Hayden's Will

By Dee-Ann Lang

After a difficult breakup from a long time love, Rudy Boulet leaves her heartache behind and embarks on a wilderness adventure in the majestic mountains of Maine. The moment she arrives at Allagash Nature Hikes, she finds herself amidst a horde of beautiful and sexy women all vying for the attention of one gorgeous, but unpleasant wilderness guide; Hayden Vilsmen.
While Rudy finds Hayden arrogant and rude, he is intrigued by her aloof disinterest and subtle sensuality. As his attraction to her becomes obvious to everyone, the beautiful women go to obscene lengths to win his affection.
When sparks fly, and Rudy and Hayden succumb to their undeniable sexual attraction, one increasingly desperate woman takes extreme measures to get Rudy out of the way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dee-Ann Lang
• Release date: Sep 21, 2013
• ISBN: 9780992033026

Dee-Ann Lang

I started writing in 2008 never thinking it would turn into such a passion. Aside from dabbling in writing in my early twenties, I never seriously considered becoming a writer, though my head was filled with romantic stories. Once I started writing, however, I couldn’t stop.When I'm not writing, I love being out in the fresh open air. I don't hike in the mountains as much as I’d like to, but I go out to walk six miles a day, rain or shine.My summers are spent in the Laurentian mountains of Quebec, Canada and the winters in Cheraw, South Carolina.

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Hayden’s Will

Published by Dee-Ann Lang at Smashwords

Copyright © 2013 Dee-Ann Lang

ISBN 978-09920330-2-6

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Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, businesses, 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.

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Thank you Josée and Murielle for your patience and input.

Hayden’s Will

By

Dee-Ann Lang

Chapter One

Rudy knew she’d come to the wrong place the moment she opened the door to the dining room of the small inn. Crowded with women dressed for a night on the town, the room reeked of perfume and was filled with the din of animated and shrill conversations. Simply dressed for a week in the wilderness of Maine, Rudy fingered the frayed hem of her denim shorts and gazed at a tall blonde who had her cleavage daringly exposed. A massive man, his shoulders broad and his chest thick under his red checkered flannel shirt, gazed longingly into the blonde’s shirt. At a nearby table, another woman sat facing a strong, but compact man who looked at her with friendly eyes. She wore a skirt so short, Rudy blushed at the sight.

At the back of the room, a tall and devastatingly good looking blond man scowled at everyone. His arms crossed over his chest he seemed angry and about to explode.

Rudy backed out and silently closed the door before anyone could spot her. This has to be the wrong address, she muttered. Please let it be the wrong address.

Hitching her backpack high on her shoulders she returned outside and headed to her dusty grey Volvo. The brochure was right there on the dashboard and she could clearly see the address. Glancing back at the inn she realized the address was correct, and the inn looked exactly like the photo on the brochure. Dismayed, she looked at the inn that had called to her from every prettily painted window shutter the moment she’d stepped out of the car.

Now she only wanted to grimace.

She inhaled deep and long, holding the cool mountain air in her lungs. It was such a beautiful place and Rudy already looked forward to going out into the mountains. The light scent of pine and fir pleased her. Or was it aspen and maple? She exhaled and let her gaze sweep over the surrounding mountains that seemed to go one forever. Veiled in dusty hues of violet, the mountains of northern Maine were already proving to be gorgeous and inviting. As she gazed back at the inn, she tried to understand what the fashionably dressed women were doing in such a rugged place. Shrugging, she considered the possibility they’d dressed nicely for the ride up and would change into appropriate clothes for their first hike the following morning.

***

With an air of disgust, Hayden looked at the women who filled the quaint dining room of his inn. In sharp contrast to the warm country décor, the rich textures of the wood, the sharp lines of stone and the whimsy of the fabrics, the women exuded city chic and fashionable sensuality. The clash was almost blinding. How did it all come to this? he asked of his oversized partner, Miller.

The big guy chuckled and playfully slapped Hayden’s chest with the back of his hand. Stop whining and have some fun with it. With that Miller flexed his biceps and turned to greet a flashy blonde in a trashy costume worthy of a street walker. Welcome to Allagash Nature Hikes. Please allow me to be your guide on this adventurous excursion.

Miller’s eager grin left Hayden all the more disgruntled by the events of the past weeks. The women were getting more desperate; more obvious.

Hi, there. I’m Reanne. The trashy blonde called to Hayden in a loud, high-pitched twang. She completely ignored Miller.

Hayden glanced at her and noticed the broad grin on her attractive face, but men probably rarely noticed that, or her big, blue eyes. Men’s eyes were undoubtedly drawn to her oversized, silicon breasts. Barely concealed by her baby-blue halter top, they were impossible to miss.

He forced a tight, yet polite smile.

You must be Hayden, she gushed.

He shook her hand and was put off by the weak flutter she offered.

I just can’t wait to go up there in those mountains with you strong, young men. How exciting is that?

Miller here will see that you’re signed in. Hayden said with professional efficiency.

Reanne’s lips parted to speak, but her brain was apparently blank and she just gawked at him as he backed away.

Hayden, a husky feline voice called.

He turned to see a small brunette with dark and enchantingly slanted eyes approach him. With every step, her pert breasts bounced freely under her thin shirt.

Hello, Hayden. I’m Kim.

Hello, Kim, he said, keeping his stride.

I was just wondering if you could help me a minute.

He stopped and waited for her to go on.

There’s just one question here I don’t understand. She held her registration form to her chest and eyed him hungrily. When you say ‘heart condition,’ do you mean, like, have I ever had a heart attack or do you just want to know if I can keep up and climb those mountains? Her chest rose with a heavy intake of breath and fell as she slowly let it seep out of her pouting lips.

Both actually. He shot an idle glance around the room then returned his impatient gaze to her.

She stammered and stuttered, but nothing more came out. Hayden spotted Wesley, his more level-headed partner, and was relieved to see him approach.

Hayden, we’re missing only one girl, Wesley said, his finger resting on the list of clients. A Miss Boulet from Montreal, Canada.

Really, Hayden said with a complete lack of interest. Surely just another one of these women who didn’t want anything to do with discovering the great mountains he’d come to love, he thought.

She’s probably driving sixty kilometers an hour instead of sixty miles, like that guy one time… remember? Wesley chuckled.

Yeah, right, Hayden said. We’ll wait another two minutes then we start with or without her.

Sure. By the way, have you noticed the twins, Mia and Lina? I mean, really. Have you ever had twins? Wesley kidded Hayden as they both turned to look at the identical girls frowning over their forms.

Rake-thin, they looked like two sixteen-year-olds who’d never been out of the city. Dressed in matching red mini skirts and silk black shirts, they were dressed for a night on the town.

I’m so fed up with all this, you have no idea, Hayden said.

All these beautiful, eager women? Come on, man. This is your last week on the job. Have a little fun with it at least.

Hayden shook his head. The fresh mountain air and acres of wilderness were meant to attract people who shared his passion for the outdoors, not these women. I just want to get through this week and be done with it.

Twins, Hayden, Wesley went on. Think about it.

Chapter Two

Flashy, glamorous girls or not, Rudy was determined to make the most of her trip. The small grin on her face, broadened as she returned to the door of the charming inn. With its colorful shutters and overflowing flower boxes, it promised so much of what she wanted from this adventure. It was a new beginning; a beginning without Craig and all the heartache that came with him.

Two huge pots of bright flowers flanked the entrance and a fat wreath of autumn leaves hung on the door. The scent of cinnamon assailed her nostrils once again as she made her way to the dining hall.

Gertrude Boulet! the compact young man called as he waved her over. Over here.

Cringing at the sound of her given name, she walked to him. Please, call me Rudy.

And you can call me Wesley, he said with an understanding nod. I’ll be your guide along with that brute over there we call Miller. He pointed to the huge man with the red checkered flannel shirt. And Hayden… who is around here somewhere. He looked around then shrugged.

Nice to meet you. Rudy scanned the room with a skeptic eye.

And, yes, you are in the right place, he said with a reassuring grin. He handed her a registration form. Fill this out and give it back to me as soon as possible. We’re just about ready to start.

She took a seat. Despite Wesley’s reassurance, she still sensed she was in the wrong place.

Hi, a toothy, redhead said. I’m Amy.

Although she looked somewhat athletic, something about her didn’t quite fit. Was it the mature cut of her hair, the tailored jacket or the sleek white slacks?

Amy reached for the camera on the table and snapped a picture. I want to remember everything about this week, she said. What’s your name?

Rudy. She extended her hand and was startled by the enthusiasm behind the girl’s teeth rattling handshake.

Amy released her hand and pulled her diary out to jot a few words down.

Befuddled, Rudy eyed her a moment before turning to an auburn beauty who, with a slow drawn smile, offered her hand.

Ashley, the beauty said.

Rudy was awed by the woman’s perfect teeth, green eyes and movie star good looks. Her long, thick, auburn curls were unreal. It was like watching a television commercial for an expensive salon shampoo. Thinking of her own straight, light brown hair, Rudy felt a surge of envy as she admired Ashley’s locks.

She tried to keep her eyes from falling into the woman’s deep, deep cleavage, but it was impossible. Ashley’s shirt was open to just above her navel, inviting all to take a look. Never had Rudy sat so close to a woman so exposed.

After meeting the other women around the table, Rudy bit her lip to hide her dismay. This wasn’t at all what she’d expected. The brochure had promised excitement, adventure and boundless wilderness. What kind of silly, city-folk hiking would they really be doing?

Concentrating on the questionnaire before her, she tried to think positive. The form asked about insurance, who to contact in case of an emergency and what allergies one might have. There were also questions about health and fitness which led her to believe they would indeed be climbing more that just mole hills. She signed the form and got up to make her way to Wesley, but her progress was painfully halted when she slammed into something hard; something that almost threw her to the floor. After regaining her balance she looked up to see her shoulder had crushed into someone’s chest.

Sorry, she said. I didn’t see… The hard line of the man’s whiskered jaw cut the words from her tongue. She glanced up and met the hard, cold gaze of his brown eyes. It was the blond she’d seen scowling and he seemed even angrier than before. His sun-streaked hair fell into his face, adding to his madman appearance. He didn’t bother to smile or apologize. He just glanced at her, grimaced and walked on.

Well, that must be Hayden, she thought. The week was looking worse with every passing minute. First, city girls dressed like fashion models and now a grumpy guide. Although he was painfully gorgeous despite that scowl, the last thing she needed was to be with a sourpuss day after day.

She walked to Wesley who stood waiting, and handed him her form.

Thank you. He nodded for her to take a seat.

Good evening, ladies, Wesley said, his voice strong and clear. I am pleased to welcome you to the mountains of Maine and hope you will enjoy your adventure with us.

Rudy heard a few women giggle as they directed their hungry gazes at the brooding and disheveled blond. Sitting with his arms crossed about his chest, he looked like a pouting child who’d just been awakened.

This ten-day journey through the mountains is grueling, trying and can, at times, be painful. However, the reward is more than worth the pain. With us, you will see mesmerizing vistas, spectacular landscapes and one particularly unforgettable panoramic view that will leave you in tears of joy.

I know what mountaintop I want to climb, Kim purred to no one in particular. She poked her index finger between her lips and sucked suggestively on the digit, her eyes never leaving Hayden.

As mentioned in the brochure and information package you’ve each received, adequate hiking gear is essential. The mountains are rugged, wild and… Wesley paused dramatically and gazed at some of the high-heels before him. …unpaved.

Lina kicked up one trim leg and admired her black leather sling-backs. I’ve been walking in these since I was eleven years old and I’ve walked up and down Fifth Avenue more times than I can count. There is no hill too steep, no path too rugged for these babies.

I can’t wait to see that, Miller said to Hayden. Maybe we should call for back-up tomorrow. I may be strong, but I don’t know how many more of these damsels I can carry down the mountains.

Rudy smiled. It was easy to imagine the towering beast carrying women around. With his imposing physique and the cuddly, teddy-bear brown eyes of a do-gooder, there was probably little that fazed him.

You each have the itinerary for the next ten days, Wesley went on, "and we will meet every evening for dinner where we’ll discuss the following day’s plans. As you’ll note, every day’s hike ends at an inn where you’ll each have a room. Breakfast every morning is at seven and we leave for the trailhead at eight. Lunches will be prepared by our cooks at the inn. You’ll be asked to give your lunch preferences the night before.

"Hayden, Miller and I, Wesley, will be your guides. We each have a two-way radio in case of emergency, but keep in mind that getting help into the mountains is not easy and not quick. We ask that you use common sense and good judgment at all times.

I have here the keys to your rooms. He stepped forward to hand them out. We’ll give you a chance to settle in and will see you all again at seven for dinner.

The sound of scraping chairs filled the air as the girls got up.

***

How the hell am I going to get through this week? Hayden mumbled to Miller. This just keeps getting worst and… Before he could say more, Kim approached him.

And where is your room? she asked with a suggestive smile.

Don’t worry about me. His tone was cool and detached.

Oh, honey. I just want to know what door I go running to if I get frightened in the middle of the night.

Just holler and someone will come, he said, keeping the same cool tone.

Undeterred, Kim winked and leaned in closer. Some nights I can’t sleep, the need to snuggle up close to a sexy man is so strong. Maybe I could give you a visit and we could have a night of fun.

I tend to sleep rather soundly, myself. You’ll have to find another door to knock on.

She chuckled deep in her throat. Oh, honey. Once you’ve experienced my warm body pressed against yours, you’ll never sleep the same again.

Hayden yawned in her face. Hmmm, I’m getting sleepy just thinking about it.

She clamped her lips into a tight, bitter grin, turned and walked away.

She seems determined, Miller teased. I don’t think you’re going to get rid of her so easily,

Hayden nodded then caught sight of the clumsy girl who’d run into him earlier. She pulled her ball cap low over her hair and slung her faded red backpack over one shoulder. Wearing unflattering beige denim shorts and a large t-shirt that hid whatever curves she might have, she looked like a tiny, brown mouse caught in a cage of brightly colored parrots.

***

Up in her room, Rudy threw her pack on the floor and fell back onto the soft bed. What in the world had she just witnessed?

Out there was a reminder of every woman Craig had slept with every time he’d gotten a new movie role. Every perky blond actress who’d seduced him, every sassy redhead co-star who’d bedded him, and every sexy brunette groupie who had shoved her ample breasts into his face. Every woman he had ever brought to their home, to their bed, was represented out there.

This isn’t fair. This vacation is supposed to help me forget everything, not slap me in the face with a version of every tramp Craig ever slept with.

She forced Craig from her mind and looked around her small room. It was cute; simple, but cute. The single bed was pushed against the wall, leaving room for the dresser and chair. The walls were quaint in buttery yellow. In the corner was a tiny bathroom with only a toilette and miniature sink.

The two showers down the hall would have to be shared by everyone. She questioned the logic of having only two showers for so many women and wondered how they managed when they had more clients.

She got up to splash water on her face. Looking into the mirror, she inspected the plain and unappealing face that looked back at her. Her hair in a day-old ponytail was matted from her ball cap, and with no make-up on her face, she looked and felt frumpy. You came dressed to play in the woods, she reminded her reflection, not for a beauty pageant.

Disgruntled, she turned away and pulled a fresh white shirt out of her bag, changed, and headed for the dining room. She was the first to arrive, she realized as she made her way to Wesley who was seated at the head of the long table set for nine.

Busy reading the girls’ forms, he didn’t acknowledge her silent approach.

Do you always have so many girls coming out here? Rudy pulled out a chair and sat down.

Without looking up, he smiled and shook his head.

She sensed she was disturbing him and concentrated on the menu before her. She’d eaten only a few crackers in the car and was famished. Everything looked good, but the pasta with shrimp and salmon in a garlic sauce immediately sent her taste buds jumping.

She looked at the long, empty table and wondered why there were only nine chairs. She had counted six girls, herself and the three guides. Had they forgotten someone?

The girls finally streamed in and Rudy now understood their delay. They had all changed into something more suitable for a luxury banquet than a cozy dinner. There was an abundance of cleavage and legs as the women proudly displayed their wares. Ashley’s breast seemed ready to pop out of her low-cut red dress, while the twins shined in gold and silver mini frocks. Kim was decked out in skintight, black leather and Reanne’s breasts appeared to be choking her, they were pushed so high. The only exception was Amy who, diary still in hand, wore conservative, dark slacks with a blue and white striped shirt.

The room soon reeked of perfume and hairspray adding to Rudy’s nausea as she looked down at her plain white T-shirt and faded old jeans.

Miller sauntered up to the table and took a seat opposite Rudy, easing her unease with his simple blue jeans and denim shirt.

What about Hayden? Mia called out.

He’ll be joining us later, Wesley informed them, causing a wave of disappointed groans to circle the table.

They settled down for a fabulous dinner and, while many of the women chatted amiably, Rudy, in no mood for chatter, devoured her meal. As she wiped the rich, creamy sauce from her plate with a crust of bread, she noticed Miller’s gaze. An interested brow was cocked in honor of her ferocious appetite and only then did Rudy notice that the other women had barely touched their plates.

Munching on the bite of sauce-covered crust, she smiled sheepishly at Miller. I was hungry.

Despite feeling embarrassment by her unappeased appetite, she ordered dessert, a three layer vanilla cake with almond icing, and a coffee. She was, after all, going to be walking for miles and miles everyday.

While the men also ordered desserts, the other women chose to simply order coffees. As the cups of steaming, rich java were brought to the table, Hayden arrived and sat on a nearby tabletop.

Well, sweet cakes. It’s about time you make an appearance, Reanne exclaimed.

He offered her a curt nod and crossed his arms before him.

Rudy looked at him and wondered if he was simply having a bad day or if this was his everyday demeanor. He glared at them all, one after the other, and she couldn’t fathom why. The girls, on the other hand, all gawked at him with inexplicable hunger in their eyes.

True, he was attractive. Obviously fresh out of the shower, his damp hair came down to tickle his shoulders and framed his face in a very alluring manner. It gave him an almost angelic appearance, despite the scowl. His blue jeans hugged his hips and legs just enough while his white shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showed off the deep tan of his arms. But he was so arrogant and cocky, she wondered what these women found appealing.

Now that dinner’s over, we’ll take a few moments to get to know you a little better, Wesley said. Pulling out his clipboard, he flipped through the forms. Tomorrow’s hike is relatively easy, that is, almost completely flat terrain. There will be only a small incline, barely four hundred feet, at the tail end of the trail that will lead us to a pleasant view of the mountains we’ll be conquering in the days to come. You could call it our warm-up hike. He clapped his hands and, keeping them clasped together, looked around at the eager bunch.

Just to get a feel for the experience you have, tell us a little something about a previous hike you’ve been on. He looked down at one of the forms then back at the girls. Ashley.

That’s me. Ashley offered a glamorous wave to everyone and winked at Hayden. Hello, everyone. My name is Ashley Porter and I’m from Berlin, New Hampshire and I have loved these mountains all my life. This has been a dream of mine for so many years and now that dream is finally coming true.

The melodrama in her voice was thick and hard to miss.

I now live in New York City where I’m busy working on my modeling career which doesn’t really leave me with much time to go to the mountains very often. But…

Her voice trailed off and before she could fill the void, Mia jumped in and took it from there. We live in New York City, too, she said with cool reserve. This is our first time out here and to tell you the truth we’ve never even been close to a mountain, but we have strolled through Central Park many, many times and I once had to climb up seven flights of stairs when an elevator broke down… remember, Lina? We were in—

Thank you, Wesley cut-in, again flipping through the forms to find her name. Mia, right? Mia and your sister, Lina.

The girls nodded.

Gertrude, Wesley called.

Blushing profusely, Rudy shrank into her chair.

Oh, sorry. Rudy, he corrected.

Hayden smiled, causing Rudy to blush further. Gertrude? he mouthed to Wesley.

Rudy pulled herself up and fought to ignore Hayden’s ridicule.

Gros Morne Park in Newfoundland.

Gros what? Reanne asked.

Hayden raised an impressed eyebrow then resumed his frown.

Really? That sounds interesting, Wesley said, urging her to go on. That is a part of the Appalachians, is it not?

"Yes, it is. It’s still, literally, one of my favorite