2.Danny

The morning sun is just peeking over the treetops, casting a golden glow on the bayou. I sip my coffee, enjoying the tranquility of the early hours. The water is calm and life is good. But today, there's been a little twist to my usual morning.

From my perch on the deck of my houseboat, I have a clear view of the cabin across the bayou. It's been empty for months, but now, a new guest has arrived. And watching her try to navigate the bayou is the best entertainment I've had in ages.

I take another sip of coffee and grin as she swats at a swarm of mosquitoes. Poor thing. She's got that city girl vibe, all high-strung and determined. It's like watching a cat in a room full of cuddly crazy cat ladies—she's tense, alert, and a little bit comical.

She's out on the deck now, muttering to herself as she unpacks. I can almost hear her cursing the humidity and the bugs. I chuckle. There's something endearing about her struggle, makes me want to help her out. Though I'm not sure, she'd want me to offer. She's got this fierce determination, and I respect that in a woman. Most people would've given up and hightailed it back to the city by now.

One thing's for sure-she's a tough cookie. The way she fumbles with the simplest tasks but refuses to back down. It's obvious she's used to being in control, calling the shots. Out here, though, she's out of her element.

My grin widens when she pulls out a pair of binoculars and scans the area. Smart girl. I see her eyes flare when she spots me, and for a moment, we just stare at each other. I give her a casual wave, and she hesitantly waves back. Maybe it's just me, but I get a thrill out of this silent exchange, feeling a spark of connection despite the distance.

I take another sip of my coffee, my eyes never leaving her. I'm drawn to her. Maybe it"s the way she doesn"t give up, even when she"s clearly frustrated. Or maybe it"s the vulnerability that peeks through her tough exterior. Whatever it is, I can"t help but want to get to know her better.

But the last thing I want is to scare her off. City folks can be skittish, especially when it comes to the unfamiliar. I need to find the right moment, the perfect way to introduce myself without coming off as too eager. Raising my hand, I gesture for her to come over to me but she's quick to decline.

Of course, she's just as I expected. Skittish.

I set the mug down, and I'm a little disappointed. I'm probably exaggerating but I really do get the sense that she could use a man.

I can see the stress in her shoulders, the weight of whatever she"s running from. Maybe, just maybe, I can help lighten that load. Show her that out here, it"s okay to slow down, to breathe, to let someone else take the reins for a bit. I have to find a way to enter her life smoothly and she might've said no to coming over to me, but…she didn't say anything about me coming to her.

There's nothing wrong with me paddling over there, to introduce myself properly. Maybe offer her some pointers on surviving the bayou without becoming gator bait. But I hesitate. I don't want to come off as the creepy guy spying on her. Even if I wouldn"t mind playing the swamp hero, swooping in to save the day.

Actually, who am I kidding? That's exactly what I want. A sense of excitement washes over me as I get into the boat. Hopefully she won't run.