I reach for the nightstand, only to realize my phone isn’t there. I forgot I didn’t bring it with me. I groan, wincing as my eyes open all the way. It’s far too bright in here. She not just gone, she’s gone-gone. No trace left behind.
My heart aches as I remember her gorgeous, happy face, bar lights twinkling behind her. I turn over to the nightstand again and notice a small, folded piece of paper with Autry scribbled on the front next to the hotel writing pad.
The note reads,Thx 4 everything. Had to jet. Call me!I frantically turn it over, looking for a phone number, but there’s nothing. Who leaves a note that says call me and doesn’t leave their phone number?
Probably someone who doesn’t actually want you to call them, Miles,I think to myself.
Standing up from the bed I run my hands through my hair. My face heats up. I can’t believe I let this happen. Should have known. In fact, I did know. Parker knew I didn’t want to come here.
It’s only been just over a year. Fourteen months sincesheleft without a trace, not that anyone is counting. And now, here, the first time I feel a tiny spark, the first girl I feel anything for doesn’t feel the same.
That’s it. I’m done. No more giving into feelings, no more letting hope tease me only to be ripped away. I’m glad she didn’t leave her number. I was already too attached to Katie after one night with her, I need to stay away anyway. I’m not a one night stand sort of guy. From now on, I’m going to focus on the ranch and only the ranch.
No more distractions.
Letting out a frustrated growl, I pull my jeans and shirt back on, and head off to track down a cab to take me back to my own hotel. I’m sure Parker isn’t worried in the slightest where I am, if he’s even in our shared room, but I need to track down my phone, then him, then pack up to head out.
I go over the list in my mind a few times until I’m no longer thinking about Katie. No reason to. She probably does this all the time.
Plus, she lives in Idaho. It’s not like I’ll see her again anyway.
Chapter 1
You’re Trespassing
Four Years Later (Katie)
I’ve lived near mountainsfor over a decade now. I see them every day when I step out of my house. I spend time near the peaks, I hike, I take pictures. But I’ve never seen mountains quite like these. The mountains passing on the other side of my windshield are another level from Juniper Ridge.
These are huge, award winning mountains. Olympic-level mountains.
When I decided to take on this project and head up to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I’ll admit I had high hopes. It’s one place I’ve never been. My expectations have been far exceeded. It’s gorgeous here.
It’s the start of May and all of the snow has just about melted, save for a few places way high up in the peaks. Although, I have a feeling the snow never truly leaves the tallest points. The fields are green, the river is full, and the very first signs of summer are peeking through.
Sun reflects off of the Snake River as I drive up the most beautiful canyon I’ve ever seen in my life. Groups of families walk along the road carrying large rafts, wearing helmets and life jackets. Fishermen stand in the river casting flies into the current. Hikers trek along the rocky mountainside. It’s picturesque. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think all of this was setup as a tourist advertisement.
As I drive through town, the ad continues. Couples eating lunch on bistro tables outside of restaurants, rows of western themed shops in buildings that look like they’re right out of a movie, and at the center of town, four huge arches in each corner of the square made completely out of elk antlers.
My navigation app takes me a ways outside of the main town, towards the south end of Grand Teton National Park. I turn onto a well-groomed dirt road and pray my little car makes it without popping a tire or bottoming out. I pull up to a weather worn cabin and kill the ignition, pulling my wind blown auburn hair up into a ponytail. One deep breath and then it’s time to get to work.
As soon as I step out of the car, I already love it here. The sun warms my face as mountain fresh air fills my lungs. It almost feels like home. I live in the mountains of southern Idaho, almost Utah, so I’m used to this environment. The mountains may be slightly larger here and the town a bit bigger and fancier, but it’s still a Rocky Mountain town.
I know all about those. I love them. We vibe well, the mountains and I.
Gravel crunches beneath my runners as I walk up to the cabin. My wonderful parents bought a tiny cabin on the outskirts of Jackson Hole, and instead of coming up here themselves, they’ve sent me. I found out about it by email. They couldn’t be bothered to call me on the phone. In fact, there’s still a small chance I’ve come all this way for nothing if their email was hacked by a very convincing criminal.
I guess I’ll find out soon enough.
“Please be do-able,” I whisper under my breath, blowing a stray hair out of my face.
The Old Cabin doesn’t look great from the outside. It’s situated back a bit on a beautiful piece of land surrounded by a cattle ranch. There’s a view of the southern bit of the Tetons behind it. The wood looks as though it was stained dark at some point and has weathered over time to be almost gray. To be honest, it’s better looking than I expected when I heard it needed an entire summer to be fixed up.
I walk up to the front door already making a mental list of what to do first. Sand and stain the exterior, deep clean the windows, replace that one that’s cracked on the second floor, power wash the porch. This is where I thrive. I’m great at problem solving. I’m a great vacation rental host. And, apparently a great cabin fixer upper.
Put me in an eclectic B and B and I’m in my happy place. It’s why I’m still working for my parents despite our… interesting dynamic.
We have four large cabins in Juniper Ridge that I manage full time, along with remotely managing another thirteen properties around the west. All that belong to the MacPherson Enterprises empire.
