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.
What was it about this man that made her care? That made her want to keep those chocolate-brown eyes fixed on her? She hated herself a little right now for that. And for single-handedly getting herself into this overnight camping trip. Her conflicting