“That’s the most incredible, fulfilling thing I’ve done in a long time.” Despite the cold, he was ready to shed his outer jacket. His body surged with energy and something he’d never felt before. “What did you call it?”
“Call what?”
“The feeling you get from climbing.”
“Empowered.”
“That’s it.” For the first time in more than a decade, Cash felt free. And he owed it all to the spunky girl next door. Without her, he’d still be staring at his laptop at the deli. But she’d drawn him into her world, given him a taste of what he’d been missing. And that was something he’d never forget.
* * *
Taryn loved this part of her job. The look on Cash’s face was priceless. And she couldn’t be more pleased with the way he’d put himself out there. His smile was unlike any she’d seen since he arrived. Genuine. He was truly enjoying himself.
She dropped her helmet.
“Does this mean we’re done?” He watched her coil the rope.
“I’m afraid so.” She sent him an apologetic look, just as sad as he was to see their time on the ice come to an end. “My best friend is getting married tomorrow and I’m the maid of honor, so I need to go help her.”
“Seriously?” He pulled off his helmet, tucking it under his arm.
She nodded, stuffing their gear into her pack.
“Wow, thanks for bringing me out here then.” He grabbed the pack she’d loaned him. “I’m surprised you had any time at all.”
“It’s not a big wedding. And besides that, you need to get back to your grandfather.”
“That reminds me, you did get some pictures of me, right?”
She couldn’t help laughing. “Lots. I’ll give you the memory card to upload to your computer. That way you can show your grandfather right away.”
“Awesome.”
“You got everything?” She eyed him as he slung his pack over his shoulder.
“I believe so.” He stepped closer. “Why don’t you let me take this.” He lifted the rope from her and draped it across his torso. “Now we’re ready.”
The sun shone down on them as they headed to her Jeep.
“So tell me about the ice park,” he said as they hiked. “Do a lot of locals go there?”
“Quite a few. It’s kind of a social event.”
“What do you mean?”
“You know, like a hangout. You want to catch up with people around town, that’s the place to do it.”
“Hmph. Interesting. Adds a whole new meaning to the term watercooler.”
She chuckled. “That it does.”
“Gramps mentioned an ice festival.” Cash sounded as if he was getting a little winded, so she slowed her pace.
“Yep. The biggest one in North America.”
“No kidding?”
“People come from all over the world to climb, test out the latest equipment and compete.”
“Compete?”
“Oh, yeah. It’s like the Olympics. There are a bunch of different events, and scores are announced in seven different languages.” She adjusted her pack. “You should come to one.”
“Maybe I will.”
She shoved her hand in her pocket. Something crinkled beneath her gloved fingers. “Oh, I almost forgot.” Pulling out the piece of paper, she held it out to him. “This is for you.”
He glanced at her hand, then her face. “What is it?”
“The password to my parents’ Wi-Fi.” She handed it to him. “You should have a decent signal at your grandfather’s, so you can now work from home.”
“Taryn, you’re lifesaver.” He shoved the paper into the pocket of his jeans. “You have no idea how much this will help me.”
“More importantly, you won’t have to leave your grandfather.”
“Precisely.”
She sent him a sideways glance, anxiety suddenly getting the best of her. Should she even ask him for business advice? Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. “I, um, don’t suppose you know anything about business plans, do you?”
“Sure do. Had to assemble one before we built our new facility. Why?”
“I know someone who’s looking at buying one of the businesses in town, and the bank says she has to put together a business plan before they’ll consider her application.”
“And does this someone have a name?” The look he gave her told her he already knew.
She took a deep breath. “All right, it’s me. And, aside from the loan officer at the bank, you’re the only one who knows, so please don’t say anything to anyone. Not even your grandfather.”
“I won’t say a word.” He tromped through the snow beside her, his quick breaths sending white puffs into the air. “So what kind of business are we talking about?”
“It’s called All Geared Up and they sell almost any kind of gear the outdoor enthusiast might need.” Relaxing, she eyed the man beside her. “I’ve worked there for the last three years.”
His brow lifted. “So, no climbing, just the gear?”
“What do you mean?”
“Sorry, I just have a hard time imagining you stuck indoors, behind some sales counter.”
“Hey, it might mean I can’t do tours anymore, but nothing will ever stop me from climbing.” She plodded alongside him. “Oh, and there are also two apartments upstairs. That means I can finally move out of Mom and Dad’s, and I’ll have income from the second space.”
“That’s part of your business plan right there.” He dodged around a boulder.
“Really?”
“Yep.”
“But what about all the financial stuff?”
“That needs to be in there, too. I’d be happy to help you, if you like.”
“That’d be great, but—” She stopped.
He did, too. “But what?”
“You’re leaving Sunday. I’m tied up the rest of today and tomorrow.”
“Hey, you know, they have these newfangled things called telephones. And email.”
“Very funny.” She reached out and gave him a shove, accidentally toppling him into a snowbank. “Oh!” She tried to stop herself from laughing. “Guess I don’t know my own strength.”
“All right, Purcell. You had your little chuckle. Now get over here and help me up.” He held out his hand.
She closed the space between them and took hold. “Come on, cowboy.” She tugged.
So did he. Next thing she knew, she was on the ground beside him.
“Oh, I can’t believe I fell for that.” Growing up with two older brothers, she should have known better.
“Me neither.” Laughing, he tossed a handful of snow her way.
“Aw, man. Right down the neck.” She squirmed as it began to melt against her skin. “Coble, you’re a dead man.”
As