Chassie craned her neck as I increased my speed. “Who Lars? No, he’s focused on the cradle they’re working on.”
What a smart ass. “Yeah, like I’m looking to piss Dylan off while she’s eight months pregnant. No, you sneak. Oh, just forget it. It doesn’t matter.”
“Doesn’t it?”
“No. It was just a kiss,andhe’s too young for me.” Swiping a chunk of hair that had fallen across my face, I straightened my shoulders and met my sister’s gaze.
“Caitlyn, come on. It’s not like you’re in high school. Even you have to admit he’s got his life together more so than most 26-year-olds I know, including myself or you at the same age.”
She hadn’t been one bit surprised when I told what happened after everyone left the other night. And damn it; I hated it when she was right. Now well past Lars and Dylan’s cabin, I’d planned on hiking to the end of the paved lane that ended coincidentally just past Vic’s new place. I really hadn’t thought this through.
I just needed to get out and think, and a walk seemed like the best idea. Luna had been picked up by Sami to spend the day with them while I went out job hunting again.
“Okay. Ignore me then. But that will not change what I can clearly see is happening with you. We may have been apart for a while, but I’m your big sister. I know you. And you, my dear, have some big feelings racing around in your brain. Maybe stop overthinking every little thing and just let things play out?”
Well, she was right about one thing. I over thought all the time. But I didn’t want any of this. The feelings. The longing. And sure, the connection and sparks pinging all over the damn place between Vic and me was undeniable. But I needed to figure out if my wants should overrule my good sense. Could I pull off a no-strings, emotionless hook-up? Because right now that seemed like the only good option to get past this.
If only my past relationships hadn’t always ended badly. I know I couldn’t trust myself again to let physical attraction be the driving force behind yet another terrible choice for me.
“Let’s just say you may be right. It doesn’t mean I should jump right into something with a man I just met. If it ends badly, and I feel the need to remind you of my dismal track record with men. Plus, there’s no place for either of us to go when it ends, right? We’re living in this protected eco-system of happy couples everywhere we turn, and then there’s us. Crazy, extreme attraction doesn’t equal happily ever after. And I have Luna to think of first, and my needs have to take a back seat. Period.”
Now I just needed to convince my heart and body to believe this was just a passing fancy.
“Okay. So, you’ve thought this through. Good, and I understand your doubt. But what if this is the guy for you? A solid man who is close to his family and has a strong work ethic. He has skills, Cait. He has purpose. And he’s talented, too. You’ve heard him playing his guitar, right? Plus, he’s great with the kids. I think he kind of surprised himself, and Luna seems drawn to him. Yes, you’re going through a big life change right now, but you can’t pick when these things happen. Look at me and Kane. And heck, the rest of the couples here. Who knows, maybe it really is the water?”
Great, now my sister was all in on the mountain water myth.
We’d reached the end of the road, literally. Why did it suddenly feel that if I retraced my steps, the choice would be taken out of my hands? Time for a change of subject. “Why’d you follow me? Don’t you have better things to do instead of dissecting my love life? Which I’m perfectly fine with not having one, by the way.”
Chassie smacked her forehead. “Duh. I went looking for you at the apartment, and you left your cell on the kitchen counter. It rang, and I answered it without thinking. It was the security company calling about the office manager position. They want to see you this afternoon for a second interview.”
Finally, something had gone my way. “That’s great, way to bury the lead though. And no more talking about Vic and me getting together or even Vic at all, okay? I need to focus on getting this job.”
I fast-walked all the way back to the apartment. Proud of myself for barely looking Vic’s way as I passed the shop again. Even when Lars called out a greeting, I didn’t look over. Just waved and kept going.
I texted my sister-in-law to let her know I’d be by later than I thought to pick Luna up. I knew how lucky I was that Sami had offered to watch Luna not just these past few days while I looked for work, but she’d also offered to do so once I found a job.
Now to decide what outfit to wear. And to put all thoughts from my mind of one Victor Olsen.
Not two hours later, I sat down with the owner of Carter Security, and he offered me the job. Then, on Monday, I’d begin the new position. And fingers crossed, within the next few months, after putting more money away, I’d be able to find a new place for Luna and me to live permanently down in Pineville.
I should be more excited about everything going my way for once, right?
But as I drove back to the lodge, all I could think about was seeing Vic earlier today and the passionate kiss we shared. Was I just fooling myself that I’d be able to stay away from him for the rest of my stay on the mountain?
CHAPTER SEVEN
VIC
I finished my last lesson of the day. After seeing off the Navy vet and promising him another session tomorrow, I wandered into the lodge’s great room. “Hey, what’s all the hubbub in here?”
There were toddlers everywhere. Sami was in the middle of an intense negotiation with Theo, and Luna and Naomi were playing with their dolls on the couch. Then there was Caitlyn with Mateo fast asleep against her shoulder, speaking in low tones to one exhausted-looking pregnant lady, my sister-in-law, Dylan. I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Lars had found someone to put up with his perma-scowl and grunts, which he used as his answer to most questions.
And now he was going to be a dad, and I was here to witness it. Wild. And yet, he has seemed to have softened a bit. Had to be Dylan’s doing. She was good for him in a way my brother would be the first to admit he needed. Was I going to end up like he almost had? Surly and a loner who buried his memories from the service by pouring all his time into becoming a master carpenter?
“Mr. Vic! Vic! Hi. Want to play with us?” Luna held up a half-dressed doll. “We’re playing hairdresser. But Naomi keeps putting her doll’s head in her mouth. Do you know how to do braids?” Her face glowed with so much hope over a skill I couldn’t fake my way through if I tried. The thought of letting her down gave me a moment of panic.
All these new emotions cropping up made me wonder if I was having some kind of midlife crisis twenty years early. But I suspected it had a lot to do with that little girl and her mother. “You know, Luna, I’m not the best at hair. But I can do something better. Be right back.” I did an about-face, returned to the room where I gave lessons, and grabbed my guitar.
