"For sure." I lean a bit closer, barely resisting the urge to put my hand on her knee. The light right now accents the blue in her eyes. "Why, do you have to work then?"
Her head shakes, sending a tendril of auburn hair swishing across her cheekbone while she flashes a gorgeous smile.
"Nah. I just have to feed a monster."
2
JENNA
Wow. I've never been so chatty around a man before. It feels like a great sign.
Fortunately, I can use taking photos as an icebreaker while we drive. Kellan is a great sport, posing for shots while he's driving, even pulling over and popping the hood for some photos of his hands over the engine holding a wrench.
After I've gotten plenty of new content, we resume driving to Cedarvale. I explain more about my job as a stock photographer for Flick Pics Photos, and he tells me all about Wolfe Security – the tech company he runs with his four brothers. I know nothing about algorithms and encryption but using natural input from the forest in the form of bird calls and wind meters is pretty intriguing.
After we pass a sign for Cedarvale, I ask him "So…this gift for your mother. Is there anything in particular she needs?”
"No." He chuckles, and I sneak another look. Kellan is gorgeous. It goes way beyond tall, dark, and handsome. He’s got a striking male beauty that belongs in movies. But he wouldn't play a pretty leading man in a heartfelt romance. He'd be anaction star. I can totally imagine him driving a tank or flying an airplane.
I adore his capable, confident energy. I’m getting a real mountain man vibe. And the way he looks at me… My stomach keeps doing a series of slow backflips. I've never sparked with anyone before. It feels like something special.
Then again, I could be overthinking and putting the cart before the horse. It's just lunch.
"Mom has everything she could possibly need and then some," Kellan laughs. "I need to get her something consumable, like fancy tea or chocolates. Or something one of a kind would work, too."
"Hmm. Is it safe to assume that at least one of your brothers will be getting her chocolates and stuff?"
"Yup."
I pull out my phone. "Shall I start looking for gift stores in Cedarvale to save us driving around?"
He chuckles, darting his hand out to tap my knee. It sends prickles of warmth straight to my heart. "Cedarvale’s not much bigger than Old Hemlock Valley. We can walk through the whole downtown in a few minutes."
When we arrive, I see what he means. It doesn't take us long to stroll through the town, looking in the window of each store.
Kellan checks his watch, and I can't help but notice it looks expensive. Designer. I've also noticed that his charcoal button-down shirt looks to be custom fit, and the fabric is top quality. Also, this huge, sporty truck is barely a year old, unlike most of the other vehicles I’ve seen around here, which look like they've been run ragged by these rough mountain roads.
I guess the computer security business is doing well.
I peer intently in the shop windows, looking for ideas. I suspect this trip is just an excuse for us to hang out, but I want to uphold my end of the bargain.
Finally, I spot something that could work, and inhale sharply.
"See something?" Kellan asks.
"Look!" I point. "Beach glass necklaces! Some of them have stones and gems in them. They’re really nice, and obviously handmade. Definitely one of a kind."
He steps toward the door of the shop, holding it open. "Shall we take a closer look?"
I brush past him, feeling a sudden rush. Stepping so close to Kellan makes me want to stop in my tracks to see if there's any chance he would wrap those huge arms around me. I've never been snuggled by a man who looks like he belongs on the cover ofLumberjack Quarterly, and had no idea that idea appealed to me. But for five heart-stopping seconds I pause in front of his hulking frame, trying not to inhale his faint fresh pine scent too obviously, wanting to place my hand on his chest to feel how solid it is.
This wave of adrenaline is brand new. It feels like more than just physical attraction. But my gut says to stamp it down and keep it under control until I get any clues that Kellan feels the same way. One-sided emotions would be a serious issue.
I feel flushed as I enter the store, then I blink. "It's…a tattoo shop?"
A man at the counter with jet-black hair and ink winding up and down his arms looks up from his sketchbook. "Hey, Kellan. How's it going?" From their warm hug, they clearly know each other well.
"Can we please look at those necklaces in the window?" Kellan asks. "Mom's birthday is next week. Jenna is helping me shop." He turns and grins at me. "Crow here did the tattoo on my back."
