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Byron

I have to be out of my goddamned mind.

I shouldn't get involved with this pretty little activist. Social media crusaders are definitely not my type. But, then, why can't I stop myself?

Lucky for her, my truck is parked up the hill and I always have lots of supplies. Up here in Darkmore, you never know when a freak storm or landslide will ruin your day. I always come prepared.

From my truck, I can hear the loggers shouting and Sawyer shouting back. I chuckle to myself. That girl's got spunk. I'd give her that, at least.

My long stride quickens towards the tree, supplies weighing heavy on my shoulders.

Sawyer has her phone held high in the air. "Justice for Darkmore!" She shouts.

The lead logger is turned away, yelling at someone on the other end of the phone.

I drop my bags at the base of the tree, snaking a chain through the straps and then passing it through Sawyer's. The tree is impossibly thick, so I weave my chain around hers before snapping the lock shut.

"What are you doing?" Sawyer gasps as she hears the telltale click of a padlock.

"You're not going to defend this tree alone, Sawyer," I say, flinging the key off into the distance. It lands with a soft thud, disappearing into the underbrush.

Sawyer's eyes widen in disbelief. "What the hell did you just do?" she demands, glancing down at the chain firmly binding us together.

"I just made sure you're not alone in this," I reply, dusting off my hands. "Besides, looks like you could use the company. And maybe a little muscle."

She narrows her eyes, her cheeks flushing with color. "I don't need your help, Byron. I've been managing just fine on my own," Sawyer retorts, her voice laced with indignation.

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Yeah, I can see that. You're a real force to be reckoned with, aren't you? But even the fiercest warriors need backup sometimes."

She rolls her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "This isn't a game, Byron. This is serious. And I don't need your chauvinistic attitude or your 'muscle' to help me save this tree." She uses her fingers to make air quotes.

I hold my hands up in surrender, a smirk playing on my lips. "Alright, alright. No need to get your panties in a twist, sweetheart. I'm just trying to help."

Sawyer's eyes flash with anger, but I can see the hint of a smile trying to break through. "Don't sweetheart me, mountain man. I'm not one of your groupies."

I laugh, a deep, rumbling sound that echoes through the forest. "Groupies? Now that's a new one. And trust me, darlin', I don't have groupies."

She scoffs, returning her attention to the logger, who is now yelling at his men to get to work.

Sawyer pulls out her phone again, raising her voice to be heard over the rumble of the machinery. "Everyone, this is Sawyer Hart, broadcasting live from Darkmore Forest. These loggers are determined to cut down this historic Douglas fir, and I'm not going to let that happen!"

I watch her, impressed by her determination and passion. She's a firecracker, that's for sure. And damn if she isn't beautiful when she's fired up like this. Her eyes are alive with fervor, her cheeks flushed with color, and her long, curly hair bounces with every move she makes.

I can't help but be drawn to her, not just by her looks but by her spirit. She's a force to be reckoned with.

The loggers begin to move in, their chainsaws revving ominously. Sawyer shouts into her phone, "They're preparing to cut down the tree! This is unacceptable! We need your help, people!"

I step forward, my hand resting on the chain that binds us together. I stare the loggers down, daring them to come any closer.

The men stand waiting for instruction. No one is going to be cutting this tree down with two civilians chained to it.

The manager with the mustache pushes through them and marches up to my face. "What the hell is this?"

"I've joined the cause," I say, glancing at Sawyer. "So, you'd better find a different tree to cut, buddy."

The man grinds his teeth together. The sound is loud enough to be heard over the machinery.

"Fine," he spits. "I'll get head office and the lawyers involved. You can't stay out here forever. The tree will come down one way or another."

"Sounds like a challenge," Sawyer smirks. "Give us your best shot."

My chest swells with pride. Maybe she's more than a social media personality. This firecracker might care for the forest as much as I do. As much as my family did.

There's only one way to find out.

"Well," I sigh, watching the ATVs drive away. "We may as well get comfortable, Sawyer," I say, looking down at the chain that binds us together. "It looks like we're in for a long night."

She glances at me, her eyes still sparkling with determination. "You don't have to stay, Byron. You've done your part. I can handle this from here."

I shake my head, a small smile playing on my lips. "And miss out on all the fun? Not a chance. Besides, I threw that key so far we'd need a trained squirrel to find it."