He watched her carefully until his friend answered the phone. “Hey, I need a favor. I have an emergency need for hiking boots. Can you help me out?” He listened to his friend, but didn’t really hear the words. Reid was too fascinated with the emotions flitting over Selena’s beautiful features. She was horrified that he was calling someone so early in the morning, which he thought was hilarious. Soon, she would understand that many people who loved to hike, preferred to be up early in the morning, getting out to the trails or branching out into the woods so they could find their own path. Either way was a great way to enjoy the peace of being in the mountains.
“Thanks,” he said, still watching her. Ending the call, he winked at Selena. “We need to hurry,” he took her hand. Pulling her out of the guest house, he led her outside to the Jeep, ignoring her sputtering confusion.
“Where are we going?”
He shook his head. “You’re going to have to trust me. You don’t yet,” he said, stopping her response as she’d done earlier, “but through my slow, evil plan, I’m going to earn your trust.”
He loved hearing her melodic laughter as he walked around to the driver’s side.
When he stepped into the Jeep, she said, “I’m not sure an evil plan is the best way to gain a person’s trust.”
He shook his head as he put the Jeep in gear. “With you, honey, I’m guessing it might be the only way. But I’m willing to shift tactics if I suspect one way isn’t working.” He glanced over at her a moment before he turned right out of his driveway, heading towards the highway. “You’re eventually going to trust me, Selena. It’s just a matter of time.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “Because I’m a very trustworthy fellow,” he replied, winking at her. In about an hour, they would be in full sunlight and he’d be able to see her properly. But for now, he was content to just be with her.
Selena laughed, then relaxed back against the leather seat. “You have your moments of charm,” she admitted. “But trust? Don’t hold your breath.”
He got off the highway a moment later and headed towards a shopping mall. “Where are we going?”
“You need hiking boots.”
“The stores aren’t open yet. My sneakers will be fine,” she assured him. “I’ll take it easy.”
He shook his head. “Nope. I’m making sure that your first time in the mountains won’t result in a twisted ankle or blisters.”
She wasn’t sure she believed him, but that was pretty normal around Reid.
“Come on,” he said and parked in the empty parking lot. As soon as they pulled in, another car drove up and a sleepy looking man stepped out of the vehicle. “Are you Reid Jones?” the man asked.
“Yep. Thanks for meeting us here,” Reid said, shaking the man’s hand.
“No problem. Getting a call from my boss sort of jump started my morning. Happy to help out.” He eyed Selena’s shoes. “Size seven?” he asked.
“Seven and a half,” she replied, feeling shock and embarrassment as she realized what the solution for her footwear problem was. Reid had called the shoe store owner who had jumped out of bed before dawn to open the store so that she could get fitted for hiking boots. Great!
But ten minutes later, she had chosen a pair of hiking boots as Reid thanked the guy. She even had some special socks that would protect her feet from blisters.
As they walked out of the store, boots and socks in hand, she shook her head at his audacity. “That wasn’t necessary.”
“Sure it was. I want your first experience hiking in a real mountain to be good. Besides, the guy owed me a favor.”
She cringed. “And you burned up that favor by asking his store manager to get to work five hours before he needed to?” She asked as they both stepped back into the Jeep.
“Yep!” he replied and swung the vehicle around in the parking lot. “Now, we need breakfast.”
“I’ve already eaten,” she told him, thinking of the oatmeal she’d consumed before he’d knocked on her door.
“Probably not enough,” he replied, shaking his head. “You need a lot of calories. First of all, you’ll be walking uphill for most of the morning. Also, it’s cold, so your body burns more calories than you might think.” She glanced at him warily and he laughed. “Trust me, Selena.”