were more bad days than good, it was time to walk away. “What would you do if you weren’t a cop?”
“Be a cop.” He laughed. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
For his sake, I hoped that didn’t change.
Because turning your back on your dream, giving it up, was heartbreaking.
We rounded a curve and the trail narrowed, forcing us closer. I slowed to get behind him, but Duke slowed too, keeping by my side. The roped muscles of his arm brushed against my bare skin. The back of his hand grazed mine and I forgot to breathe.
When I looked up, those blue eyes were waiting.
Damn it, I should have picked Wyoming for my new home.
There was a spark between us. A connection to a man I hadn’t felt in ages. Duke might just be that something unexpected I’d been wishing for.
But our time together was up.
Before I was ready to part ways with this handsome and kind stranger, a wooden sign greeted us on the trail with an arrow pointing toward the parking lot where we’d left my car—a black Range Rover I’d purchased the day Everly and I had arrived in Jackson, Wyoming.
I’d driven it through Yellowstone while she’d followed in her rental car. We’d left the rental car at the trailhead where we’d started today’s adventure. Our plan was to camp out tonight and cross into Montana tomorrow.
Then Everly would head to the airport in Bozeman where she’d catch a flight home to Nashville.
And I’d continue on to Calamity, Montana and start this next chapter of my life.
There were only a few vehicles in the parking lot as we emerged from the trail. The moment Everly spotted my SUV, she sighed. “We made it. Let’s never hike again. Though I am kind of sad I didn’t get to use my bear spray.”
Duke chuckled. “I’ve been pepper sprayed twice, once at the police academy and another time for a training exercise. Trust me when I say you don’t want to use those cans unless absolutely necessary.”
“Thanks for not being a serial killer.” Everly held out her hand to shake Duke’s. “And thanks for rescuing us.”
“No problem.” He waved as she turned and walked toward the SUV, fishing out the keys we’d put in her backpack.
I scanned the parking lot, taking note of the trees and the signs, looking anywhere but at Duke until it was time for the inevitable goodbye.
“Pleasure to meet you, Jade Morgan.” He extended his hand, and I slipped mine into his grip.
Tingles raced across my skin as the rough callouses on his palm scraped lightly against my fingers. I met his gaze, soaking up the azure blue. “Take care, Duke.”
He inched closer, not letting go as I’d expected. Instead, he held my hand, tugging me in as his focus dropped to my lips. Like maybe he’d kiss me.
Maybe I wanted him to.
But then he blinked, the moment broken, and the heat of his hand disappeared.
I plastered on a smile to mask the disappointment.
It was better this way, right? Cops asked questions and I doubted Duke would be satisfied with partial answers. For me to truly start over at twenty-eight-years old, the smartest thing was for me to avoid men and attention and that included hot sheriffs who were in the spotlight.
Still, I’d wonder about Duke. I’d wonder what might have been.
“Drive safe.” With a tip of his hat, he turned and walked toward a large white truck parked beneath a towering evergreen.
I stood, rooted in place, as he climbed in and drove away.
“Goodbye, Duke Evans.”
That really was a great name.
• • •
“I can’t believe when I get home you won’t be there.” Everly sniffled. “This weekend went way too fast.”
“But I’m glad we did it.”
She wiped away a tear. “Me too.”
The two of us looked human again after long showers and sleeping in an actual bed. While camping out two nights with a long hike in between had been an experience neither of us would forget, I wasn’t in a hurry to see the inside of a tent again soon.
When we’d arrived at the Madison Campground after the hike, we’d been exhausted. Everly and I had barely mustered the energy to set up our tent and sleeping bags before we’d collapsed.
The next morning, we’d woken up early, packed our things and hit the road. After collecting her rental car from the trailhead, we’d driven to West Yellowstone, where a hotel room and spa appointment had been waiting.