“Well, in this mountain perfume, the first thing that hits my nose is sage. That’s the top note. The heart—that’s the middle note, the foundation of the scent—is the wildflowers, whatever deliciously manly soap you use, and something that’s just unique to you. I’ve noticed it before, and it…I don’t know how to describe it, but it just connects with me on the deepest level. Gets me all stirred up.”

“Rosie…” His tone held warning.

“What? You asked what I smell.”

“I didn’t ask if it turned you on.”

“Sorry if you can’t handle our ‘chemistry.’” Grinning, she gave him a little shove.

Why did he find this woman so adorable? “You know, you’re awfully fancy for a science geek.” Her complexity was so much of her appeal. On the surface, she was stunningly beautiful, elegant, and refined, and yet underneath she had an insatiable curiosity, an unexpected awkwardness in social situations, and a mind that fired on all cylinders twenty-four seven.

Sometimes he felt so damn lucky that she’d stumbled into his life.

“Aw. You’re such a lady’s man. You always know just what to say.”

At the bend in the road of the Bowie Pass, he led her to the vista that looked out over Jackson Hole. They’d timed it just right, as the sun was about to slip behind the Gros Ventres Mountains to the east. At the edge of the cliff, she stood right beside him, slipping her arm through his, as easily as if she’d done it a hundred times.

And in this private, quiet moment, just the two of them, it almost felt like she had.

“This is gorgeous.” Her voice came out a whisper of awe. “Thank you, Brodie. For the best day I’ve had in forever.”

His heart lurched and started beating too fast—like he’d just tripped on the stairs. It almost felt like a panic attack. It wasn’t, of course. Everything’s fine. And, yet, he couldn’t catch his breath.

“Figured you could use a day of fun. Soon as your stuff gets here, you’re going to be busy. We’ve got a lot to get done in a short amount of time.”

When she pulled her arm away, he regretted sounding so cold and…gruff.

Fuck that. He wasn’t sorry at all. This chumminess was just another way to avoid focusing on what mattered. Like Owl Hoot. Instead of putting together his proposal for the board members, he’d spent the day with Rosie.

“Besides, I’m going away this weekend.” The words came out fast and hard, like he was hacking them up. But he didn’t have a choice. They couldn’t keep doing this, acting like they were dating.

“You are? Where are you going?”