12. Beau
12
BEAU
I stride through the Heartwood Lakefront Resort lobby, nodding at the guests enjoying their morning coffee by the crackling fireplace and giving a quick wave to my mom, who smiles at me like she knows what or who I'm here for. Yesterday’s storm was intense, but the mountain rescue team handled it well, as they always do. I checked in with the crew earlier - a few people got trapped on the trails, and one hiker needed hospital attention, but thankfully, there were no casualties.
As I make my way toward the lake, I shake my head, still marveling at the unexpected turn of events. I'm not usually the type of guy to let desire overrule reason, but there's something about Jade that draws me in like a moth to a flame. Her determination, her spirit - it's intoxicating.
When I dropped in at the rescue HQ, I told Liam I needed him to cover for me today. He raised an eyebrow when I admitted it was because of a girl, but then he grinned and clapped me on the shoulder.
"Go for it, man," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's about damn time you let yourself have a little fun."
I chuckled, appreciating his support even as nerves fluttered in my stomach. I'm taking a risk, opening myself up to the possibility of something more with Jade. But after yesterday, after the incredible night we spent with each other, I know I can't let her walk away without seeing where this could lead. I'm no virgin, but sex with her was like nothing I've ever experienced before.
I take a deep breath as I reach Jade's cabin door, my heart pounding. I raise my hand and knock, trying to project an air of calm confidence even as nerves threaten to destroy me.
The door swings open, and there she is - Jade, looking absolutely stunning in a fitted hiking outfit that hugs her curves in all the right places. Her chestnut hair is pulled back in a ponytail, a few stray wisps framing her face. She quirks an eyebrow at me, her full lips curving into a smirk.
"Well, well, well," she drawls, leaning against the doorframe. "If it isn't my knight in shining armor. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
I can't help but grin at her sarcasm. "I was thinking, since the storm has passed and it's a beautiful day, maybe you'd like to join me for another hike?" I pause, then add with a wink, "I promise you won't get pelted by hailstones this time. And if anything does happen, I can protect you."
Jade rolls her eyes, but I can see the hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Oh, you think so, do you? And what makes you think I need protecting?"
I chuckle, holding up my hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I'm just offering my services as a seasoned mountain guide. Besides, I know a spot that would be perfect for your novel research. Stunning views, rugged terrain—it's got it all."
Jade tilts her head, pretending to consider my offer. Finally, she sighs and steps back from the door, gesturing for me to enter.
"Fine," she says, grabbing her backpack from beside the door. "But I'm warning you, Beau Morgan - if you try any funny business out there, I'll push you off the nearest cliff myself."
I laugh, holding up my hands in a scout's honor gesture. "I swear, my intentions are purely professional. It's all for the good of your novel."
Jade narrows her eyes at me, but I can see the glint of amusement in their depths. "Alright then, Mr. Mountain Man. Lead the way."
As we step out of the resort lobby, I catch my mum's eye and she gives me a knowing smile. I roll my eyes good-naturedly but can't help the grin that spreads across my face. Jade follows my gaze and chuckles.
"Looks like someone's got a fan club," she teases, bumping her shoulder against mine.
I shake my head, laughing. "That's my mom. She's always been my biggest cheerleader."
We climb into my truck, and I drive a short distance to the trailhead. As we set off, Jade falls into step beside me. "So, where exactly are you taking me?" she asks, raising an eyebrow. "You're not planning on murdering me and hiding my body out here, are you?"
I clutch my chest in mock offense. "I'm wounded, Jade. Here, I thought we had something special."
She snorts, but I catch the hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Oh, we have something alright. I'm just not sure what to call it yet."
We continue bantering back and forth as we climb higher and higher, the trail growing steeper with each passing minute. Jade's breathing grows labored, but she pushes on determinedly, refusing to slow down.
"You know," I say, glancing over at her flushed face, "it's okay to take a break if you need one. The mountain's not going anywhere."
Jade shoots me a defiant look. "I'm fine," she insists, even as she stumbles slightly over a rock in the path.
I reach out to steady her, my hand lingering on her arm perhaps a moment longer than necessary. "Stubborn woman," I mutter, shaking my head.
Finally, after what feels like hours of climbing, we reach the summit. Jade is panting heavily, her face glistening with sweat, but there's a fierce light of accomplishment in her eyes.
I take her hand and gently tug her forward. "Come here," I murmur. "I want to show you something."
We step out onto a rocky outcropping, and Jade gasps, her free hand flying to her mouth. The view is breathtaking - a sea of jagged peaks stretching out as far as the eye can see, their snow-capped summits glinting in the sunlight. Far below, Heartwood Lake glimmers like a sapphire nestled amidst the evergreens.
"Beau," Jade breathes, her eyes wide with wonder. "This is incredible."
I squeeze her hand, feeling a swell of pride in my chest. "I thought you might like it," I say softly. "It's one of my favorite spots in the whole world."
"I can see why," she breathes, the wind whipping her chestnut hair around her face as she turns to face me. The awe in her eyes sends a thrill through me, and I can't help but feel a swell of pride that I was the one to bring her here, to share this special place with her.
I reach out and tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering on the soft skin of her cheek. "I'm glad you like it," I murmur, my voice low and rough with emotion. "I wanted to share it with you."
Jade's eyes meet mine, and the intensity in their depths takes my breath away. Before I can second-guess myself, I lean in and capture her lips with mine, pouring all of the pent-up desire and longing I've been feeling into the kiss.
She responds instantly, her arms winding around my neck as she presses her body against mine. The feel of her soft curves molding to my hard planes is intoxicating, and I deepen the kiss, my tongue tangling with hers in a dance of passion.
When we finally break apart, both of us breathing heavily, I keep my arms wrapped around her, holding her close. I know in that moment that I can't let her go, can't let her leave without telling her how I feel.
"Jade," I say softly, my heart pounding in my chest. "I know this might sound crazy, but... I don't want you to leave. I want you to stay here with me."
She looks up at me, her eyes wide with surprise. "Beau, I..."
I take her hand in mine, my thumb rubbing circles on her palm. "I know we haven't known each other long, but there's something about you, Jade. Something that pulls me to you like a magnet. I don't want to lose this chance. We have to see where this could go."
Jade bites her lip, her brow furrowing. "Beau, I... I'm not sure I'm cut out for this kind of lifestyle," she admits, her voice trembling slightly. "Walking up this mountain nearly killed me, and that storm terrified me more than I expected. My life is in the city; it's what I know."
I feel my heart sink at Jade's words, the admission that she doesn't think she's cut out for life on the mountain hitting me like a physical blow. But even as disappointment floods through me, I refuse to give up. I've never been one to back down from a challenge, and this woman in front of me is worth fighting for.
"Jade," I say softly, taking her hand in mine. "I know this life is different from what you're used to. But I promise I'll be there every step of the way. I'll protect you, keep you safe."
She looks up at me, her brown eyes searching mine. "But Beau, my work, my publisher... I can't just abandon everything."
I nod, understanding her hesitation. "I know. And I'm not asking you to. When you need to go back to the city to meet with your publisher, I'll go with you. I'll be by your side no matter where you are."
Jade bites her lip, considering my words. I press on, determined to make her see that we have a chance, that this thing between us is worth exploring.
"And while you're here, I can help you explore the mountain safely. We can take it slow, go at your own pace. I just... I don't want to lose this, Jade. I don't want to lose you."
I watch nervously as Jade thinks it over, my heart racing at a million miles an hour. Finally, a slow smile spreads across her face, and I feel a surge of hope.
"Okay," she says softly, squeezing my hand. "I feel it too, Beau. This connection between us. It would be silly not to at least see where it could go."
Relief and joy flood through me, and I pull her into my arms, holding her close. "Thank you," I murmur, burying my face in her hair. "Thank you for giving us a chance."
Jade tilts her face up to mine, her eyes shining with emotion. Slowly, I lower my head, capturing her lips in a kiss that sends sparks racing through my veins. She melts into me, her body molding to mine as she kisses me back with equal passion.
In that moment, with Jade in my arms and the stunning vista of the Colorado Rockies surrounding us, I know that I've found something truly special. And I'll do whatever it takes to hold on to it.