Thankfully, they reached the top of the lift, and the operator waved to get their attention.
“We’re here.” Russ hurled his feet onto solid ground, and they moved out of the way for the next chair. “Wait here. I just have to pick something up from the way station.”
Gabriella nodded demurely. Stunned by her obvious interest in him, Russ blinked twice before he figured out how to get his foot to move forward.
Grinning wide enough to fill the valley below, Russ found that his steps were light. Gabriella wantedhim. The Hollywood darling of reality television was doing all she could to get his attention. Boy, was it working. Russ’s pulse pounded as he worked through his next move.
This was their official first date. He didn’t want to appear like the other guys she dated. The ones on the show always went in for the kiss right off, like they were marking their territory. Gabriella usually dumped them by the last commercial break and then ended the show in tears. The last episode had her wondering where all the good men had gone. Well, he’d rise above his hormones and show her there were still gentlemen in the world.
Russ retrieved the pre-ordered picnic from the way station. In his time on the mountain, he’d seen couples with the quintessential baskets and finally asked a man where he’d bought it. Apparently, the resort would furnish the baskets—for a fee. He gulped as the guy behind the counter swiped his card. A night out with Alice cost half what he was spending on cheese, crackers, and some cut-up fruit.
Speaking of Alice, he wondered about their book-hunting last night. She’d hurried out of his car, barely throwing a goodbye over her shoulder before the door slammed. He’d stared after her, not only to make sure she got inside her apartment, but because his car was suddenly empty. Too empty. He’d wanted her to come back but couldn’t think up a good enough excuse to go after her. He liked walking the lake with her on his arm. She’d tugged him out of the way of the woman with the baby stroller and then pressed into him to get him to turn at the bend. There was something stronger than him in the connection they shared. It was low-key, though, like a long bass note.
“Here you go, dude.” The attendant passed over his basket, drawing his thoughts away from the lake, the warmth coming from Alice, and the way his heart glowed when she was near.
Outside the way station, Russ jogged over to Gabriella. “Are you ready for a picnic?”
“In a sec. Let’s take a picture.” She flipped her phone and snuggled up next to his chest.
Russ looked at the screen and only saw his jaw, jacket, and scarf before she took the picture.Did she just use me as a background?
Gabriella tucked the phone into her pocket and took his hand. Swinging their hands, she tugged him towards the trail. “I’m guessing you want to go get lost somewhere romantic.”
He nodded. Confused that she would not want him in the picture and then be so friendly, he led the way to a small clearing and laid out the provided blanket. To the east was a drop-off that opened to a stunning panoramic view. Several natural clearings could be found farther up the trail, but this one was closest, and Gabriella’s heels made hiking a pipe dream.
Maybe her strange photo was an effort to protect him from the reporters that hounded her. They probably followed her everywhere when she was at home. It was a blessing that she’d been able to escape to Harvest Ranch without half of California on her tail.
“I think you’ll really like it up here. It’s quiet, and the view is incredible.” Russ sat down and swept his arm out, indicating Harvest Ranch laid out below them. White Top Mountain had the ability to center Russ in a way few other things could. The peace that grew with the large rocks and towering trees showed him how small he was in the grand scheme of things, and at the same time, the birds and darting chipmunks reminded him that he was never forgotten in God’s plan. He hoped that some time up here would be good for Gabriella, that she’d decompress from her hectic filming schedule, get away from the unnatural lights, and see the world beyond the camera lens.
Up here, they could feel like the only two people on earth.
Tyrell cleared his throat and leaned his back against a tree, facing the direction they’d come. Russ chuckled. Maybe not the only two … Tyrell’s presence made it hard to act casual and even harder to come up with something to say as Russ unpacked their lunch.
“It is quiet.” Gabriella shivered. “Too quiet.” She pulled out her phone and started a playlist. A bass drum pounded, the sound tinny and annoying in the grand expanse that surrounded them. “Maybe that’s too loud.”
Russ sighed with relief, but Gabriella turned the volume down and set the phone on the blanket next to her.
“What are you working on now?” she asked.
Russ leaned back on his elbow, thankful she’d taken the lead. “A romantic comedy.”
“Is there a part in there for me?”
Tugging on his scarf, Russ cleared his throat. “I don’t really have a say in casting.”
Gabriella ran her finger over his knuckles. “I bet you could, if you wanted to.”
Russ watched her fingers do figure eights over the back of his hand, liking the soft tickle.
“With a little confidence and a push in the right direction, I’ll bet you could have a lot of say in things.”
“What direction?” Russ asked absently.
“Hollywood.”
“Hollywood?”
Gabriella’s eyes lit up. “The big screen.” She splayed her hands through the air. “You could be the next big thing.” Her hands landed on his chest, and her eyes dropped to his lips. “You have everything you need right here.”
