“It is weird,” she agrees. “My dad loves to fly fish. So much so that I would tag along with him on day trips and, even though I gave up on the fishing part, I know all there is to know about the poles, the bait, you name it. You want to buy equipment? I’m your girl. It must be the marketer in me.” She squeals. “You know what you should do as a second job? Open up a fishing gear shop! It would help take the financial burden off your boat.”
“That’s actually…an idea,” I say. My mind is already whirling with the concept.
“You know everything there is to know about the world of fishing and boating. You could use your knowledge to do something on land.”
“Would you want to be my partner?” The question pops out of me unbidden.
“What do you mean?” Her tone is cautiously excited.
“You said it yourself. You could market the crap out of fly fishing. And with a little research and education, I have no doubt you could do the same with any kind of fishing equipment. You’ve got the advertising experience for sure.”
She sounds almost shy when she answers me. “I would love to be your partner, Michael.”
And suddenly, I’m no longer sure we’re talking about business.
A long silence follows.
“I hope you don’t feel pressured into going to Maine with me,” Emery says finally. “I’m thrilled to go with you, but I’d also be happy to fly there on my own.”
I take her hand in mine. “I’d love to go together. I’ll look into flights later. It will be a romantic way to end what we started here, don’t you think?”
“Yes,” she says. “Although I have to be honest—I might be a little bit sad when we say goodbye.”
I squeeze her hand. “I will be too.”
“Do you think it will be awkward between us if I live in Maine part-time?” she asks me.
“A little,” I admit. “Awkward isn’t the right word. It would be…”Heartbreaking. “Bittersweet.”
“Yeah. Bittersweet is a good way to put it.”
We stand side by side at the edge of the meadow and look out at the breathtaking view of the mountains.
My heart is in my throat. I already know it’s not going to be easy to leave her. My brain may know no-strings is a good plan, but my heart is already committed to this woman. I was just talking about going into freaking business with her. That has to stop now.
Like we’re on the same wavelength…
“Let’s make another promise,” Emery says. “Besides theno-strings. Let’s promise to enjoy the time we have together and not think ahead to the future.”
To when we’re no longer together.
I kiss her head. “Deal.”
“How was the cabin?” Luke asks as I step inside his office after my trail ride with Emery.
“Great. Thanks again,” I say in a flat tone.
“You’re sure in a pissy mood for someone who got laid last night.”
“Shut up.” I sink into the chair across from his messy-as-hell wooden desk in his makeshift office in the barn. “God, you need an assistant.”
“Says the hundredth person this month alone.” Luke sweeps one pile of papers onto another and shoots me a hard look. “All organized.”
I bark out a laugh. “Okay, sure.”
“Back to you. What are you so pissed off about?”
Emery left to go get ready for her night out with some of the Wild women. I love that she’s getting to know them. I also hate it.
