Page 6 of Connecting with the Mountain Man

From: SugarDust

To: RuggedRoots

Subject: Hey Stranger

Hey,

You’ve gone quiet on me.

Did I say something to scare you off? Or maybe my scone photo was too much for you to handle. I swear I didn’t burn those. (Okay, maybe a little on the bottom, but that’s justextra flavor, right?)

I guess I just…miss our talks. It’s been nice having someone to write to who actuallygets it. Even if you’re all mysterious and broody about what youactually doup there in the mountains.

Anyway, I hope everything’s okay on your end. Don’t leave me hanging too long.

Yours,

SugarDust

Inbox – Mountain Mates

From: RuggedRoots

To: SugarDust

Subject: Re: Hey Stranger

Hey,

Sorry for the silence. Things have been…hectic.

Look, I should be upfront with you. I’m going to be away for a while. Business stuff. Might be better if you don’t wait around for me.

You deserve someone who can actually bethere, not some guy holed up on a mountain fixing things all day.

I’ve really enjoyed writing to you, but maybe you should keep an eye out for other matches.

Take care,

RuggedRoots

Chapter 4

Eden

I stare at the screen.

What the hell is this?

I blink a few times, as if that’ll make the words change. As if refreshing the page might bring up a second email—one where he laughs and says,just kidding, SugarDust. I’m not going anywhere.

But the second email doesn’t come.

I lean back, crossing my arms so tight it’s like I’m holding myself together.

Might be better if you don’t wait around for me.

My stomach twists.