Deep dimples formed as he smiled back at her. “That’s me.” His voice was smooth, deep. Like good espresso. “Sorry if I’m a bit late. I ran into a bit of a roadblock on the way from Wilson—some grizzly and her cubs. Created quite the traffic jam.”
She cleared her throat. “You drove from Wilson?”
“I’m here in Wyoming with a production company that is filming a television series set on a large ranch in that area.”
“Like five thousand acres large?” she asked.
He nodded. “That’s the one.”
Charlie Grace knew it well. The Aspen River Ranch, one of the most prominent land masses in Wyoming. The ranch was built decades ago by a wealthy family from back east and was now owned and operated by the grandchildren. Plenty of famous people had stayed at the prominent destination, including a former president.
This wasn’t the first occasion that filming had occurred at the site either. A documentary, several commercials, and even some movie scenes were shot along the scenic river.
She followed Nick to the rear cargo area of his vehicle, trying to remember how long it had been since she’d run a brush through her hair. “So, you’re with the production company?” Like many of the locals, she was filled with curiosity. Early details surrounding the new television show had yet to be disclosed. The secrecy fueled the local rumor mill.
He lifted the hatch door before glancing back her way. “I’m the production designer, the one who translates the script into visual form. Before one inch of film is shot, I create a series of storyboards that serve as the film production’s first draft. Those storyboards serve as the director’s visual guide throughout the production and will be a template to follow during the editing process.”
Charlie Grace let her gaze meet his, finding all that fascinating. “We’re glad you’re here with us here at Teton Trails.”
Her heart skipped a beat, just as it had the other night. She couldn’t help but feel a jolt of attraction. His wavy dark hair, chiseled jawline, and piercing blue eyes were impossibly charming. When he smiled, his eyes crinkled at the corners, giving him a friendly and approachable demeanor. Even more, there was a sense of confidence in his posture and the way he moved as he pulled his bags from the car that she found captivating.
He hoisted a large duffel over his shoulder and glanced around. “I’ll never get used to this beauty.”
“We like to say we live in God’s blueprint for heaven.”
His face broke into a broad smile, showing off those dimples again. “You got that right.”
“Well, here, let me show you to your cabin.” He followed as she led him past the main lodge. “We serve breakfast in the dining room daily at seven. We can also deliver a tray to your cabin if you choose. Sandwiches and accouterments are set out for lunch each day. Dinner is often outside by the campfire unless the weather forces us inside.” She took a breath, knowing she was rambling a bit.
Nick continued to look around, taking in the surroundings. “Sounds good.”
She led him across the lawn toward the guest quarters, well aware he was now watching her. “We want your stay to be comfortable.”
They reached his assigned cabin, the last one in the row. The log structure had a front deck with an unobstructed view of the jagged Teton mountain range in the distance. She opened the door and handed him the key she’d tucked in her pocket, showing him inside.
He nodded his approval. “This is great.”
She guessed him to be in his mid-forties and quickly glanced at his left hand to find no wedding ring. She immediately chastised herself for the move, remembering she wasn’t some schoolgirl encountering the high school jock in the hallway.
Charlie Grace swallowed. “I—I hope you’ll join us for our debut barbecue. Steaks and all the fixings out at the fire pit.” She glanced at her watch. “Six thirty.”
“Count me in. I’m starving.” He tossed the duffel on the quilt-covered bed.
She bid him goodbye, wondering why she could barely breathe. Capri was right. This guy was a lot.
Capri pickedup Charlie Grace’s call on the first ring. “What’s up? How’s everything going on your big opening day?”
“Better than expected. All three guests have arrived, and so far, so good. Girl, you aren’t going to believe who just checked in.” Charlie Grace drew an energy bar from her stash in the barn and unwrapped it. “That guy.”
“What guy?”
“The guy we saw at the Rustic Pine Friday night.”
She could hear Capri’s intake of breath across the phone. “McDreamy?”
“Stop calling him that…but yes,thatguy.”
“Why’s he in town? I mean, you’d think somebody like that would be staying in Jackson. He doesn’t strike me as the dude ranch type.”
