Maysie's features twisted with consternation, her finger waving in the air. "You mean to tell me you're taking this poor girl out in that weather again after the experience she just had? Have you lost your marbles, John Robbins?"
Frankie snickered at the brief look of exasperation and then fondness that flitted across John's face. It was heartwarming to witness the close community connection in this small town. "Actually, I've asked John to take me out this afternoon. He's agreed to show me his work, and unfortunately, time is not on my side. We have to go now."
"Okaaaayyyyy." The drawn-out word belied its meaning. "If you say so." Maysie pointed over her shoulder. "I'll get your tea started while you gather things. How about some sandwiches for the road, too?"
"Sounds great, Maysie. Thank you." The innkeeper had bustled off to the kitchen before John's reply had left his lips.
Frankie turned to John, who stood patiently watching her. “I’ll only be a minute.”
She was halfway up the stairs when he added, “Pack a bag of clothes in case it’s too late to bring you back to the inn.”
Her stomach fluttered at his words, and she ran up the rest of the way, eager to get started. The thought of staying overnight again in that glorious cabin, and near John, was tempting beyond all reason.
In the small room, she stared at the large oak dresser in the corner where she'd put her clothes. Her mouth flattened and her brow furrowed in consternation. She knew even without opening the drawers, she had nothing in there suitable for this weather. Snow and ice were the last things she’d considered while planning this trip. An obvious miscalculation.
With an irritated grumble, she grabbed her makeup bag and several outfits.
Here's to hoping I don't make it back tonight.
She froze at the thought. Was she hoping that she'd be forced to stay another night at John's cabin to continue her education? Or was she dreaming that he'd finally kiss her, and she'd learn firsthand just how amazing his hard body would feel against hers?
I’m being practical. That’s it. It has nothing to do with my desire to have hot, passionate, sweaty sex with that beautiful man.
"Ugh!" She shook her head with a grimace. "I have to stop this." If this was where her mind wandered, she seriously needed to get laid once she got home. Of course, she reflected, the lack of a man in her life was probablywhyshe was having these thoroughly indecent thoughts. It had been too long.
Keep it together, Frankie! You have a mission to accomplish, and it’s not the one in your pants.
Satisfied with the brief pep talk, Frankie gave herself a formal nod in the mirror and rushed downstairs to find John seated at one of the round dining tables, sipping tea with Maysie. They chatted casually like longtime friends.
"Well, there's a bit of bad news, I'm afraid," Frankie announced as she approached them.
John's brows shot up, his jaw solid and firm. He said nothing, patiently waiting for her to finish.
"I don't have the right gear for what we're doing today."
The corner of John's mouth lifted into a half smile, making Frankie want to curl up in his lap and see how it tasted. "It's not the end of the world. I figured as much when I found you in a ditch yesterday. We'll head to the outfitters next." He put the cup down and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Are you ready?"
Frankie bobbed her head as she accepted the to-go mug full of tea and a lunch bag from Maysie. "This should set you two for a while, honey."
"I'm sure it will. Thank you for everything, Maysie."
Maysie waved her away. “It’s my pleasure, dear.”
On their way out the door, John glanced over his shoulder at Maysie and added, "We'll be deep in the woods today, so she may not make it back to the inn tonight. I'll give you a call if that’s the case."
A pleased smile stretched across Maysie's face, a twinkle in her gaze. "You two have fun out there." Her sly tone and big wink said everything.
An hour and a couple hundred dollars later, Frankie was covered head to toe in appropriate winter gear that would get her through whatever John planned. The annoying part was that he insisted on paying for all of it.
"Heading out in this weather was my idea," he argued when she tried to pay. "I'll cover the cost. Besides," he added, "I get rewards on everything, so it's like I'm not spending a thing."He was obviously fibbing, especially when the cashier muffled a laugh and coughed in his hand. But Frankie let it slide and thanked John for his thoughtfulness.
What more could a girl do?
Chapter 6
White and green scenery slid slowly past as they navigated the freshly cleared road. "Where are we headed?" Frankie asked.
"There’s a section about five miles northwest of my cabin. It's an area that has consistently struggled to regrow despite the best efforts of my father and grandfather. Everything we've done over the last fifty years has failed to take root." John turned onto another obscure forestry road and slowly wound through the trees.
