Their Rustic Retreat (The Men of Evergreen Mountain #5)

6. Serena

SIX

serena

Our second date is a bit more traditional, at least by Tristian’s standards. A nice restaurant, a sit-down Mexican place, the only one in Evergreen Valley. It being the only option, which at least didn’t lead to complacency, because I loved this place dearly. I’d come here for several birthdays, and the food is just fantastic.

We’re deep into our meal, Tristian with a fajita plate and mine loaded with nachos. We’d mostly been talking about meaningless things like TV shows, sports, books, and the like. Our conversation wouldn’t remain forever light, however.

“So, what’s next for you?” I ask, swirling a chip in some salsa.

“Hmm?” he says, perking up.

“Like, do you intend to just bust your ass at Mr. Bell’s farm for the rest of your life?”

He shrugs. “I didn’t really think about it much. But I’m not really complaining about where I am right now.”

“You can’t do that forever. Like, could you really be doing that in twenty years? Bodies start to break down.”

He leans back in his seat, resting his head in his hands. “Yeah, you’re right. Not like I can try to earn myself into inheriting Mr. Bell’s farm or anything. He already has a son who’s called dibs on it.”

“Dibs is a weird way to call passing something on to your kid.”

“Just saying I ain’t gonna be owning that farm. So, yeah, I do have to figure something else out.”

“Did you want to go to school for something?”

More shrugging. “I don’t know. What I do know is I think I’m liking this way of life up here in Evergreen Valley. It's slower paced. And more genuine.”

“I love it here too. So much so that I struggle with leaving.”

“What does your brother do? Or his friends? They all seem to be doing well for themselves up here.”

Serena smiles. “Oh, there’s lots of ways. One’s a carpenter. Another is a lumberjack. One’s, like, a real estate agent I think? Developer? I’m not sure? He just plans projects and makes it work or something. I think he’s into other things, really.”

“Other things?”

“You know. Other things. Things that you don’t say aloud.”

He stares at me, blinking. “I think your brother mentioned that.”

“Yeah. Oh, and my brother? He does a bit of everything. Closest thing Evergreen Valley has to a true outdoorsman.”

“Your brother seems to really be something.”

I nod. “He’s a total asshole, but yes, I love him all the same. Even if he can be overprotective and think the sky is falling, over every little thing.”

“Like what? Is he freaking out about something right now?”

“Like you, Tristian. He’s off thinking that you’re some sort of a shady man, that you’re a criminal or something.”

Tristian takes a big bite of his food, looks off to the side, and starts very deliberately chewing the recommended twenty-five times, as if to buy himself as much time as possible.

“He’s just worried about you, Serena. Don’t overthink it too much.” He forces a smile. “Guess I should make myself scarce around your home until he calms down, eh?”

“Yeah,” I say. “Don’t want to cause too much conflict.”

Those doubts I have blossom. He’s hiding something from me, and when it’s something like this, it’s definitely a red flag.

“Really, though?” he says, his smile trying to get the conversation back on the right track. “What I want is something like that. I want to work with my hands. Work with the land. Maybe make my own farm. Your brothers could be an inspiration to me.”

“Farming might be a bit of a rough go, learning from them, but they can all teach you to be a proper Evergreen Valley woodsman. Or mountain man. Or whatever type you’re willing to be. As long as you’re willing to learn.”

“I am. I might not be sure what I want to be, but I definitely know what I don’t want. I’ve enjoyed the crisp air and clear skies too much to go back to being a city boy.”

I giggle. “You’re going to miss the unidentifiable odor of the city at some point, I’m sure. It’ll become nostalgic.”

“I assure you, I can live without that.” He slurps some water. “And I also know that whatever I do, I think I want it to be with you, Serena.”

My face turns red. “Laying on the charm, huh?”

“What? You’re beautiful, sweet, sexy, and everything else I could ever want. Any future I have, I want it to be alongside you. And I want to help you find your dreams while I’m at it.”

I can’t help but grin at his words. I adore him, too, but the growing specter of uncertainty, I can’t shake.

We finish our meal, and we head out to my car. Well, my mother’s car. She always lets me borrow it if I ask nicely.

Tristian, the sweetheart that he is, wraps his hands around my waist, and pulls me close, the embrace as powerful as everything else between us.

We seal the night with a kiss, as wonderfully as all the last twenty-seven other times he’s kissed me thus far, but who's counting?

“I’d invite you home, but I think you’re not welcome.”

“And I’d invite you home, too, but I think your brother will freak out if I keep you away too long.”

“Rain check on the wild, passionate, new love-fucking, sadly.”

“Don’t worry, babe. I’ll definitely make it up to you.”

Another kiss. God, I’d just stand in this parking lot making out with him all night if I didn’t think people would start staring at us.

Departing from him, he watched me pull out of the parking lot, and I started my trip back home.

“Hey, take a right here.”

“Oh sure,” I say, without even thinking.

“Thanks, we’re going on a little side trip. I’m sure I won’t keep you long.”

I turn toward the voice.

It’s some guy I haven’t seen before.

I scream.

He screams.

For a time he just glares at me.

“Well? Keep your eyes on the road! I’m not looking to cause a five-car collision here.”

I obey, agreeing with him on that, even if I strongly disagree about other things.

“Follow my directions. Don’t make me get more forceful with my suggestions and we’ll get along beautifully.”

My brain catches up with what’s happening, and I manage to sputter, “F-forceful?”

The man twirls a butterfly knife in his hand.

Oh. That kind of forceful.

Well.

This sucks.