But what? He would have given up his life for her. And she’d taken everything he had offered and wanted more.
He ran a hand through his hair. “Let’s just say I wasn’t enough for Candice. She wanted to live in a big city, with all the action and excitement. I was a little too woodsy for her tastes. I discovered that she’d been seeing a good friend of mine from high school. A friend that had gone to law school and made a name for himself in Miami, Florida. She left without even a goodbye.”
Dani grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze. “Thank you for sharing your story. I understand why you have a hard time trusting people after someone like Candice stomps on your heart.”
She paused, as if gathering her words. “I guess I can see why you misjudged me. I’m from the city, and you were burned by someone who didn’t appreciate you for who you are. And maybe I’m a little like her, but I don’t think you should have to give up everything for someone you care about. There has to be some compromise.”
Grizz zeroed in on the fact that Dani hadn’t let his hand go. They looked like school kids, skipping through the woods hand in hand. But he didn’t hate it.
What would she think of him if she knew the truth—how he’d trusted the wrong person, putting his Army teammates in direct danger? He’d told her that Josh’s death wasn’t on her, but it was hard to get over Kyle’s death when Grizz’s orders had ended his life.
A twig snapped behind them. Grizz turned and saw the source of the noise. “Time to pick up the pace.”
EIGHT
The city-girl instinctin Dani made her want to scream and run, but she kept her cool.
Somewhat.
She only stumbled twice in her adrenaline-fueled sprint down the hill, arms flailing and hair flying in the breeze.
Grizz’s laughter filled her ears. She slowed and dared to look over her shoulder at the momma black bear with her cubs, marching across the path they’d just occupied. This up-close-and-personal-with-nature adventure was miles out of her comfort zone, yet seeing the baby bears playing and rolling across the leaves and gravel sent a thrill through her. When would she ever get to experience something like this again? Or share the moment with this ultimate wild tour guide? She’d held back tears when he’d told her his story. The loss and hurt he’d carried for so long struck a chord within her soul.
Because a similar melody had played as the backdrop of her own life.
Grizz slowed when they were a safe distance away. “That was a little too close for comfort. But we’re almost there.” He pointed through the trees to a cleared area that opened up into sprawling fields of green grass. “Welcome to Grizz Manor.”
“Yes. You and your cousin do have very different ideas about the meaning ofcabin.” Dani gaped at the size of the mansion ahead of her. Acres of cleared land held a paved driveway and a house the size of a hotel.
It took another ten minutes to get down the hill and arrive at the front of the estate. Grizz punched a six-digit code into the keypad, and a gate creaked open.
“This place looks like some high-end resort. Not a summer house.” The two-story home consisted of exposed and unpainted tan wood beams, giving it a rustic vibe. But there was nothing roughing it with this cabin.
Grizz waved his hands as if to showcase the house. “Five bedrooms. A deck with breathtaking views. Oh, and a hot tub.”
After another keypad entry, Grizz opened the front door.
Dani walked through the foyer and gasped. The spacious living room that led onto a wooden-deck balcony overlooked a lake with mountain peaks as a backdrop. Floor-to-ceiling windows outfitted the back wall, leaving her spellbound. Sunlight glistened off the water, helping her regain some of that fleeting peace.
“This place is amazing.” She touched a glass sconce over the brick fireplace complete with marble mantel.
Grizz snorted. “Mike doesn’t have an outhouse.”
Dani laughed. “Yeah, you’ve got him beat there. I can’t get over how beautiful this place is, inside and out. We don’t have views like this in DC.”
The wooden deck overlooked the expansive backyard and lake. A canoe lay upside down in front of the blue water. The mountain range hemmed them in, creating a postcard picture, despite the drizzly rain. The patio was covered, at least.
Dani shook her head. “I don’t know, Grizz. I kind of like your place better. This place has all of the amenities, but your place has heart.”
“Heart?”
“Yes. Character. Your cabin isn’t going to be the focus of a reality show, but it’s home. I’m just praying your crew can get that fire put out.”
“Agreed. Hopefully they’ll make it here soon,” said Grizz.
“Do you think your cousin has coffee? Would he mind me helping myself to some liquid sustenance?”
“I’m sure he won’t mind. I’ll explain it all to him. His wife likes me.” He shot her a quirky grin that made her bite her lip to keep from laughing.
