“Someplace less difficult to access,” Easton countered. “Our nature isn’t a cakewalk. Plenty of wildlife and lots of chances to get into trouble.”

“That doesn’t sound like me at all.” River laughed softly, then leaned back on her palms. “Don’t worry. I’ve been climbing in the Rockies since I was a child, although nothing too technical. Bree and Jessie have some experience too. I’ve been training in earnest the last several years. I made a run at El Cap last spring.”

“You free soloed El Capitan?”

“That’s the goal, but no. I was part of a three-man team. We climbed the Nose with equipment.”

“There’s enough free-climbing on that route to make most pass. I am impressed.”

For some reason, the good opinion of this stranger on her climbing skills was a hundred times better than a stranger’s opinion of her acting skills. Maybe because acting was what she did. But climbing was who River was.

“Alpine climbing up here is different,” Easton warned her. “The windchill can be brutal, and most of Mount Veil is glaciated. Crevasses kill in these mountains faster than you can blink. You’re using a whole different set of skills to summit than in the lower forty-eight.”

“Yes, but since Moose Springs wants nothing to do with us, Mount Veil is the best option I’ve got. My movie is up there.” Twisting so she could face him, River took in Easton from head to toe. “You know, this might work.”

Instant suspicion filled his eyes. “What?”

“It’s nothing to worry about.”

“And yet I find myself worried.”

“Can the beard be trimmed a little?”

A flat look was his only answer. River bumped his shoulder companionably. “Easton Lockett. I would have connected the dots sooner, but all the emails have been from a Joshua L.”

“Dad’s my camp manager. He doesn’t go on climbs with us, but he puts together the client lists and arranges the supplies. Dad’s an old pro at all this.” Easton glanced at her. “I have some paperwork I need you to sign.”

“Umm…technically, I have paperwork for you.”

“Do I even want to ask?” Easton sighed.

“You’re going to need to sign a nondisclosure agreement, a medical directive in case something happens on the mountain, and a form that states you refuse to hold anyone associated with the film liable for any damage or death that may occur during filming.” River winked at him and added, “If Bree bops you over the head with a baseball, you’re welcome to press charges, but we try to limit that as much as possible. But the big one is the nondisclosure agreement.”

He wasn’t only hot and skilled and…well…hot. Easton was smart too. Smart enough to narrow his eyes.

“River. Why am I signing paperwork for you?”