“I’m surprised nothing is broken, frankly. The way you went flying, that was spectacular.”

She cut her eyes to him, and yeah, he had a grin. A triple-threat grin. But she didn’t miss the regret and concern behind his eyes.

Did he know about Rowan? Then it hit her. What was he doing here? “Were you following me?”

Alex handed her the broken helmet, then removed his own. He swiped an arm over his sweaty forehead and mussed his brown hair, which was a little curly at the ends. Buying time to consider his answer?

Finally, he said, “Guilty as charged. But it’s not what you think.”

A breeze hit the evergreens, and branches clacked together eerily. “If you mean it’s not that I think I’m standing in a dark forest on private property with a creepy stalker? Then what is it?” Though she was teasing him, really, because she didn’t get creepy vibes from him.

“First, let me draw your attention to the fact that I’m not the only one watching.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Ever heard the phrase ‘eye in the sky’?”

Mackenzie took a moment to soak in his meaning. “Are you talking about the thriller or the song?”

He squinted, looking at the treetops.

She glanced up. “You’re not saying there’s a drone up there watching me.”

He stepped closer. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

“I’m not sure if you’re aware, but Hanstech—my father’s company—is a drone software company.”

“And that knowledge doesn’t make me feel any better.”

Her sentiments exactly. She peered up through the treetops again. She hadn’t kept up enough with what was going on at Hanstech—software testing on drones. Was this Nora’s way of keeping tabs on her? She doubted that was the case.

Given the reason she was even in Montana, a chill crawled over her. “What kind of drone? And why? Did you see it? I don’t see anything.”

“I can’t answer your thousands of questions, even if you ask them one at a time.”

Mackenzie didn’t want to see danger where none existed. After all . . . “It’s probably just a hobby drone. A toy. Those things are everywhere.” Though she didn’t like the idea that a drone was up there—on private property. “Maybe just answer the one, then. Why are you here?”

“I’ll answer that, but let’s get out of here first. You can ride my bike, and I’ll haul this one back for you.”

“That’s nice of you, but I can’t ask you to do that. I’ll be fine.” Her voice cracked. “This trail is private. You know that, right?”

Mackenzie stalked up the incline. She’d come back and get the bike.

“Mackenzie.” He said her name softly and with concern.

She stopped and hung her head.

“Remember the day I gave you the tour?”

She risked a glance at him. Saw the emotion in his eyes. Her throat grew tight. How could she forget? “Vaguely.”