Mason was explaining something with more confidence than he’d shown five minutes earlier. Quinn listened,genuinely focused and interested in what he was telling her. Or maybe it was the fact that it wasMasonwho was telling her?
Either way, it got her outside and in the trails. And that was never a bad thing.
I was checking on another group when I noticed movement on the edge of the woods.
Jess stepped out from between the trees. Her tailored black pants and matching jacket looked far more suited to a day in the office than a hike. And when my eyes dropped to her leather shoes, I was even more confused. But it was the expression on her face that gave me pause.
I watched as she suddenly stopped walking as if she’d been in a trance and had no idea where she was going. She looked around when she saw the group in the clearing, uncertainty flickering across her face.
I walked over. “Hey.”
“Hey.” She lifted her hand in a weak greeting. “Where’s Summit?”
“I left him with Brody today.” I eyed her carefully. “You okay?”
She shook her head. “Why wouldn’t I?—”
“Jess.” I spoke her name softly. “I don’t think you need me to point out the fact that you look like you’re dressed for a board meeting, and as much as I like you in the trails, I?—”
“You like me in the trails?”
I probably should have denied I’d let those words slip from my lips, but what was the point?
“The trails are always a good place to be.” It wasn’t really an answer. “Besides, you look like you could use a little outdoor time. I’ll ask again, are you okay?”
She shook her head once. “No.”
I waited, but she didn’t offer up anything more.
“Can I…I mean, you look kind of busy, but…” She lifted herhead to meet my gaze. “Can I maybe hang out and watch for a bit?”
I shook my head softly. “No.”
Her mouth dropped open. “Oh, I?—”
“But you can help.”
She smacked me lightly on the arm, offering me a small smile. It wasn’t much, but at least she no longer looked so sad. “You’re assuming I know something about building fires.” She raised a brow in challenge.
It’s true, there was a time not too long ago I might have had my doubts. But my opinion on Jess Anderson was changing quickly.
“Oh, come on, Dots,” I teased. “Surely you havesomeoutdoor skills hiding in there somewhere.”
Instead of backing down, her smile widened, and she rolled up the sleeves of the silk blouse she was wearing. “Prepare to have your mind blown, Lyons.”
Her choice of words sent a flood of inappropriate thoughts rushing through me. Especially considering the fact that we were surrounded by a group of teenagers I was currently responsible for. Never mind the little detail that she was engaged to be married. Oh, and that she was currently my nemesis.
Right.
That.
Scratch the inappropriate thoughts.
I cleared my throat and turned my attention back to the group. “All right,” I said a little too loudly. “Now that you have your structure built, let’s start the fire. Remember, fire building is about patience, not force. Start small and work from there.”
Quinn shot me a look from where she was still crouched beside Mason. He was already pulling a pack of matches out of his pocket, as if he’d been waiting for this moment.
“Hey.” I nodded toward them. “Mason, be sure to showQuinn how to blow on the embers, to really get things taking off.”
