“We’re actually a day ahead of schedule,” Ronald said proudly, guiding her toward the wildlife corridor boundary. “Though I wanted to show you something concerning.”
They approached the area where the survey stakes had been previously tampered with. Ronald was explaining his additional security measures when a sleek black sedan pulled into the makeshift parking area. The man who emerged wore an expensive suit entirely impractical for a construction site.
“James Porter,” Ronald muttered, his expression darkening. “Competitor. Lost the bid to us.”
Porter strode toward them with confident steps, his polished shoes collecting dust with each stride. “Dr. Bright,” he called, extending his hand as he approached. “James Porter, Mountaintop Construction. I was in the area and thought I’d stop by to see how the project is progressing.”
His grip was firm but somehow unpleasant, as if he were appraising rather than greeting her. Ivy withdrew her hand as quickly as politeness allowed.
“Mr. Porter. I wasn’t aware we had scheduled a site visit from Mountaintop Construction.”
“Just professional courtesy,” Porter replied smoothly, his gaze sweeping across the construction area. “I hear you’ve had some... boundary issues.”
Ivy exchanged a quick glance with Ronald. How did Porter know about that?
“Minor vandalism,” Ronald said firmly. “Already addressed.”
Porter made a sound that wasn’t quite a scoff. “Vandalism is often the first sign of bigger problems. I’ve seen similar patterns at other sites.” His eyes lingered on the wildlife corridor boundary. “Those environmental restrictions can be quite burdensome. Sometimes a more... flexible approach to wildlife corridors is necessary for project success.”
“We’re committed to maintaining the integrity of the wildlife corridor,” Ivy said, feeling heat rise in her cheeks. “The nature center’s purpose is education about conservation, after all.”
“Noble,” Porter commented with a thin smile. “Though sometimes idealism must bow to practicality. If you encounter any... difficulties meeting your timeline, Mountaintop Construction would be happy to offer assistance. We have extensive experience working around such constraints.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Ronald interjected. “We’re ahead of schedule.”
Porter nodded. “Of course. Still, construction can be unpredictable. Especially in locations like this.” He gestured toward the forest boundary. “So many variables.” He handed Ivy his business card. “Just in case you need a backup plan.”
Ivy accepted the card reflexively, disliking Porter’s presumption. There was something unsettling about his interest in the project.
“If you’ll excuse us,” Ronald said firmly.
“Of course,” Porter replied, stepping back. “I’ll see myself around. Always good to familiarize oneself with... potential opportunities.”
As Porter walked away, examining structural elements with too much interest, Ivy and Ronald exchanged concerned glances.
“He lost the bid by a significant margin,” Ronald said quietly. “Their proposal included cutting directly through the wildlife corridor. Saved money but destroyed the ecosystem.”
“He seems very interested in our project,” Ivy noted, watching Porter’s retreating figure.
“Too interested,” Ronald agreed. “I don’t like it.”
Ivy tucked Porter’s card into her pocket. Something about him triggered her skepticism.
As she walked the perimeter with Ronald, her thoughts kept drifting back to Henry. The connection she’d felt upon seeing his profile had been so powerful, so visceral. Her inner bear had recognized him instantly. Yet hours had passed without any response.
Back at her office at the institute, she checked her phone again. The screen remained stubbornly empty of notifications. Disappointment warred with concern. Was he ignoring her?
“Stop catastrophizing,” she told herself firmly. “He’s probably just busy. Or out of coverage range. Or taking time to formulate the perfect response.”
This last thought cheered her slightly. Perhaps Hermit Bear was as nervous about their match as she was. A forest ranger who preferred solitude likely didn’t have extensive dating experience.Maybe he was carefully crafting his message, weighing each word as she had done.
Ivy returned to her project planning with renewed determination, though her attention kept sliding toward her silent phone. By lunchtime, she had completed a comprehensive revision of the construction timeline and sent it to Vance for review.
The mate.com notification chimed on her phone. Ivy nearly knocked over her water bottle in her haste to grab it. The notification was for a reply from Hermit Bear. Her heart hammered as she opened the message.
“Hi. I’m Henry. I’m also in Fate Mountain. I’ll be in town briefly today. Could meet at Sweet Summit Café at 1 pm if you’re available. Heading back to the woods after.”
She read the brief message three times. He wanted to meet. Today.
