our journey together."
He takes a deep breath before continuing. "Mr. Donovan has agreed to invest in Fire Mountain Expeditions, but with a new vision. Instead of developing the mountain for commercial tourism, we'll be expanding our conservation efforts and educational programs."
A murmur of surprise and excitement ripples through the group. I can hardly believe what I'm hearing.
"Our goal," Grayson continues, "will be to share the beauty and importance of this wilderness with others, while ensuring its protection for generations to come. We'll be offering more guided expeditions, wilderness survival courses, and partnering with local schools for outdoor education programs."
Mr. Donovan steps forward, nodding in agreement. "After experiencing the raw power of this mountain firsthand last night, I realized that some things are more valuable left untouched. I believe this new direction will not only be profitable but also beneficial for the community and the environment."
As the group breaks into excited chatter, discussing the possibilities of this new plan, Grayson makes his way over to me. His eyes are bright with a mixture of relief and hope.
"What do you think?" he asks softly, taking my hand in his.
I beam up at him, feeling a swell of pride and admiration. "I think it's brilliant. You found a way to save the mountain and the company. I'm so proud of you, Grayson."
He pulls me close, not caring who might see. "I couldn't have done it without you, Skylar. You gave me the courage to fight for what really matters."
As we begin to pack up camp for our descent, there's a new energy in the air. The team works together with renewed purpose, excited about the future that lies ahead.
Jake sidles up to me as I'm rolling up my tent. "So," he says with a knowing grin, "I take it you and the boss man worked things out?"
I feel a blush creep up my cheeks but can't suppress my smile. "You could say that."
Jake chuckles, shaking his head. "About time. You two have been dancing around each other since day one. Just remember, I called it first."
As we make our way down the mountain, I find myself falling into step beside Grayson. Despite the physical strain of the descent, especially with my still-tender ankle, I feel lighter than I have in years.
"What happens when we get back to Ashwood?" I ask, voicing the question that's been nagging at the back of my mind.
Grayson glances over at me, his eyes softening as he takes in my concerned expression. He reaches out to take my hand, intertwining our fingers as we continue down the trail.
"When we get back to Ashwood," he says slowly, "things will be different. Good different, I hope."
I squeeze his hand encouragingly. "Different how?"
He's quiet for a moment, carefully picking his way over a rocky section of the path before responding. "For starters, I think it's time I stepped back from the day-to-day operations of Fire Mountain Expeditions."
My eyes widen in surprise. "What? But Grayson, the company is your life's work!"
He nods, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "It has been. But I've realized something important on this trip. There's more to life than just the company. More that I want to experience."
His gaze meets mine, filled with warmth and promise. My heart skips a beat as I begin to understand what he's saying.
"I was thinking," Grayson continues, his voice low and intimate despite our companions nearby, "that maybe it's time I focused more on the guiding aspect of our work. Leading smaller, more specialized expeditions. Teaching others to respect and protect the wilderness."
"That sounds perfect for you," I say softly, imagining Grayson in his element, sharing his passion for the mountain with others.
He nods, looking thoughtful. "And I was hoping... well, I was wondering if you might want to be a part of that. Not just as my assistant, but as a true partner. In business and... in life."
I stop in my tracks, my breath catching in my throat. "Grayson, are you saying what I think you're saying?"
He turns to face me fully, his eyes shining with emotion. "Skylar, I know this is fast. And I know we have a lot to figure out. But being with you these past few days has shown me what I've been missing all these years. You challenge me, you inspire me, you make me want to be better. I don't want to waste any more time pretending I'm not falling in love with you."
Tears prick at my eyes as I listen to his heartfelt words. "Oh, Grayson," I whisper, reaching up to cup his cheek. "I'm falling in love with you too."
He leans down, capturing my lips in a tender kiss that speaks volumes about his feelings. When we part, both slightly breathless, I can't help but grin.
"So," I say teasingly, "what's our first order of business when we get back to civilization?"
Grayson chuckles, wrapping an arm around my waist as we resume our descent. "Well, I think a proper date might be in order. One that doesn't involve near-death experiences or sleeping bags."
I laugh, leaning into his hard body. I never thought I could be this happy, but I’m deliriously so.