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 he hustled to stand, she fisted the back of his jacket, quickly depositing an icy chunk. “Let’s see how you like it.” She scrambled to her feet before he could retaliate.
“Ooo-wee, that feels good.” He stood, trying to keep a smile.
“Yeah, I like that cute little dance you’re doing.” She thought she might bust a gut, watching him hop around, trying to untuck his shirt, all with that length of rope still around him. “Is that the Texas two-step?”
He sighed as the ice dropped to the ground. “All right, Purcell.” He moved closer, but she took a step back. “I know when to admit defeat.” He took another step and they were practically toe-to-toe. “You’re a feisty one, you know that?”
“So I’ve been told.” She dared to meet his appreciative look.
“Thank you for teaching this old dog some new tricks.” He leaned closer until the fog of their breaths mingled.
She could smell the woodsy scent of his cologne. “Old dog?”
He grinned. “You know what I mean.” He was so close. His gaze searched hers.
But she stepped away from him. “You’re welcome, then.” She nodded in the direction of her Jeep. “We’d better get going.”
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