His olive work shirt hung open over a fitted charcoal T-shirt. Dust streaked the canvas pants covering his long legs, and sweat darkened the fabric between his shoulder blades. He had dark brown hair, a short beard, and enough width through his chest to make the truck behind him look smaller than it had a moment ago.
The photograph hadn’t shown the sun-browned skin or the way his eyes shifted between the SUV, the cabin, and me without lingering where most men would have.
That should’ve made him less irritating.
It didn’t.
Jonah shut the truck door and came toward us. “Is something wrong?”
The driver got out before I could answer. “Mr. Bricker?”
“That’s me.”
“I was instructed to wait until you arrived.”
Jonah stopped beside the hood. “Instructed by who?”
The driver opened my door.
Hot air rushed into the SUV, carrying pine, dust, and the sharp scent of something freshly cut. I turned sideways and planted both stilettos before I stood. The uneven ground tried to send me back into the seat, but I caught the doorframe and stepped clear.
Jonah’s gaze dropped to my shoes.
“These are appropriate footwear in civilization,” I said.
“I didn’t say anything.”
“Your face did.”
His mouth moved at one corner, but the expression disappeared before it became a smile.
The driver closed my door. “My assignment is complete.”
“No, it isn’t.” I pointed toward the empty cargo space visible through the rear window. “You’re taking me back to the airport.”
“I can’t do that, Miss Talia.”
“You drove me here. I have complete confidence in your ability to reverse the process.”
“My instructions were to deliver you and confirm Mr. Bricker was present.”
Jonah looked from the driver to me. “Deliver her for what?”
The driver’s shoulders went rigid beneath his suit jacket.
I folded my arms. “Mountain Mates.”
Jonah didn’t react.
“The placement service,” I added.
“I know what Mountain Mates is.”
“Then we’re making progress.”
“I don’t have a profile.”
The driver stepped toward the front of the SUV. “Mr. Bricker, I’ve confirmed your identity. I need to leave before dark.”
