“I think it was about a half day’s walk—maybe a full day. Honestly, it could’ve been even farther.”
“Okay . . . well, I’d recommend following each of the creeks from the lake. Some trails take you partway, but once you get past the touristy stuff, you might be on deer trails or even hacking your way through the forest. Also, Lost Creek is pretty wide. You get far enough away and tributaries flow into it.” She pointed them out on the map. “The maps won’t be very helpful after a certain point. If it’s that far away, you should probably look at camping along the way. All the trekking in and out of the mountains will cost a lot of time.”
His breath leaked out slowly. “This is going to be harder than I thought. I’m kind of on a schedule.”
A frown crouched between his brows. It wasn’t much, but for a guy with his poker face, it said a lot. She didn’t know why he wanted to find this spot so badly, but it was obviously important to him.
She knew the area like the back of her hand. The mountains had been her escape whenever life got stressful or chaotic. Molly was scheduled at the front desk at ten, and tomorrow was Grace’s day off. She wouldn’t even charge him, because she sensed this was a great opportunity for her too.
Ordinarily she wouldn’t even consider it. Hiking alone in the woods with a strange man? No thanks. But her intuition told her she was completely safe with Wyatt.
“I can do it,” Grace said finally. “I can help you find what you’re looking for.”
Chapter Ten
Wyatt hadn’t really wanted an audience as he faced his biggest fear, but he could always send Grace back home once he found the spot.
Despite her uncertain proposition, he didn’t doubt her knowledge of the area. He also knew he might not have time to find the spot without her assistance. And he didn’t have the equipment to go whacking his way through the forest or even for camping.
Did Grace often go traipsing through the mountains with strange men? He hoped not. “How much would you charge for something like that?”
She rubbed her lips together. “Um, I was going to do it on the house this time.”
“And why would you do that?”
“Well, honestly, it would be my first guided tour. It’ll be good experience for me.”
“I still want to pay you something.”
She waved him off. “I insist. I’d like to do this. And I have good camping equipment too.”
“I don’t doubt any of that, and I could sure use your help.” But there was something more in her expression, something he couldn’t quite gauge.
“But?”
He sensed her attraction, but he didn’t think that was her motivation. If he did, he’d turn down her offer to be his guide. A little harmless flirting was one thing, but let’s face it. She was too young for him—in years and in life experience.
That offer he’d extended before had been impulsive—an aberration. But she had those sweet blue eyes and that proud little chin, and he couldn’t help but wish she were just a few years older, a few relationships wiser.
Maybe she really was seeking to build her résumé, so to speak. Maybe she was desperate to get away for some reason. Maybe some idiot boy was hounding her.
Maybe her reasons didn’t even matter. “No buts. If you’re game, so am I. And I appreciate your help.” The smile that broke out on her face made his heart buck.
“That’s great. Oh, I didn’t mention I’m on duty for a couple more hours. Is that all right? I have tomorrow off though, so we’ll have the better part of two days. With any luck that’ll be enough.”
“With any luck.” He glanced at his watch. “I can wait awhile.”
Grace glanced up the stairs. “I might be able to leave a little early. I’ll need to get our gear together too.”
“I can grab breakfast in the meantime.”
“Perfect.”
He gave her a nod and made his way through the living room and to the dining room. His day had just taken a big turn—for the better or worse remained to be seen.
* * *
As soon as Wyatt disappeared through the French doors, Grace bounded up the stairs. She found Molly in Wyatt’s room, making up the bed. Grace slipped inside and closed the door.
Molly gave her a curious look. “What’s up?”
“Are you almost finished cleaning?” Grace worked the sheets across the bed from her sister.
“I just got started.”
“Right. Well, you think you can keep an ear out for the phone?” There wouldn’t likely be anyone coming in until later in the day since check-in wasn’t till three.
“Why?”
“I have a guided tour, with Wyatt.” No need to mention it was unpaid.
Brows raised, Molly looked at her. “I thought you weren’t doing the guided tours?”
“I’m making an exception. And we’ll be camping tonight, so we won’t be back until late tomorrow. I didn’t want anyone to worry.”
Molly paused, the coverlet still in her hands. “Overnight? With someone you don’t know? Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“Well, he needs a tour guide, and I haven’t hired anyone yet. Besides, I thought you liked him.”
“I do like what I know of him—which isn’t very much. Grace, what do you know about him? Walking across town with him is one thing, but being in the mountains all alone with him is quite another. You’ll have very little cell phone access.”
Grace stiffened. “I can handle myself, Molly. Jeez. I never expected you to go all Levi on me.”
“There’s Levi and then there’s common sense.”
“I have plenty of common sense. And my bear spray. I may not know him well, but I trust him. He’s a security officer, by the way. I’m sure those people go through rigorous background checks. Plus he’s an EMT. I couldn’t be safer.”
Molly still seemed uncertain as she continued to adjust the covers. “That makes me feel a little better, I guess.”
“You have all his personal information in the computer. Really, I wish you’d just trust me a little. I have good instincts about people, and I’m telling you, he’s one of the good ones. Now, can you watch the desk for me or what? I’d like to have our equipment together before he finishes breakfast.”
“Fine.” Molly fluffed the pillows. “You’re going to leave me to tell Levi about this aren’t you?”
“Would you?”
“He’s already suspicious of the guy.”
Grace rolled her eyes. “Levi was suspicious of Adam.”
“Good point.” Molly set the pillows at the head of the bed, giving Grace a put-upon look. “Go on. Get out of here.”
“Thank you.”
She was already halfway out the door when Molly called, “But you better text me when you have a signal!”
Chapter Eleven
Grace was nervous about spending the better part of two days with Wyatt—but not for the reasons Molly had stated.
Having him behind her as they hiked was unsettling. She kept wondering how she looked in her jeans and if her hair was coming loose from her ponytail. Since when had she cared about such things? She’d never been like other girls. Hadn’t fussed over who she was going to prom with or what she was wearing to this party or that event. She didn’t even bother with makeup most of the time.