Friend Zone to End Zone with the Mountain Man

  Men of Bearclaw Ridge #1

  By Hazel J. North

  Copyright

  © Friend Zone to End Zone with the Mountain Man by Hazel J. North

  2024

  All Rights Reserved

  * * *

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Friend Zone to End Zone with the Mountain Man

  Quinn

  When my best friend ropes me into organizing a charity auction, I see it as the perfect excuse to spend more time with him. I’ve been carrying a torch for Bear practically forever. He’s the one who sets my soul on fire, even if he’s clueless about it and shattered my heart once before.

  Unfortunately, I’m not the only girl who sees how irresistible Bear is. If I don’t want to risk losing him, I’ll have to make him see just how perfect we could be together.

  Bear

  Ever been so close to someone it was like you were attached at the hip? That was Quinn and me... until I screwed it up by moving away. Somehow, we held our friendship together, and every day, I count myself lucky.

  Now that she’s back by my side, I’m all in. Whatever she needs, I’ll give it to her. That’s what friends do for each other, right? Except, I don’t know if ‘just friends’ is going to cut it anymore. Every moment with her is an endless freefall into feelings I’m too afraid to name.

  I want her, but am I willing to risk everything we’ve rebuilt for a chance at love?

  Friend Zone to End Zone with the Mountain Man is a short and steamy instalove romance full of heat and heart with NO cliffhanger, NO cheating, and a Guaranteed HEA. This book is part of Men of Bearclaw Ridge, a steamy instalove romance series set in a small mountain town where every insanely hot guy finds a curvy woman to love.

  Chapter One

  Quinn

  There’s no need to be this nervous, yet I am. My hands are practically shaking as I cut the engine of my car after a five-hour drive. I grip the steering wheel tight and force my breath to slow down. For fuck’s sake, what is wrong with me? I’m not about to meet some powerful king. It’s just Bear, the guy I grew up with and became best friends with over the years. At least we were until he suddenly packed up his things and left.

  I shake my head. Best not to go there right now. The important thing is that we’re still friends.

  We were practically attached at the hip when we were younger, which isn’t too crazy considering we lived next door and went to the same school. Our parents were friends too, so we spent every free second together. Playing games, hiding in our shared treehouse, and crying over broken hearts or unrequited love when we were teens. Not that I had a lot of boyfriends. Maybe a crush here and there, but nothing serious. Bear has always been the one who held the biggest piece of my heart. Compared to him, no guy was ever good enough for me.

  It’s been five years since he moved away. Five years since we lived next door to each other. And now I’m about to see him again for longer than the usual six or seven hours we get to spend together. Bear asked me to help him with the charity auction he’s organizing. He needed someone to do hair and make-up for everyone who had volunteered to be auctioned off, and I gladly accepted. Not only because it’s Bear but also because earning a living as a make-up artist is my dream.

  Since Bear lives five hours away from Candy Cane Creek, I’ll be staying at his place for an entire week. I take a deep breath and grab my purse from the passenger seat. A whole week to spend with Bear, and I’m going to savor every single second. I’ve been dreaming about today since he asked me to help him. Did I craft a calendar just so I could tick off the boxes until my trip to Candy Cane Creek? I did, and I’m not even ashamed of it.

  I cross the street and push open the doors to Hiker’s Haven, the diner where he asked me to meet him. I’m half an hour early and incredibly thirsty, so I slide into one of the booths and grab the menu squeezed between a couple of condiments.

  The entire diner is hiking-themed, as well as the menu items. Topographic maps of Bearclaw Ridge and surrounding trails cover the left wall. Next to them is a collection of beautiful artwork from what the menu claims to be local artists. The rustic wooden tables and booths fit perfectly with well-placed decorative items like vintage backpacks and walking sticks. I can see why Bear raves about this place all the time. It’s charming and cozy.

  I peruse the menu and order one of Hiker Haven’s specialties: the Pinnacle Pancake Stack. According to the menu, this stack of fluffy pancakes is topped with locally sourced berries.

  “Do you want anything to drink with that?” the waitress asks as she jots down my order.

  I let my eyes trail the beverage options. “The Hiker’s Hot Cocoa Delight, please.”

  She slides her pencil back into her apron pocket and offers me a warm smile. “Coming right up.”

  I lean back in my seat, willing time to go faster. All I’ve been able to think about for the past few weeks is seeing Bear again. Sure, we talk on the phone sometimes and text each other, but that’s not the same, is it? Nothing beats sitting across from him and watching his lips move while he speaks. Or the way he confidently walks into any room. Or how I always secretly inhale his manly scent whenever I get super close to him.

  I push down the nervous butterflies wreaking havoc in my stomach, focusing on the food and hot cocoa the waitress just brought over.

  I’m halfway through my stack of delicious pancakes when the door to Hiker’s Haven opens. I lift my gaze, and it’s as if time stands still. My heart stops beating, my breath hitches in my throat, and everything seems to happen in slow motion.

  I see him before he sees me. He looks around the diner with a frown, letting his gaze go from table to table, booth to booth, until he catches sight of me. His frown transforms into a smile that reaches all the way up to the corners of his eyes and makes his entire face shine brightly.

  I get up and let him pull me into a hug. The moment his strong arms close around my body, I’m exactly where I belong. Bear’s body envelops me completely, thanks to his broad shoulders and muscled torso. I breathe in his scent of pine and mint, and I know I won’t be able to stop smiling for the next couple of hours. Being in his arms feels like home.

  “It’s so good to see you, Jellybean,” he says as he pulls back.

  His smile is warm and genuine, and my pet name on his lips makes me grin even harder. He jokingly came up with it when we were in high school, claiming I was as short as a bean and as soft as jelly. That and the fact that I loved to eat them also influenced his choice.

  Bear settles into the booth across from me, his blue eyes sparkling with a familiarity that expands my heart until it almost bursts at the seams. He’s still got that rugged charm he’s known for—a full beard, thick, unruly hair, and a hint of wilderness clinging to his demeanor. It’s almost as if he stepped straight out of one of his camping trips up on the mountain that he loves so much.

  I take a sip of my hot cocoa and smile at him. “It’s been way too long.”

  He nods. “Definitely.”

  Even though we haven’t seen each other in months, we slip right back into our familiar cadence. There’s a certain magic in reconnecting with a childhood friend, as if time and distance don’t matter anymore. They are nothing but concepts that lose their grip as soon as you’re seated across from each other, and just like that, you’re right back where you left off. At least, that’s how it feels for me. I don’t know what Bear is thinking, although I would love a peek inside that gorgeous head of his.

  “Rosie,” he calls out to the waitress, “can you bring me the usual?”

  “Coming right up, Wildfire.” She beams.

  I arch an eyebrow. “Wildfire?”

  He shrugs, an innocent smirk playing on his lips. “It’s what the women here call me.”

  “The women?”

  I try to keep my tone light and cheerful, but his words are like a punch to the gut. Here he is, surrounded by women who apparently have nicknames for him and, unlike me, daily access to his charm and presence.

  His laughter fills the booth. “You sound jealous, Jellybean, but there’s no need. You’re still my favorite girl.”

  I playfully roll my eyes at him. “Jealous? Me? Please, Bear, don’t flatter yourself. I’m just curious. What’s the story behind ‘Wildfire’?”

  He leans back in his seat, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Oh, you know, the ladies thought it was an appropriate nickname for me because I light up their day, or so they say. That and my obsession with the local wildlife.”

  I shake my head. “Well, aren’t you the local heartthrob?”

  As Rosie brings him his usual order and smiles at him like he’s a movie star, another pang of jealousy hits me in the gut. Then again, he said I’m his favorite girl, so I guess I shouldn’t feel too threatened. I n his defense, he doesn’t know how bright the torch I hold for him burns. It’s fierier than a wildfire could ever be.

  “So, Jellybean,” he says, breaking through my thoughts and digging into his eggs. Sunny side up. “How was the drive here?”

  “Hardly any lunatics on the road, thank God. Only green traffic lights. It was like the universe couldn’t wait to get me here,” I say with a wink.

  “I can’t believe it’s been months since we last saw each other. Why does it always take us so long to catch up?”

  I venture on thin ice with my words, but they tumble out of me before I can stop myself. “Well, if you hadn’t left Candy Cane Creek, we would’ve been able to see each other a lot more.”

  It comes out as an accusation, but I don’t mean it to. I still feel sad about him leaving five years ago, with only a week’s warning. He didn’t move because he had a once-in-a-lifetime job offer or something. He never gave me a real explanation, only told me he wanted to live in the mountains. But we already lived in the mountains. I felt like he kept the real reason from me, and I still don’t understand why.

  My comment lingers in the air. I take a moment before meeting Bear’s gaze and offering him a half-smile.

  “I’m sorry, Quinn. I know my leaving hurt you. If I could change the past… fuck, I would do it in a heartbeat.”

  I catch his gaze, and the vulnerability in his eyes softens my features. “Forget I brought it up. I’m serious. I’m okay. I just miss you, that’s all. I guess I could use a little Wildfire spark in my life.” I square my shoulders and decide to drop the subject entirely. “So, you brought me here for a reason—the auction. You’ve been kind of sparse with information, so why don’t you spill the beans?”

  His eyes light up, and I’m relieved the air between us feels lighter again. Bear steers the conversation away from the past, and we go right back to our familiar laughter and banter, talking about the auction.

  “And what will you do with the money?”

  “All proceeds will go to The Ridge Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and trust me, we desperately need the funds,” he says.

  I lean back in my seat, my hands cradling my mug, and I frown. I didn’t know the situation was so dire. “Really? Why?”

  “We need to invest in better facilities and equipment. You know, medical supplies, specialized tools, better and more enclosures… Everything the center needs to provide top-notch care. Skilled staff are crucial too. We need funds to bring in more experienced hands, people who are passionate about wildlife and committed to the rehabilitation process. And, of course, ongoing training to keep everyone at the top of their game.”

  I nod. “Yeah, that makes sense. And sounds expensive.”

  “But it’s not just about the center itself,” he continues with a passionate fire in his eyes. “We want to invest in educational programs for the community. Spread awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation, the challenges these animals face, and how everyone can play a part in their protection.”

  His expression softens, and a touch of pride crosses his face. “We’ve already done a lot of work, Jellybean, but we’re not planning on stopping any time soon. Some of the funds will also support research initiatives. Collaborations with experts to better understand our local wildlife, their habits, and their needs. It’s about long-term sustainability and ensuring the health of our ecosystem.”

  Bear smiles softly at me. “So, when you see those bids rolling in at the auction, know that each one is contributing to a bigger picture. A picture of a thriving, cared-for wilderness right in our backyard.”

  God, he’s so passionate about this cause that it’s making me melt into a puddle. Is there anything hotter than a man willing to put in the time and effort needed to help save injured and threatened animals?

  He puts his elbows on the table, folds his hands, and locks eyes with me. “And the best thing about it all? I get to do all of it with my favorite girl by my side.”

  Fuck, if I wasn’t rendered to a puddle before, I certainly am now.

  Chapter Two

  Bear

  I can’t believe how easy it is for Quinn and me to fall back into the familiar ease of our friendship, even though it’s been a while since we had so much time to spend together.

  She listened to my spiel about the Wildlife Center and the auction without a shred of boredom, and now we’re heading there so she can see the needs of the center with her own eyes. My Jellybean hasn’t complained once, even though I realize wildlife conservation isn’t every girl’s cup of tea.

  I steal glances at her while we drive, pangs of regret occasionally hitting me square in the jaw. I never should’ve left Candy Cane Creek like that. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy here in Bearclaw Ridge. I made it my home, know all the locals, love my job… but it’s not the same without Quinn’s sunshiny personality to light up my days. Ironic, considering she was the whole reason I left the town we grew up in together.

  She didn’t do anything wrong, far from it. I was so in love with her that I couldn’t stand being around her without us being together. I wanted to tell her so many times, but risking our friendship was something I wasn’t willing to do, especially not since Quinn always went on and on about how she couldn’t wait to get out of Candy Cane Creek and travel the world. I knew that if we got together, she’d never leave. I had no desire to travel and was more than content with small-town life. I knew she’d stay put for me. The last thing I wanted was to stand in the way of her dreams, so I settled for being friends instead of more and decided to move away so she had all the space to carve out the life she wanted.

  But now that she’s here, looking out the window of my pick-up truck and asking me about all the buildings and shops, her long hair tied into a messy bun and the sunshine lighting up her soft, full cheeks, I wonder if letting her go was the biggest mistake of my life.

  “That looks fun,” Quinn says, bringing me back to the here and now.

  I look out of the window to where Quinn is pointing and slow the car down a bit.

  “That’s RidgeRoam Adventures, run by the Kingsley brothers. Their adventure tours are always a lot of fun and high quality. These guys live and breathe the wilderness lifestyle.”

  “That sounds great. Maybe we could book one of their tours together if we find the time this week?”

  I nod. “Sure, they have tours for every skill level, beginners included.”

  Quinn’s brows shoot up in mock disbelief. “Beginners? What are you talking about? We used to go up the mountains of Candy Cane Creek together all the time.”

  “I’m just messing with you, Jellybean,” I say with a grin. “I know you’re a badass. I’ll give Stryker a call later to see what kind of tours are still available.”

  “Do they book out that fast?”

  I nod as I turn into the parking lot of The Ridge Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, gravel crunching beneath my tires. “They do, but Stryker and I go way back. I’m sure he’ll be able to squeeze us in regardless.”

  “You really built yourself a full life here,” she says, her voice soft. “I’m happy for you.”

  I cut the engine and turn to her with a frown. “What about you? I thought you loved living in Candy Cane Creek. Are things not going well for you?”

  “I’m content. Life meanders along, I guess.”

  “You know you can always talk to me, right? Whatever is on your mind, I’m here for you.”

  I hate seeing her like this. Whenever the light in her eyes dims, I want to pull her into a hug and cuddle her troubles away, but I can’t do that. We’re friends, not lovers.

  “Thanks, Bear. Didn’t you mention baby animals earlier? That’s all I need to raise my spirits.”

  I give her a smile. “Yeah, an adorable baby fawn got brought in a couple of days ago.”

  Her eyes light up again with her familiar enthusiasm, and I sigh a breath of relief. Seeing my girl smile is all I need to be happy.

  “Really? A baby fawn? Can we go see her?”

  Quinn’s excitement is adorable, and I can’t help but chuckle. “Absolutely. They named her Willow. She’s a little shy, but I’m sure you’ll love her.”

 

1 2 3