Page 2 of Traveling with the Mountain Man

CHAPTER TWO

Leilani

As I dialed a third number from the list, I watched the sexy, handsome man walk his even more adorable dog around the parking lot, sticking to the grassy areas, under the shady trees.

Leaning against my car, I studied him closely, how he was with his dog, and the kind of vibes he gave off, his demeanor while doing the basics of doggie poop duty.

I looked for something that I’ve yet to find, a red flag or a strange look, something to make me question this man more.

Otherwise, I’d be hoping into his van already and driving off into the sunset.

Until I ended up on the next true crime documentary.

I wasn’t kidding.

You never knew what could be lurking out there and while I tried not to live my life in fear, it still settled at the back of my mind.

A guy with a cute dog couldn’t be that bad right?

Finally, after dialing the fifth phone number, somebody answered. But no appointments were available until next week.

Shit!

Why didn’t I listen to my parents?

Instead, my stubborn ass was going to make this work in whatever way I could.

Forever chasing the beauty in a photograph.

“Any luck?” Sawyer asked as he came up beside me, Betsy sitting next to him, her tongue lolling out the side of her mouth.

“Nope.” I ended the call of the eighth number I tried, leaving only one left on the list. “Either no answer or no appointments.”

“Damn. Must be the time of year with the holiday coming up next week and people going on vacation.”

“Yeah, probably.” I muttered before trying the last number. Again, no answer.

“Is there anyone you can call to come pick you up? Or maybe there’s a hotel nearby…” Sawyer scratched at his beard and the sexy move distracted me.

I shifted on my feet and sighed. “Yeah, I’ll figure something out. But hey, nice meeting you again. Take care, okay?” I yanked open the driver’s side door when a hand landed on my arm. I froze from his light touch and my breath caught in my throat.

“I’m not going to just leave you without a working car. It’s not safe. So please, let me give you a ride, or find you a hotel.”

I lifted my eyes to his and only kindness reflected back. It made no sense how I already felt so comfortable around him. I’ve known him all of fifteen minutes yet it’s almost like he was put in my path.

“I’m too far from home to ask for a ride and I don’t have enough money for a hotel room.

My plan was to travel and take pictures and sleep in my car if I had to.

Stupid, I know. My parents tried to stop me.

But all I’ve ever wanted is to see the world and capture it from behind my lens.

” My whole sordid story tumbled out and I was positive he would turn and walk away while he still could.

I wasn’t his problem. Why would he want me tagging along?

Sawyer offered me his hand, and I didn’t object.

Couldn’t object. Like my knight in shining armor, he brought my hand to his lips and kissed it gently.

“How about a little detour with me? Honestly, I think your plan is amazing. So, it may have a few holes, but what part of life isn’t a little bumpy?

Chasing goals and dreams is messy work, but when you make it to the finish line, you’ll be so happy you did.

Okay, okay I’ll get off my soapbox now. I’m sounding like my damn father which makes me feel old. ”

I laughed, clearly ignoring his question. A little detour with him ? Should I? “How old are you?” I asked, needing the distraction.

“Ah, I knew that question was coming. I’ll save you from the how old do I look crap. I’m thirty-five.”

“I wouldn’t have guessed a day over thirty.” I teased. Something about him being older than me had my panties in a twist. A good twist. A hot twist. “I’m twenty-five.”

“Age doesn’t matter.” He leaned closer and my heart pounded in my chest. “You’re absolutely gorgeous.”

My heart beat so hard and fast, I thought it was going to bust through my rib cage and splatter on the ground.

“At least come see Rustic Junction with me. There’s an old western saloon I wanted to check out.

I bet you can capture some good pictures there.

I promise to be nothing but a gentleman.

Betsy will keep me in line.” He grinned and I nearly melted into a puddle next to my car.

How could I say no?

“Okay.” I grinned, unable to hide my excitement. “Let me just grab my stuff and lock up my car.”

“This is our little home away from home.” Sawyer opened the back door of his van and showed me around the inside. It was a cute little setup and like many of the other van campers I’d seen on the internet.

“Oh wow, it’s so cozy in here!” I stepped inside, Betsy right beside me. She licked my hand and jumped onto her little bed. “You love it too, huh, girl?” I rubbed her ears.

“I bought it newly renovated. The guy who sold it to me had gutted the inside completely and converted it into the camper. So far, it’s been great. Only downside is no air conditioning. Some nights are hot.”

“My car’s air conditioning doesn’t work, either. A couple of nights weren’t fun, waking up drenched in sweat.”

“When did you hit the road?”

“Last week. Spent some time roaming around Colorado, as my hometown is about two hours upstate.”

“I drove here from Vermont. Something about Route 14 intrigued me and I figured why not start my new adventure here?”

“Vermont? Wow. I heard it’s nice there.”

“It is. Especially in the fall. The leaves changing colors and the atmosphere in the air as the crisp weather comes in. There’s nothing like it.”

“I bet. I’d love to see it one day.”

“Stick with me and you will.” Sawyer said so matter of factly, my heart leaped into my throat.

“What made you decide to start the van life?”

A sad expression came over his handsome features, but it was gone as quickly as it came. “I’ve always wanted to travel. After an injury left me unable to work, I figured it was now or never. So, I went with the now, bought the van, got my finances sorted, and hit the road with Betsy.”

Betsy’s ears perked up at the mention of her name.

“That’s pretty awesome. I mean, not the part about the injury, of course not, but getting to travel at your own leisure and live in your van.”

“So far, it’s been good. But now I think it’s even better.”

My cheeks flushed from the heat of his intense stare. “You do?” The silly question tumbled out.

“How can it not be when a beautiful lady is here. C’mon, I’ll finish showing you around and we can get in the front and take off.”

“Okay.” I swallowed hard. I would’ve said yes to anything he asked at that point.

Fuck, I was in trouble.