Chapter 14: Gabrielle

Chapter 14 – Gabrielle

Sure enough, just as John said, the trees gradually thin out a bit, which allows us to see much farther than we could before. Outcroppings of jagged rocks jut up from the ground in all directions. In the distance, I can see much higher mountains with white, snowcapped peaks. The sky overhead is a beautiful clear blue. Large white clouds drift by overhead.

Just before eleven, we reach Pine Lake. This large, irregularly shaped body of water sits in a valley between two ridges.

We ride halfway around the lake and stop at an established camp site. Besides the spot having several picnic tables, it also offers us places to tie our horses.

“These are highlines,” John says to the group. “We’ll put three horses on this line, and the other two on that line over there.”

We each dismount and walk our horse to a rope stretched between two tall wooden poles. John demonstrates how to tie our horses’ leads to these silver swivel rings attached to the rope overhead. The horses are spaced quite a distance apart. Immediately, the horses start happily nibbling on the grass at their feet.

After the horses are secured, we gather around one of the picnic tables for lunch. John opens the supply pack and pulls out a soft-sided cooler containing water bottles.

I’m parched, so I can’t wait to drink something cold.

We all take a seat at the table as John hands out the packed lunches. Each lunch contains a sandwich, an apple, a bag of potato chips, and a brownie. I smile as I bite into my sandwich. This takes me back to my school days when my mom packed my lunch.

“I got the vegetarian sandwich,” Brittany says, wrinkling her nose. “Here this one’s for you.” She trades with Andrea.

“God, whoever thought a turkey sandwich could taste this good?” Krista asks as she polishes off the first half of her sandwich.

They’re just simple sandwiches—turkey, cheese, and mayo on whole wheat bread—but they taste divine. There’s something about being out in the great outdoors and fresh air that tends to stimulate a person’s appetite.

John and I end up seated on one side of the picnic table, opposite the other three. I take a long sip of cold water as I observe the women seated across from us. Obviously, they’re good friends. They’re very relaxed with each other, and they tend to laugh at a lot of inside jokes.

I suspect Brittany is crushing on John because Andrea and Krista keep elbowing her and smirking. I swear, it’s like being in middle school all over again.

John makes a point of sitting on my left, and I don’t think that was an accident. His hat is on, the brim pulled down a bit. I hate that he feels like he has to hide one side of his face. Despite his facial scars, he’s still a handsome man. And I find his demeanor makes him even more attractive.

Besides, I’ve always been one who roots for the underdog.

After we finish our lunch, we pack up our trash, careful to leave nothing behind, then strike out on a hike around the lake.

Up close to the water, I can see how clear it is. The sandy lake bed, littered with smooth stones is clearly visible. Every now and then I see a flash of iridescent scales as a fish darts by. Schools of smaller fish swim closer to the bank, hiding in vegetation and under fallen tree limbs submerged in the water.

I try to shut out the voices of the three women who are regaling us with stories of shopping in L.A. They’re walking ahead, followed by John. Because I’m in the rear, I notice John’s limp is more pronounced than usual. His leg must be stiff from the three-hour ride.

At about the halfway point, a fox darts out from beneath some shrubs and makes a run for it. Brittany screams, flailing her arms as she stumbles backward. She bumps into Krista, who falls back onto her butt in the shallows. Andrea laughs her head off as Krista attempts to climb to her feet, sputtering in indignation.

“Oh, my God, I’m so sorry!” Brittany tells Krista.

Krista scowls as she struggles to stand. “Sure you are.”

“Really, I am!” Brittany says. But then she starts laughing, too, undermining her attempt at an apology.

John offers Krista his hand and helps her to her feet.

“You okay?” he asks Krista.

Her jeans and sneakers are soaked. “Hardly! Do I look okay? I’m wet!”

“Did you bring a change of clothes, like I recommended?” John asks.

“No! I wasn’t planning on going swimming.” She gives her friends the stink eye, and that only makes them laugh harder.

I bite my lip to keep from joining in, but it’s hard not to because the look on Krista’s face is so comical. If looks could kill, Brittany would be a dead woman.

Brittany looks genuinely mortified. “Krista, I’m so sorry!”

“Oh, shut up!” Krista says.

We continue our hike, stopping now and then to peer into the lake. The water is pristine, so clear we can see all kinds of wildlife in the water—frogs, fish, geese, even turtles. When we encounter a snake slithering through the grass, the three L.A. women screech their heads off.

“Is it poisonous?” Andrea asks.

“No,” John says. “It’s just a grass snake. It’s harmless.”

“You’re sure?” she repeats, looking rather horrified.

John sighs heavily. “I’m sure.”

I do my best to ignore them. I’m more interested in enjoying the stunning scenery and the mountain peaks in the distance. I’m struck by how breathtaking it is out here. No wonder Hannah didn’t want to return to Chicago after finishing her graduate studies. I don’t blame her for wanting to stay.

When we complete our circuit around the lake, we each drink another water bottle to hydrate for the return trip. We also take turns peeing in the woods. I find that harder to do than expected. I’m sure it’s a piece of cake for John. That thought makes me smile.

While we’re waiting on Andrea to return from her potty break, I sit on the picnic table top and take a few minutes to enjoy the lake view. It’s quiet up here—at least it is when the trio is silent. It’s peaceful and relaxing. I’d like to come up here again sometime soon, but without all the commotion.

John comes to stand beside me. As usual, he positions himself so I can’t see the left side of his face. The fact he feels the need to do that saddens me. I was hoping, because of our budding friendship, he would trust me by now. At least trust me enough to let down his guard and be himself, at least around me.

“So, what do you think?” he asks.

“About what?” His question catches me off guard. I’m thinking a lot of things at the moment—some I don’t mind telling him, and other things I want to keep to myself. Like how I spend way too much time thinking about him.

“For starters,” he says, “what do you think about horseback riding? It’s easier than you expected, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but I think that’s because your horses are really well trained.”

He nods. “They are. They’re very reliable. They have to be or we’d get our asses sued.”

I laugh. “Good point.”

“What do you think about the view?” He turns slightly to face me, so he can see my expression.

I gaze out at the mountains in the distance. “It’s breathtaking.”

He smiles, as if he’s relieved I feel that way. “It is.” Then he grins and lowers his voice. “And what do you think about the company?”

I know he’s referring to our lively trio, but that’s not how I want to interpret his question. “I like it a lot.”

He meets my gaze out of the corner of his eye, holding it for a long silent moment as if he’s trying to read between the lines.

I don’t want any ambiguity or confusion, so I make my meaning clear. I lay my hand on his shoulder. “You’re a great guide. I’ve enjoyed this trek far more than I thought I would, and it’s because of you. Thanks for inviting me along.” Then I climb off the picnic table. It’s time to go.

Andrea comes trudging out of the trees. “Peeing outdoors is gross,” she says. Her scowl sends her two friends into peals of laughter.

After we make sure camp is tidy, we mount our horses and start on the return journey. John leads the way, followed by the L.A. trio, and I take up the rear. I guess that’s what I get for being the sensible one.

* * *

We’re all tired and cranky—well, except for John—when we return to the barn around three o’clock, right on time. Nora is waiting for us. She and John start to unsaddle the horses so they can let them in the pasture to rest and cool down.

“I need a shower,” Brittany says. “And a nap.” She checks the time. “What’s on the menu for dinner this evening, Gabrielle? Please say it’s something good.”

I do my best to hide the fact that my butt and thighs are killing me. I also desperately need a shower and a change of clothes. Still, the food must go on.

Mentally, I tally the groceries I have on hand and how much time we have. It’ll have to be something I can whip up pretty quickly. We still have plenty of chicken breasts, potatoes, and broccoli left. “Grilled chicken breasts with lemon dill sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli,” I say, hoping that will meet with her approval.

“Hmph,” she says, shrugging. “That sounds good.”

The trio disappear into the lodge, presumably returning to their rooms to clean up and change for dinner. I plan to do the same before I head up to the restaurant and start cooking.

“Are you eating dinner in the restaurant?” I ask John as he turns toward the barn.

He pauses and looks back. “I thought I’d shower and grab a bite to eat in my cabin. Why?”

I realize if I want a chance with John, I’m going to have to make the first move. His natural inclination is to distance himself from people. To be alone. “I thought maybe we’d have dinner together.”

He stares at me like I’m speaking a foreign language—one he doesn’t understand. “You want to have dinner with me?” He actually sounds shocked.

“It’s not a date or anything.” Grinning, I parrot back his words from yesterday. I shrug. “I just thought it would be nice to sit and relax over a good meal.”

His posture eases as he contemplates my suggestion. “Yeah, okay. I’ll come in for dinner. But I do need to take care of the horses first and then get myself cleaned up. Can I meet you at six?”

“That would be perfect.” It’ll give me time to make sure dinner is going well.

He doesn’t even crack a smile. “You did good on the trail today. It was nice having you along.” Then he disappears into the barn, leaving me speechless.

Will wonders never cease? John Burke just gave me a compliment.

* * *

John takes a sip of his black coffee. “Did you come along on the ride today to protect my virtue?”

“Guilty.” I grin. “You should have heard how those women were talking about you at dinner last night—like you were a piece of meat. They were calling dibs.”

He shakes his head. “I doubt any of them really want a piece of me.”

“Don’t sell yourself short.” I pop a piece of grilled chicken in my mouth and chew. Mm. The seasonings are spot on, if I do say so myself. Everything turned out well. The garlic mashed potatoes are flavorful, and the steamed broccoli is cooked to perfection.

We’re seated in the restaurant dining room enjoying tonight’s special. He’s drinking coffee, and I’m having a glass of white wine. The dining room is nearly full tonight, and the guests seem to be enjoying their meals.

Word is getting out that the restaurant is about to undergo a transformation. Once the new equipment is installed and the new menu implemented, I think we’ll see even more diners coming from town.

Brittany and her friends walk into the restaurant, dressed up like they’re going to a Hollywood premiere. Fortunately, Tammy seats them on the other side of the dining room. I’m tired, and I really don’t want to deal with their theatrics right now.

“Have you always been around horses?” I ask John. He’s such a mystery.

He nods. “Born and raised with them. My mom breeds horses—well, she’s retired now. But yeah, I grew up with them. Zeus is one of my mom’s horses. So is Loki. She specialized in Quarter Horses for show and trail. When I departed the military, I moved back to the family ranch while I was recuperating. Once I was able to start working again—here—I was able to bring some of my horses with me. I’ve known every horse in these stables since they were born.”

“Whose idea was it to name them after Norse gods?”

“That was my idea,” he says. “I was always fascinated by mythology as a kid. I wanted to be Thor. I used to carry a hammer around with me, pretending it was Mjolnir. I wanted to be a superhero. That’s why I joined the military—to protect people.”

I’m glad he brought up his military experience. “How long have you been out of the military?”

He frowns. “Going on ten years now.”

“How long have you worked here?”

“Since they opened the lodge six months ago. Before coming here, I worked on my parents’ ranch just tryin’ to rebuild my strength and stamina. Caring for horses requires a lot of physical effort.”

“Hey, guys, how’s it going?” Killian approaches our table carrying a tray with two plates of food and two bottles of beer.

“Grabbing some dinner?” I ask.

Killian nods. “Hannah and I are camped out in the office tonight working on quarterly taxes. I just came up to grab some food. How was your ride today?”

“Good,” John says. “Everyone made it back in one piece.”

Killian laughs. “I’m glad to hear that.” Then he looks my way. “I heard you went too. Your first time?”

“Yep. It was a little terrifying at first. My horse—Odin—is really tall. But after a while, I was able to relax enough to enjoy the scenery. Pine Lake is stunning.”

Killian nods. “It is. Hannah and I like to camp up there. You should try it sometime, Gabrielle. Join one of the overnight camping excursions and rough it out in nature.”

I laugh. “I think a picnic and a hike around the lake was enough roughing it for me.”

“Spoken like a true city girl,” John says. He winks at Killian. “Baby steps. We’ll get her camping yet.”

“Hey, I did all right for myself today,” I say in my defense. “At least I wasn’t the one who fell in the lake.”

Killian’s brow goes up. “Who fell into the lake?”

“Krista,” I say. I nod toward the trio, who are sipping wine from long-stemmed glasses. “The brunette.”

“Yikes,” Killian says. “I take it she wasn’t hurt.”

John shakes his head. “Just her pride.”

“Well, have a nice evening you two,” Killian says. “I’m heading back to the office.”

After we finish our dinners, we both have a brownie for dessert. I didn’t have time to prepare anything else. I really need to talk to Jennie about placing a regular order for pies.

When we’re done, John reaches into his back pocket for his wallet.

“That’s okay,” I say. “It’s on the house. That’s one of the perks of dining with the restaurant manager.”

He smiles. “Remind me to eat with you more often.”

I definitely could live with that.

My pulse starts racing when I realize now’s a perfect time to invite him back to my place. That’s how this works, right? Invite the guy over for a nightcap and see where it goes. “Would you like to come to my apartment? For a drink?”

His smile fades. “I—it’s getting late. I should get back to the barn and check on the horses.”

I glance out the window to see it’s still light outside. It’s only eight-thirty. “So, that’s a no?”

He studies me a moment, his eyes searching mine as if he’s working through a difficult problem. “I’ll walk you to your apartment, though. It’s the least I can do after you kept me company today.”

Part of me—my bruised ego—wants to tell him to never mind. But part of me is hopeful that I’m not imagining the connection I feel between us.

I try not to let my disappointment show. I like John. I more than like him. He’s the strong quiet type, that’s for sure, but he also exudes integrity. I find that very attractive. “Thanks,” I say, forcing a smile.

It’s not his fault if he’s not interested.

We leave the restaurant and head upstairs to the staff apartments.

I unlock my door. “Goodnight, John. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

As I’m reaching for the doorknob, he says, “Gabrielle, wait.”

I pause, looking back at him.

“Maybe just one drink,” he says. He’s frowning, clearly not happy at the prospect of being alone with me in my apartment.

Letting him off the hook, I shake my head. “No, it’s okay. Just forget I asked. Have a good evening.”

When I open my door and step inside, he follows me in.