Page 31 of Grumpy on the Mountain

The food is incredible, the steak so tender it practically melts on my tongue. The fries are crispy and fragrant with truffle oil, and a bottle of red wine that Charlie brings out "on the house" again.

As we eat and talk easily, the tavern fills with more locals, many of whom find excuses to walk past our table.

After our plates are cleared and we're nursing the last of our wine, Beau surprises me with a question.

"What did you mean earlier? About being free."

I blink, caught off guard. "I dunno. It's like with Riley, I was always trying to be someone else. Someone he liked. Now I'm figuring out who I really am, because I never got the chance to find out exactly who that is."

Beau leans forward, and I find myself continuing, the words spilling out like water through a broken dam.

"It suddenly feels like I've been drifting ever since I left home. Temporary apartments, seasonal jobs, never putting down roots because... well, I didn't know how. With Riley, home was wherever he wanted it to be, and that was never about what I wanted."

I trace the rim of my wineglass, Beau studying the liquid sloshing as I continue rambling.

"But ever since I left, then coming to this town to see my sister? I dunno. It just feels different here." I laugh softly. "Hell, maybe I'll just stay here."

Beau's eyes never leave my face as I speak, and there's something validating about his complete attention.

"Sounds like a good idea," he says after a moment. "Staying here, I mean."

"Yeah?" I can't help the hopeful note in my voice.

Across the tavern, I notice Doc Greene elbowing Sheriff Cooper and nodding in our direction, clearly amazed by the sight of Beau Callahan almost smiling.

"The town could use someone like you," Beau continues. "Fresh perspective."

"I'm pretty sure what this town needs is someone who knows the difference between a hammer and a screwdriver," I laugh.

"That can be taught," he says. "Mountain life can be tough, but I think you've got what it takes. Maybe with some extra practice."

I smile, hoping the blush from his kind words is disguised by the heat of the room. "Thanks, Beau."

By the time we leave the tavern, the temperature has dropped and stars are scattered across the clear night sky. The drive back to Sienna's is quiet but comfortable, a new ease between us that wasn't there before.

When Beau pulls into the driveway, the house is dark except for the porch light Sienna has left on for me.

Beau cuts the engine but makes no move to get out.

"Thank you," I say softly. "For dinner. And... everything else."

"I had a nice time," he says, then adds with a touch of surprise, "Which is... not something I usually say."

I laugh. "Well I'm honored to be the exception."

To my shock, I manage to climb down from the truck without assistance, my feet finding solid ground with newfound confidence.

"See," Beau says, coming around to my side. "You're already getting better at this mountain life."

He walks me to the door, and at the bottom of the porch steps, I turn to face him, suddenly very aware of how tall he is, how close we're standing.

"Goodnight, Beau," I say.

He reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers linger, just for a second, against my cheek.

"Thank you," he says, his voice deeper than usual. "It's been... a long time since I enjoyed myself this much."

I don't know who moves first—maybe both of us—but suddenly we're inches apart, his breath warm against my lips, his eyes dark pools I could drown in.