“Since when are park rangers fix-it guys?”
He laughs. “Not all of our duties involve saving pretty girls from bears and meeting with school groups. We maintain all the buildings and trails, haul lumber, monitor brush clean up, and manage the upkeep of the campgrounds.” He scratches his chin. “We’ve done our fair share of carpentry. It’s how we met.”
I’ve sensed a real bond between the three friends. Similar to the boys at home. They’re connected. “So you’re telling me you’re handy.”
r /> “Very.”
Unlike Reid, thinking about Holden’s hands, or Adrian’s, sends a thrill down my spine.
“Despite what you walked in on today, I do still think I have this under control, but I’ll let you know if I need anything.”
“Good.” He smiles, revealing a slightly chipped tooth. “I guess I should head back. I’ve got a carload of groceries out there.”
“Thanks for stopping by,” I say, following him to the door. “Seriously.”
“You call us if you need anything.”
“I will,” I say, knowing that I probably won’t. It’s not like I have their number anyway.
He pauses in the doorway, lifting his hand to touch the frame. His bicep rounds and the urge to touch him—explore him—returns. “You don’t like asking for help, do you?”
His question startles me. So much, I reply with the truth. “No. I like being independent.”
“Like it, or you’re just used to it?”
“I don’t like being indebted to others.”
“Not everyone is keeping score, you know that, right?”
I don’t respond, because this man, no matter how handsome he is, isn’t going to change my view on life. Independence is good. Hard work is better.
Counting on people only gets you hurt.
He heads out the door, jogging down the steps and I shut the door, locking the bolt.
I walk into the kitchen and pick up the pie pan and towel. Something flutters out of the towel onto the counter. A slip of paper. I pick it up and see a phone number and one word;
Rangers.
I get the feeling that even though I’m convinced I don’t need these men in my life, they don’t feel the same.
6
Holden
“How was she?”
I glance back at Adrian as I unload the groceries. He opens the refrigerator door and puts away the milk, eggs, and other items that need to be kept cool. He slams the door and I hear the clink of bottles, then the hiss of bottle caps being removed. I finish shelving the dry goods and shut the pantry door.
“Stubborn,” I reply, grabbing the beer bottle and taking a long drink.
He laughs. “Sounds right.”
“I think she’s in over her head with this house project, but she’d never admit it.”
He grabs two more bottles and carries them out to the porch where Robbie and Smith are hanging out. There’s a pretty good view of the sunset from our porch and when we’re all home, we try to catch it.
“You look worried,” Adrian says, handing off the beers. “Did something happen?”