2. Beau
2
BEAU
" Y ou like her, don't you?"
My mom's words snap me back to the present, and I force myself to stop staring at Jade's curves as she leaves the lobby carrying more luggage than she knows what to do with. It kills me that I didn't offer to help her, but it was clear she wanted to show me how independent she is. I don't have any plans to get on her bad side.
I sigh, unable to get her out of my mind. "She's going to be trouble, I can tell already."
Mom raises an eyebrow at me. "Beau Morgan, you will never find a girl to put up with you if you judge them that quickly."
"I know, I know." I hold up my hands in surrender. "I'm just saying she doesn’t seem like the type of girl who takes well to being told what to do."
"Reminds me of someone else I know," Mom says pointedly.
I ignore the jab and change the subject. "About that storm tomorrow - I heard the warning over the radio this morning. It's going to be a big one."
Mom's expression turns serious. "How bad are we talking?"
"Bad enough that anyone caught in it will be in real danger, especially if they don't know the area. You know how fast and hard storms can strike up in the mountains."
Mom nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. As a mountain rescuer, I've seen firsthand how quickly things can turn deadly when people underestimate the power of nature, and Mom is forever worried about me when I'm on duty. Working at the resort since I was a child, she's also seen her fair share of calamities.
"I'll remind Jade to stay inside if I see her again,” Mom assures me. “Lord knows she won’t be the first to ignore your warning.”
I run a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. It's my job to keep people safe out here, but sometimes, it feels like an impossible task when they refuse to listen to reason.
"Thanks, Mom. I appreciate it." I lean over the counter and give her a quick peck on the cheek. "I better get going - I've got a lot of prep work to do before the storm hits."
As I head out of the lobby, my thoughts drift back to Jade and her stubborn determination. I just hope she has the sense to stay put tomorrow for her own sake. The last thing I need is another reckless tourist putting themselves in danger on my watch, especially when they’re as good-looking as her.
As I climb into my truck and start the engine, I find myself wondering what it is about her that has me so intrigued. Maybe it's the fact that she's clearly not from around here. Or perhaps it's the way she snapped at me earlier, her brown eyes flashing with annoyance when I dared to offer her a word of caution.
I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts as I pull out of the parking lot. I've never been one to get hung up on a woman, especially not one I just met. But there's something different about Jade, something that makes me want to know more about her.
As I drive down the winding mountain road, I can't help but imagine what it would be like to spend more time with her. Would she let her guard down around me, revealing the softer side that I suspect lies beneath her tough exterior? Or would she continue to push me away, determined to prove that she doesn't need anyone's help or advice?
I sigh, knowing that I'm getting ahead of myself. For all I know, Jade could be gone in a few days, back to her life in the city, leaving me with nothing but a memory of her captivating figure and fiery personality.
But even as I try to push the thoughts aside, I can't help but feel a flicker of hope that she might be the girl I've been waiting for all these years. After all, stranger things have happened in these mountains.