“I’d love to see these high-powered CEOs on a camping trip.”
“It definitely could be a good hidden-camera show.”
I took a sip of my coffee. “You should do a day hike to the falls when they’re up there. You could have their first team-building session when they reach the peak.”
Caden glanced at me. “That’s a great idea. Their defenses will be down if they’re tired.”
“Exactly.”
He leaned back in his stool. “Maybe you should come work for me.”
I laughed. “I think we would kill each other.”
Caden grinned. “Hey, we’ve been cohabitating for over a week, and there hasn’t been a single attempted murder.”
I snorted. “That just goes to show my incredible restraint.”
Caden shook his head, but a smile still played on his lips. “So, what’s on your docket today?”
“I’m taking a group on the Cedar Line trail this afternoon.”
He stiffened. “I thought you were staying at the office.”
I toyed with the edge of my napkin. After everything that had happened, Jordan had thought it might be good for me to stick close to town, and Caden and my brothers had agreed. “It’s been a week. Nothing else has happened. I need to get back to my life. And it’s not like I’ll be alone. I’m taking a group of eight people with me.”
Caden’s knuckles bleached white as his hold on his fork tightened. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
I turned to face him. “This is my job. Jordan can’t bench me forever. And I miss being out on the trails, teaching people about the area. If I don’t get back to it, I’m going to go stir-crazy.”
“You’ll have your sat phone?”
“Of course. And a Taser and bear spray.”
Caden’s jaw worked back and forth. “Who’s the group?”
“It’s a family from the Midwest.”
Caden didn’t look convinced.
I gave him my best smile. “Would it help if I told you the dad is a former Navy SEAL?”
Caden’s eyes flared. “Seriously?”
“We get bios on all of our guests so we know their fitness level and outdoor experience. I think I’ll be good to go.”
Caden stared at me for a moment, something unreadable in that gaze. “I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”
My traitorous heart ricocheted around in my chest. “I’ll be good.”
“Call me as soon as you get back?”
“I promise.”
* * *
Jordan frowned at me.“I think I should come with you, too.”
I was going to scream. “I’ll be fine. I’ve got all my gear, and they’re an easy group.”
