Page 57 of Night and Day

Life was so unfair.

“Tessa?” he asked in a quizzical tone.

I shook my head to clear it. “You’re wearing jeans.”

He arched a brow. “Someone reminded me that I couldn’t wear my suit this morning.”

“Right.” I was wearing a pair of stylish black pants and a camel-colored top in deference to our hike today. “And you’ve left your phone behind?”

He held up his empty hands. “As ordered.” He cocked his head. “You know, I can’t remember the last time I went anywhere without my phone.”

“It’s good for your health.”

“How often are you without your phone?”

I wrinkled my nose.

His lips quirked. “I thought so.”

“Well, I don’t have it today, so let’s go.”

He fell into step beside me, shortening his longer strides to match mine. We walked past the bike track. There were already lots of people taking bikes off the rack, and others putting them back. I spotted Sierra and waved.

When Ro continued toward the hiking trails, Sierra rolled her eyes at me and pressed a palm to her chest like she was going to faint.

I scowled at her and shooed her off.

“We have a variety of trails. The one leading up to the cabin is fairly easy and not too steep. We wanted to make sure it was accessible for people of all different ages and abilities.” We headed into the trees, and the green, piney scent hit me. I breathed deeply. I loved that smell. “We have an ATV trail that we use to take anyone up who can’t manage the hike. Along with food and linens. We use a snowmobile in winter.”

As Ro moved up the path, his stride lengthened. I saw him breathe deeply, tension leaking out of him.

I smiled. My aunt was a genius.

We continued on in silence. It was the perfect weather for a hike. The sun felt warm, but not too hot. At least the dappled shade from the trees meant I wouldn’t get sunburned.

“I’m guessing you don’t get to do this much?” I asked.

He gave a dry laugh. “Try never.”

Yes, life got busy, and Ro’s seemed busier than most. I hadn’t done any hiking this summer, either.

We followed a bend in the path and the trees thinned out. “There it is.”

The cabin came into view. It was all rough-hewn logs, with a sturdy, stone chimney.

“It’s really nice. I can see why it’s booked frequently.” He looked around. “Is there the possibility to build more?”

My heart dropped. “It wouldn’t be so special if you had neighbors right next to you.”

His gaze narrowed. “I guess not.”

As we approached the cabin, we turned and had the perfect view of the valley. Windward was nestled in between the hills, and we had a great view of the resort. Warmth hit my chest. It looked picture-perfect. “Like it?”

“You know anyone would like this view.” He set his hands on his lean hips and studied the valley.

We walked toward the cabin. I’d already checked in with my staff to make sure they’d followed my instructions.

On the small porch was a wooden table and two chairs. The table was loaded with food. All the plates were covered with silver, domed lids.