That was quite enough of that.
“You’re not dressed warmly enough,” he pointed out in what was supposed to be a bossy, scolding tone.
“Thank you,” she said, giving him a sardonic look. “I figured that out about thirty minutes ago. Tomorrow, I’ll be better.”
“You’re doing this more?” he asked, torn between horrified, impressed, and shocked.
She nodded and pushed her ponytail behind her. “Probably every morning. Every sunrise is different, and I can find dozens of places to get shots.”
He slowly shook his head. “If you manage not to die, it will be a miracle,” he muttered.
She only shrugged. “Well, then I’ll be a martyr for my art, and my pictures will be published to wide acclaim, so that works, too.”
He stared at her for a second, hands on his hips. She was the most unusual woman he had ever met. And it was obvious she wasn’t going to listen to him, which meant there was only one thing to do. He exhaled loudly and started back for the truck. “Come on,” he called over his shoulder. “I’ll drive you.”
She barked a short laugh. “You don’t know where I’m going.”
He turned and gave her a look. “Neither do you.”
That brought a half smile to her face. “Point taken. But you don’t know what I’m looking for.”
He shrugged and opened the passenger door. “Tell me what you want, and I’ll get you there. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid. I know all the best places.”
She frowned at him and his truck, looking somehow grumpy and uncertain at the same time.
“It’ll be warmer and safer, not to mention faster, if you come with me,” he said with infinite patience.
She bit her lip. “I really like hiking to my site.”
He sighed and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “So join National Geographic and come out again when you can see. For my sanity, and to save your fingers and toes, get in the truck.”
She still hesitated, chewing her lip, which drove him crazy.
He cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “You’re running out of time, and it’s getting lighter by the minute. Your choice.”
She huffed and came over to the truck, handing him her thermos and bag. She avoided his eyes as she grabbed the handle, stepped on the running board, and climbed in, then quickly took her things back.
He tried not to smile as he closed the door for her. He had no idea why he was so pleased right now, only that he was, but he was willing to roll with it. He got in on his side, buckled up, and looked at her expectantly.
She wasn’t looking at him and therefore couldn’t see his expression. She actually looked like a pouty child who’d just been scolded, and that intrigued him. He didn’t want to be her boss or disciplinarian. He just wanted to figure out what made her tick, and why she made him tick. And keep her from breaking a limb or her neck.
“Where to?” he asked politely after a moment.
She shrugged. “You’re the expert. Take me somewhere I can get a good shot. Nice view, morning light. Just go with it.”
Still trying not to smile, he nodded and started driving. He looked at her, eyes flicking between her face and the road. He couldn’t help himself. She was looking out the window the entire time, eyes everywhere, trying to catch everything, even though it was still fairly dark. Her hands clutched her thermos, but she never took a sip of it. Was it a hand warmer or a beverage?
He cleared his throat again. “You don’t bring warm enough clothes, but you remember your coffee?”
“Cocoa.”
“Excuse me?”
“I don’t drink coffee,” she said a bit louder, still looking out of the window, “and tea just doesn’t cut it in the mornings. Cocoa is good all the time.”
He smiled, but tried to hide it. “Duly noted. So, are you fascinated by nature or are you mad at me?”
She glanced over with a brow raised. “I don’t know you well enough to be mad at you, and this place is gorgeous.”