Chapter Five
Maddox
Of all the groups I’ve taught in the past, this one takes the cake for being the clumsiest. I’m surprised no one has fallen into the lake yet. I can’t help but suppress a laugh as I watch them stumble and fumble their way to the fishing spot. From tripping over fishing rods to nearly dropping a bucket of bait, their lack of coordination skills is uncanny. Still, despite all their clumsiness, the group’s spirit is high. They talk and laugh as if they’ve known each other for ages, and they don’t have a problem with Aspen being here either.
She looks super cute in her thermal leggings and oversized sweater. Not that I’m checking her out or developing any feelings for her. Just stating the facts here. I know better than to fall for someone based only on their looks. That’s only part of the attraction. A great personality is worth more than a pretty face.
Harold stops beside me with one of the coolers and puts it down on the grass. “Got your sights set on a different kind of catch?” he says with a wink.
“What are you talking about? I’m just looking at the surroundings. You know, the mountains in the distance and the lake. Don’t they look breathtaking together?” I deflect, trying to play it cool.
He chuckles knowingly. “It might be hard to imagine, but I too was once young. I saw you stealing glances at Aspen, not the lake. I can tell you like her.”
“Oh yeah? Is that why you’re carrying Ethel’s stuff for her?” I retort with a laugh.
He grins. “Let’s both agree to focus on reeling in some fish today, not the ladies.”
“Please.”
I walk up to the water’s edge and clap my hands together to get the group’s attention. “Alright, everyone. All the gear is here, so we’re ready to go. Let’s start with the basics.”
I motion to the assortment of fishing rods and tackle laid out in front of us. “First things first, let’s talk about bait. Different fish are attracted to different bait, so it’s important to choose wisely.”
“Do we have to write this down?” Ethel asks with a concerned look on her face.
I shake my head. “No, you don’t. If you forget anything, just ask me. The best way to learn something is to practice.”
I pick up a container of worms and hold it up. “Worms are a great option for beginners. They’re easy to use and they attract a wide variety of fish.”
Next, I demonstrate how to properly bait a hook, guiding each person through the process until they feel confident enough to do it on their own. “Remember, you want to thread the worm onto the hook so that it stays on securely but still looks natural to the fish.”
I look around the group. “Are there any questions so far?”
“Yes, I have another question,” Ethel says. “Where’s the toilet? I shouldn’t have drank that second cup of coffee this morning.”
I point to the patch of trees in the distance. “Out there behind one of those trees would be a great option if you have to go.”
She frowns. “You want us to do our business out there? In the open? My knees are old, Maddox. I don’t think I can keep them bent that easily.”
I run a hand through my beard, realizing I forgot to bring a portable toilet. “I’m sorry, I didn’t bring a portable toilet with us,” I admit sheepishly. “Why don’t we fashion a makeshift bathroom? I’ll find a secluded spot between some trees and use branches and leaves to create a privacy screen. I’m sure there are some sturdy logs lying around that I can stick between the trees so you have something to hold onto so your knees don’t give out.”
“Are you sure that will work?”
I shrug. “It’s worth a try.”
“And how long will that take? Because that coffee is coming down with a vengeance.”
“I’ll help,” Aspen says, taking a step forward.
“Me too,” Harold says, no doubt eager for a chance to impress Ethel. “We’ll have it done and ready for you in no time.”
“Perfect. Thanks, guys,” I say.
“Are you kidding me? This is great!” Harold grins. “Looks like we’re getting a crash course in wilderness survival along with a fishing lesson.”
I smile, loving Harold’s lightheartedness about the situation. “That’s right. A bonus adventure in the great outdoors. And I’m not even charging extra.”
The three of us get to work, and fifteen minutes later, Ethel is able to use the makeshift toilet. When she returns, Gertrude gives us an apologetic smile.
“Just thinking about a bathroom makes my bladder want to burst,” she claims. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Does anyone else feel the call of nature?” I ask.
Harold and Stanley nod. “Sorry. But we only need a tree. We won’t be long, right, Harold?” Stanley says.
Aspen chuckles as the men disappear into the woods as well.
“I’m okay,” she says. “I’ll be over here practicing baiting my hook.”
After everyone’s had a pee break, I can finally continue with showing them how to cast a hook. I demonstrate the proper techniques and emphasize the importance of releasing the line smoothly to achieve a good cast. I then help each person practice their casting until they feel comfortable with the motion. That’s easier said than done, though. They’re all so clumsy that no one manages to get it right, except for Aspen.
I’m impressed by how brave she is. She doesn’t hesitate to bait her own hook when most women—and yes, some men too—find working with squirmy bait disgusting. I do get it. Worms and fish guts are icky, but Aspen doesn’t seem to mind.
“You’re a natural,” I tell her as I assess her technique.
“I did go fishing a few times already,” she says with a blush.
“I can tell. You could use a bit of refinement, though.” I position myself behind her and gesture toward the fishing rod in her hands. “May I?”
She nods, and I step closer. Placing my hands over hers, I help her adjust her grip and find the right angle for casting.
“When you’re ready, just release,” I murmur softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
Standing this close together has an intimate feel to it. I swear I saw goosebumps travel up her arms when I closed my hands over hers just now. I fight the urge to nuzzle my nose against her hair and breathe her sweet, floral scent in. I can’t and won’t, though. I’ve got to keep it professional. After all, she’s a paying customer—and she’s just here for vacation. Don’t forget that.
“Like this?” she asks as she casts the line into the water.
“Perfect,” I whisper, my lips brushing against her ear as I say the words.
She swallows. “Thanks, Maddox.”
I force myself to let go of her and give her a friendly nod. “Of course. I’m happy to help. Let me know if you have any other questions.”
“I don’t, but I think Stanley needs you,” she says with a smile.
I turn my head to see the man waving at me. “Hey, Maddox. How did I get this worm on the hook again? The squirmy fellow doesn’t want to cooperate.”
“Coming.” I speedwalk over to Stanley to help him. The more space I put between Aspen and me, the better. The last thing I want is for her to think I’m coming onto her when I’m not.
Half an hour later, everyone’s fishing rod is cast into the water. I walk over to the cooler and get some soda cans and bottles of water to hand out.
“Are you sure about this?” Aspen asks when I give her a soda. “Everyone will just have to run to the bathroom again in fifteen minutes.”
I laugh. “True, but I can’t let them get dehydrated.”
The ping of several messages sounds from her coat pocket. She puts the can down in the grass and frowns as she reads whatever it is that appeared on her screen.
“Everything okay?”
She shrugs. “I don’t know. It’s my cousins group chat. Lexie added my ex, Devon, to it. Apparently, they signed us up for that fishing contest this weekend.”
“Are you going to go?”
She pockets her phone. “I guess. I’m here to spend time with my family, after all. If I say no to every single activity they’ve got planned, I could’ve saved myself the trouble of traveling and stayed home instead.” She gives me a pleading look. “You’ll help me get better at this, right?”
“Of course. I’ll do anything you need.”
“Thanks, Maddox,” she says with a grateful smile that sends a warm glow through my body.
I meant what I said. I’ll do anything I can to help her. I’ve never met that Devon guy, but I hate him already for treating Aspen this way. If she can get back at him by winning that contest, I’m game. Even if it means giving up all of my free time to take her fishing.