“My sister wants to have that pizza box framed. She’s the one I was with when you paid me for my goods and services. Speaking of which…” He dug into his back pocket. “Here.”

When Easton flapped the twenty-dollar bill at her, River shook her head. “You earned that fair and square. And your sister is gorgeous.”

“She’s a brat. We’re twins.”

“You’re kidding.” River couldn’t believe it.

“Nope. Take the money back. I don’t want it.”

“Sorry, I’m busy enjoying my morning. More trail mix?”

This time, she poured some in his palm. Easton dumped the whole handful in his mouth and swallowed without choking, the second impressive thing he’d done that morning.

Eyeing her powder-free hands and bare toes, Easton shook his head. “I’d have gone with shoes. The last thing you want is a sliced heel right now.”

“Not worth the trade-off.” River wiggled her toes at him. They sat in comfortable silence until she added, “Seriously though, thanks for the help yesterday. Your pizza box holding skills are commendable. Almost as good as your climbing skills.”

“I suppose I don’t need to check your climbing skills if you’re already up here. That surface was slick, with not a lot of holds. I’m tempted to be impressed.”

Flashing him a grin, River popped another peanut in her mouth. “I’m tempted to take that as a compliment.”

“Not a lot of free soloing up on the Old Man though.”

River hadn’t heard that one before. “The Old Man?”

“It’s what we call Mount Veil.”

“Gotcha.” She tilted her head. “I love a compliment as much as the next girl, but why do my climbing skills matter to you?”

“Because it’ll be a lot easier getting you and your people up the mountain if I don’t have to carry you on my back.”

River blinked. “What’s that?”

“You didn’t know?” Easton asked, sounding as confused as she was. “I learned last night that you three are my clients for the expedition up Mount Veil.”

“All I knew was that after being given the runaround by that number you gave me, Jessie made arrangements with a local climbing company to take us out there.” River indicated the mountain range rising higher behind them. “You’re our guide?”

“So I’ve been informed.”

Pausing midchew, River considered that. “Hmm. Well, that makes things super awkward.”

“Does it?”

“No, not really, but I may have to reconsider asking you for a drink now since you’re officially on the payroll.”

Easton shook his head with a chuckle. “Are you sure you want to do this? Veil’s no joke. I can just as easily take you out to—”

To his credit, Easton didn’t finish that sentence.

“On a nature walk?” River looked at him challengingly.