The snowshoeingtour is more fun than I thought it’d be. It was also more challenging than I’d expected, and despite taking yesterday off from skiing, I can still feel the fatigue in my legs.
Liam, of course, makes it look like he’s just taking an afternoon stroll on flat pavement. He chats with others in the group the entire time, not even out of breath.
He’s so outgoing and makes everyone laugh so easily. I love seeing him in his element, but apparently, some jealous,insecure asshole has moved into my brain because I want to keep him all to myself. My jealousy makes me sulky and moody, and while others in the group are getting to know him—and obviously falling in love—I stay silent, keeping to myself toward the outside of the group.
Noticing my silence as the tour comes to an end, Liam moves closer to me and slings an arm across my shoulder as he introduces me to a couple of guys he spent most of the tour talking with.
“Owen, Storm, this is my best friend, Damon. D, meet Owen and Storm. They’re visiting from North Carolina, too!”
I nod my head. “Nice to meet you.”
Storm resembles his namesake. He certainly doesn’t wear his emotions for all to see like Liam. He also keeps a close eye on Owen, watching the man intently with every interaction. Storm’s closer to Liam’s height than mine, but he has my build. Yet somehow, even though he’s not physically imposing, his demeanor makes it feel like a storm is brewing. Perhaps his mother could feel it in her womb, and that’s how he got the name.
“They own a bed-and-breakfast on the coast. Isn’t that cool?” Liam’s eyes are alight with sincere happiness over learning all about their B&B. “It’ssobeautiful. Owen, show D that picture you showed me.” Looking back at me, he says, “You’re going to love this.”
And of course, I do.
It’s a gorgeous oceanfront beach house that could easily sleep twenty people. Petulant dark waves crash on the shore just beyond it. It has a very regal, moody vibe that reminds me of New England…kind of like the owner himself.
“Wow,” I utter. It’s not the most eloquent thing I could have said, but I’m at a loss for other words.
Owen beams. “This is my favorite picture. It was taken in the eye of Hurricane Eloise. There’s something powerful about being in the middle of the storm, you know?”
“I knew you’d like it,” Liam says proudly, turning to me. “Maybe we can go visit?”
“The fall is beautiful,” Storm says, speaking for the first time. Something in his tone, or maybe it’s the way he’s looking at Owen, makes me unsure if he’s talking about the season or something else entirely. “Although the storms do tend to pick up in those months.” Then, changing subjects so fast it makes my head spin, Storm says, “Liam tells us you work in computer security?” He speaks slowly, like the world and everyone in it runs on his timeline.
“That’s right,” I confirm, glad this conversation is taking a turn somewhere more comfortable.
“Perhaps we could discuss business over cocktails this evening?” Storm asks. “Our system has been hacked twice since opening. And although we know who’s behind it, we can’t seem to keep them out.”
“I’d be happy to,” I reply. I love my job and am always happy to help where I can. Plus, it’s comfortable ground for me, and I hate to say it, but I could probably use a little distance from Liam until I can get myself under control. Cocktails with strangers while discussing business sounds perfect.
“Oh, wonderful!” Owen pipes up. “Liam, I can answer all your questions about the B&B while the men talk business.” He pats Storm’s chest lovingly, and something dark flashes in the man’s eyes.
“Sounds great!” Liam says, not picking up on the intense vibe between these two.
So much for distance.
Chapter 12
Liam
“D! Hurry up! We’re going to be late!” I shout.
It’s almost seven, and we’re due to meet Owen and Storm for cocktails in fifteen minutes.
Talking with Owen earlier about their business was inspiring. He has such a passion for hosting others. He talks about the massive house as if it were his kid, full of pride and excitement.
I followed Damon to college because my parents told me I had to gosomewhere,and fuck all if I knew how to pick a college. Or a career, for that matter.
How the fuck is an eighteen-year-old supposed to know what they want to do for the rest of their life when they’ve barely experienced any life as it is? I hardly knew all my options.
Hell, I still don’t.
But I chose a degree in hospitality management. Yeah, it’s ironic because I can’t even managemyself, but it was easy, and I love showing people a good time, so it seemed like a good fit. Far better than business or IT.
“Keep your panties on, I’m coming,” Damon says as he walks out of his room looking like Mr. GQ.
