Chapter 2
BAILEY
Half an hour ago, my heart was in my throat. If anything happened to Cody and Jacob, I don’t know what I’d do. My stomach has felt like it was filled with concrete since I realized they were gone, and Theo at the lodge’s front desk confirmed my parents were alone when they left.
But now, looking up into the rich, brown eyes of this ranger I just met, I feel like everything is going to turn out okay. I’ve been sneaking looks at his phone and he clearly has an action plan – he has a checklist for finding missing people and everything.
But it’s hard to think about anything other than the heat spiraling up through the middle of my belly and the warmth of his large hand as he draws circles the center of my back, even though I know it’s a gesture intended to comfort.
I want to jump into his arms and cuddle my cheek against his chest in its black and gray plaid flannel shirt.
The man must be at least six foot three, maybe more. He seems even bigger because of his powerful bodybuilder frame. His short brown hair and tidy beard are approachable, even though the look on his face when he first opened his cabin door screamed, “Mountain man loner – do not disturb.”
I swear I didn’t mean to check out his thick arms and tight ass when he was reaching for coats, it was an accident. But since that happened, it’s been difficult to concentrate…even though keeping focused is one of the things I pride myself on.
“Let’s keep moving.” Nate’s voice is low and smoky. “We’ll find them before it gets dark. I don’t want you to panic.”
"I won't," I say firmly. "Promise."
He nods solemnly. "You know what? You're the only stranger I've believed that about."
We continue trudging along, Nate's quick eye finding more piles of sticks. We reach a point where the trail branches to the left, but a marker indicate the boys went straight.
“They were heading straight for the top of the hill," Nate says. "If they were experienced hikers, that would make sense, but…"
"I swear, I always taught them to stick to the trails. I made them repeat that back to me."
Nate smirks. "When kids get excited, they forget things." He uses our pause to check his messages. "Looks like the text chain has kicked in. We have some men searching, plus dozens more ready to jump in if we don't find them in the next twenty minutes-ish."
I send a quick text. "I just told the lodge that the boys are probably here on the trail,” I explain. “They're still going to keep their eyes open, in case they come back."
"Good job."
I love that Nate is proud of me. It's been a long time since I’ve gotten that from anyone.
We keep walking, calling out to the boys at regular intervals. A couple of minutes later my phone rings. "Ugh, video call from my stepdad," I groan. "This will slow us down."
"Take it," Nate insists. "Keep your parents calm. I'll keep searching. Just follow me."
When the call connects, Jeremy has the slightly glassy-eyed look of someone three or four beers in.
Beside him is my mother, who has definitely been hitting the cocktails too.
"What's this I hear about the boys being missing?
" He asks it with the casual tone of someone asking what channel the game is on.
"Yes. They've been gone nearly an hour. I went to see where everyone was, and your room was empty."
Mom leans in, her mascara slightly smudged. "How could you let this happen? You were babysitting!"
I sigh, but she doesn't notice. "Mom, I was in my own room studying with headphones on. How was I to know that you wanted me to babysit?”
"I sent you a text!" she shrieks.
"I’m pretty sure you didn't." It's as if I'm talking to a child. "Check your phone.”
Jeremy watches intently as Mom scrolls through her phone. Then she rolls her eyes. "Well, I meant to."
"That's not the same thing."
"How the hell did they get out of the room?" Jeremy huffs.
"They are six years old. They can work doors. You know this."
"Well," he grumbles, "this never would've happened if you’d been watching them."
"Again, how was I supposed to know? You both know that I’m studying for an exam."
I quickly catch up with Nate, who is pointing out another marker. "I'm halfway up the hill with the ranger. I'm pretty sure we’re finding trail markers the boys left."
Jeremy scratches his head, looking vaguely like an ape. "But why would they go for a hike this late?”
"Yesterday, you told them that was how they could see the sunset twice," I snap. “You made it sound like a cool adventure. And you know whenever they’re left alone, they like to make up adventures.”
“But they weren’t—”
“You. Left. Them. Alone.” My voice is forceful without being a shriek. “It’s not the first time this has happened. You are not caring for your children properly. Go back to the lodge and wait there. I’ll text you when we find them."
Maybe it's rude to hang up on him. I feel it's even ruder to be such a terrible parent.
Nate looks at me with pity in his eyes as a shaky sigh-growl escapes my throat. "Sorry you had to hear that. But honestly, I'm twenty-one years old. They treat me like a child, and yet they expect me to parent their other children."
“Some people are assholes," he says. "Hopefully you can get away from them soon."
"That's the plan." The trees are thinner here, so I can walk beside him. “I'm taking a specialized online course in cross-platform development coding. I just have to pass my certification exam, then I have three different job opportunities lined up."
Nate nods, pointing out another pile of sticks. "And then you just have to stay with them long enough to save up for your own place?"
“Oh no. I've already saved up a deposit plus six months’ rent and have a list of apartment buildings with vacancies. I just think it would be better not to sign a lease before I have a job locked down."
Nate stops in his tracks, looking at me with admiration. "You know, Bailey, I've seen a lot in my thirty-four years. And I have to say, most people live their whole lives without amassing the common sense and linear thinking that you already have."
A sudden wave of pride causes me to flush. Is Nate saying he’s attracted to me? Even though I have zero experience there, and know it's ridiculous to think about… It's what I feel across the width of my shoulders, snuggled in his faintly pine-scented jacket.
He did make a point of telling me his age, though. Could that be a warning?
Nate's phone beeps, and he nods after reading. "We've got five men spread across the bottom of the trails. They're going to start working inward, calling for the boys."
"Tell them to say it's Bailey's turn to buy ice cream."
His smile lights up his striking eyes and draws attention to the faint sunlines at the corners. His thumbs tap out a message with meticulous precision for someone with such thick digits. "Great idea."
I should not be admiring how sexy this man is. I have a job to do. I’m never, ever distracted when I have a task at hand – especially not something this important.
But this lightning-quick attraction to Nate is the most incredible thing I’ve ever felt. All I can think about is how long I’ll be able to walk beside him before we have to go our separate ways.