Resisting My Rugged Enemy

He’s the kind of trouble I’ve always avoided. Too bad trouble looks so good in hiking boots and flannel.

Reese
The best part about living in Maplewood Springs is my job at the local Visitor Center and Museum, where I get to nerd out about our small town’s history, rave about local hiking trails, and make sure every tourist leaves with a hand-carved bear souvenir. Honestly, it’s a dream gig—except when Sawyer strolls in with his muddy boots.
Sure, he’s got that rugged mountain man charm, but he also has this irritating habit of touching every exhibit, even though there’s a big “Do Not Touch” sign practically screaming at him. It’s like he’s on a mission to drive me crazy.
But then, he asks me to tutor him in history. Apparently, he needs to pass an exam to get his ranger certification. And guess who the biggest history nerd in town is? Yeah, that would be me.
I’m stuck with him now, pretending I’m okay with helping him study while trying not to strangle him. But the more time I spend with Sawyer, the more I start to see there’s more to him than his tough exterior.

Maybe, just maybe, tutoring him isn’t the worst thing that’s ever happened to me…