Chapter 4
4
ASPEN
C risp, clean air flowed through my nose as I inhaled deeply and held it until it burned in my lungs, then slowly released it through pursed lips. Over and over, I repeated the calming exercise while sitting on the hard composite wood planks of the back porch, gazing out at the gorgeous view of several snow-covered mountain peaks that glinted in the bright afternoon sun. Or was it early evening? With no phone or watch to monitor the time and a desperate need to unplug, plus the nearly sixteen hours of sunlight during this time of year, it made it difficult to know exactly how long I’d been sitting here, lost in thought.
The short nighttime hours would make getting enough sleep here tough, but it also had its benefits. Longer days and more hours of natural light than back home meant additional time out on the trails and in the mountains taking pictures.
With a content sigh, I plucked the Uplift Adventure and Rescue brochure—the one Aiden made sure I had several copies of after he helped carry my bags into the cabin—off the porch beside me and scanned the offerings.
“Ugh, how is a girl supposed to choose?” I groused to myself and flipped back to the first section to review all the options again.
Everything looked fun and amazing, and there were way too many great options to pick from. I wanted to book every single one, but there was no way, considering I only had seven days in Anchor Bay before having to go back to my shit-show life. A heavy weight settled in my chest, making me work for each inhale. With the heel of my hand pressed to my sternum, I rubbed to dispel the building pressure created by just thinking about Seattle.
What the hell will my life look like after this spontaneous trip is over?
There was no way I could, or would want to, go back to the magazine after my abrupt and unprofessional exit. Hell, even the thought of returning to that big city filled with pollution, surrounded by strangers, and the soul-eating loneliness I felt every day made my heart race with anxiety. That wasn’t living. It was barely surviving, just going through the motions.
I didn’t want to go back, not when being here for less than half a day showed me there was so much more out there. A happier life, one where I didn’t dread waking up in the mornings to do it all over again.
This was my chance to reset the trajectory of my future, just like what Aiden called this random, crazy trip, and he couldn’t have been more right. Sitting on the back porch of the very basic single-occupancy cabin, staring out at the mountains, with the clean air rustling my hair, caressing my skin, and filling my lungs, settled me in a way I hadn’t felt in too long.
This place just felt right. As if I was exactly where I was meant to be.
A soft knock on the cottage door had me unfolding my pretzeled legs and standing with a groan. On the way to answer the door, I glanced at the wall clock. The corners of my lips pulled up into a giddy smirk. Aiden was five minutes early for the celebratory drinks we planned before he left earlier, and somehow, I knew that wasn’t the norm for him. With his easygoing nature, I had a feeling he was the type of person who ran a few minutes late wherever he went.
I wrapped my fingers around the doorknob, giving it a quick twist and slowly easing open the heavy wood, verifying through the three-inch crack that it was in fact Aiden waiting on the other side before opening the door all the way. Holy hell, the man was beyond gorgeous. He’d changed into a basic deep green T-shirt that hugged his chest and arms, paired with dark-washed jeans, and he seemed to have at least tried to fix his floppy hair to keep it out of his eyes.
At well over six feet, he gazed down at me, and the wide, all-white-teeth smile that was on his face slowly dipped into a frown.
My stomach flipped. Shit, was he disappointed with what he saw? I looked down at my soft green sweater, jeans, and boots. Maybe I should’ve put in more effort, like brushing my hair or putting on some lip gloss.
“I didn’t hear a lock disengage before you opened the door.” I blinked up at him, not understanding the odd, confusing statement. He was right, but who the hell paid attention to that kind of detail? I must have forgotten to lock it after he left, as I was in too much of a hurry to lose myself on the back porch. “Does that mean it wasn’t locked?”
“Forgot to, I guess.” I shrugged, somewhat relieved his frown was because of the lock situation, not because of how I was dressed or looked. “It’s fine. I’m fairly certain bears haven’t figured out how to turn doorknobs,” I said, tongue in cheek, not understanding the big deal. The Nest wasn’t secured by high fences or anything, but with the way they spread out the guest cottages and were so far from town, I wasn’t concerned about some random person walking in on me, unlike back in Seattle.
“It’s not bears I’m concerned about, Aspen,” Aiden said, his voice tight.
The few rogue hairs that had escaped my messy bun drifted across my face as I cocked my head. “Then what should I be worried about?”
Lips in a tight line, he glanced over his shoulder, a muscle along his jaw twitching as he worked it back and forth. “Just from now on, lock it for me, okay? The town might look small and inviting, but not everyone is on the up-and-up like me and my best friend, Miles, who you’ll get to meet here in a few. He’s meeting us at Dave’s.”
I nervously chewed on my lower lip and tightened my grip on the edge of the door. “All right, yeah. That sounds okay, I guess. You’re sure I’ll be safe with you and your friend? Me going out in a town I’ve never been to for drinks with two guys who I don’t even know the last names of sounds like the start of every horror film or episode of Dateline .”
He snorted an incredulous laugh. “You will be perfectly safe with us, but you made a valid point.” Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled a slender leather wallet free, flipped it open, and thumbed out his driver’s license before handing it to me. Holding the stiff plastic close, I scanned his photo, annoyed that the picture was good while I looked like a strung-out addict in mine, before reading the listed information.
“Aiden Davey Taylor.”
“My friends call me Aiden or Crocket.” I tried to give it back to him, but he retreated a step and held up both hands. “I want you to feel safe and comfortable with me, Aspen. Take a picture of it.” He hitched his chin toward the license. “Send the photo to a friend and let them know I’m taking you to Dave’s bar in Anchor Bay. I’ll have Miles do the same when we see him there.”
The reservations that rose within me when he mentioned meeting his friend faded. He could be putting on a good-guy routine to get me alone, but it didn’t feel that way. Maybe it was the loneliness talking, but he seemed worth the risk. With a slow nod, I stepped off to the side and gestured for him to move off the porch and into the cottage. The moment he was over the threshold, I quickly shut the door behind him to keep the annoying summer bugs outside where they belonged. With my spine pressed against the door, I held his license out between us.
“Can you take a picture and send it to me?” He arched a questioning brow. “My phone is off and buried somewhere in the bottom of my bag.”
Gaze locked on me, he nodded and did as I asked, showing me the screen after he sent the photo to the number I rattled off. My shoulders dropped a fraction, and I released a slow breath. While I appreciated his concern, I really didn’t want to power up my phone, which I’d turned off the second I sent Barbara my resignation letter.
Cowardly? Maybe. But I would deal with the aftershocks of my actions later.
Much, much later.
“Suggesting that was very considerate and brilliant,” I said, shoving my hands into the back pockets of my jeans before propping a foot up against the door.
“That would be because of Caroline.”
A flare of jealousy erupted, tightening my stomach. I shoved the emotion down deep with a thick swallow, hoping it didn’t show on my face, though the knowing smirk that barely curled the corners of his lips said I did a shit job of hiding how I felt.
“Caroline is a friend and coworker at Uplift. In the past, Miles and I voiced our concerns about her meeting up with men she’d just met, so she started doing the license thing. That way, she was safe, could still live her life, and it put us at ease, knowing exactly who she was with and who to go after if anything happened to her.”
My stomach did a flip at the low growl that vibrated his words. What would it be like to have guys like that in my life? Protective and caring yet understanding and not oppressive.
“Plus, she would tell us where they were going.” He paused and looked just over my shoulder with a frown. “But for the last month, she’s been seeing this one guy, so we haven’t had to worry about anyone new.”
“And that’s a bad thing?” The face he was making made it seem like he wasn’t a fan of the new guy at all.
He ran a hand through his styled hair and shook his head. “Not bad, just… It’s nothing. How do you like the place?” he asked, gesturing around the small cottage. “Is it what you expected?”
A genuine grin spread across my face as I shifted my attention from the dangerously handsome man to the tight living space. It wasn’t fancy or spacious by any means, but it was perfect for one person. The main room was a simple square that worked as the living room, with a love seat against the wall and a single chair beside it. The very basic kitchen had a sink, a small fridge, and a microwave. No surprise that there wasn’t a TV, which wasn’t that big a deal for me, considering I preferred to read instead of watch anything these days. A door off to the side led to a bedroom with a log frame queen-size bed with the softest duvet on the planet and a cramped attached bathroom.
Everything was practical. Exactly what one would need, since most of a visitor’s time was spent outdoors anyway.
“It’s perfect. And the view out back is mind-blowing.” I gestured to the back door. “I’ve already lost a few hours just sitting out there, staring at the mountains. I’m excited to see some of the town tonight. It looked picture-perfect on the drive here. I can’t wait to snap some shots. Since I’m not here very long, I need to make every opportunity and moment count.”
“Then let’s get going.” Phone still in his hand, he typed out a quick text before sliding it into his back pocket. “Just letting Miles know we’re heading to Dave’s.”
Snagging my thick coat from the hook by the door, I slid it on and flipped up the fur-lined hood. A deep, rumbling chuckle came from Aiden as he held open the door, eyes alight with humor.
“What are you laughing at?” I grumbled as I snatched the satchel with my wallet and camera off another hook and looped the long strap over my head. “It was chilly earlier on the porch, and once the sun finally sets, it’ll be downright cold. Don’t judge me.”
He waited at the base of the front steps, studying my movements as I locked up. “Not judging you, Aspen. I’m laughing because it’s practically summer here. Hell, I debated wearing shorts, and you tugged on a winter coat over a sweater. It’s adorable and reminds me that we’re a bit of a different breed up here in Alaska. Most people wouldn’t think this weather is warm, but after the long-as-hell and bitter fucking winter, we do.”
The metal key dug into my fingers as I shoved it into a deep pocket, pushing it into the tight corner so it wouldn’t accidentally fall out. Instead of moving along the path toward the parking space allotted for my cabin when I stepped beside Aiden, he gave me an uncertain look before leaping up the steps. Fingers around the doorknob, he gave it a few turns and shoves, ensuring it was locked up tight before turning back with a smile.
A swell of emotions had tears burning behind my eyes as my heart melted at the simple gesture by an almost complete stranger. I’d only known the guy a few hours, yet here he was, so concerned about my safety that he double-checked the cottage was secure. I noticed he did it to the back door, too, before we headed out the front.
When was the last time anyone but me cared about my safety?
I swallowed down the unshed tears, not wanting Aiden to see how much that gesture meant to me. Because damnit, I was tired of always having to be on guard, watching over my shoulder, and keeping myself safe.
“I can see that. But even coming from Seattle, this is cold enough to warrant a heavy coat. I hate being cold.” Loose rocks and fallen pine needles slid beneath my boots as we walked side by side along the path toward an older-model Toyota 4Runner. “That yours?”
He flung a set of keys up in the air, catching them again with ease. “Yep, that’s us. Normally, with the nice weather”—he laughed when I shot him an incredulous look—“I’d drive the bike or four-wheeler around town, but I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about riding with me since we just met.”
“Do you live close to here?” I smiled when he opened the passenger door for me.
Hand on top of the open door, he waited until I was in the seat, camera carefully cradled in my lap, before responding. “Yes and no. It’s not too far. Miles and I live together in a community our boss built just for Uplift employees. It’s cool as hell and nearly self-sustaining at this point. It really is damn impressive what Brandon, our owner, and Carl and Amy, his life partners, created for us. It’s a miniature town with a close-knit family-like environment. Sure, we all work together, but we’re family now too.”
I nodded while biting the tip of my tongue to keep from asking about Brandon and his partners. Because, unless math was different here, he listed three people in their relationship, not the typical two. That seemed to validate the rumor that popped up on social media when conducting my research on Anchor Bay. A few posted about a unique poly community that settled outside town several years back. Uplift was never mentioned or linked in the posts, but the way Aiden spoke about his community, it seemed to be the one they’d mentioned.
As if waiting for my reaction to that revelation, Aiden hesitated a few seconds, watching me before nodding and shutting the door.
I deflated against the seat, blowing a raspberry. That was a lot of information to process, and I now had a shit ton of inappropriate questions I was desperate to ask.
The SUV bounced when he folded into the driver’s seat and turned to face me. “Ready?” At my nod, he pushed the key into the ignition and started the engine. After turning the heat on full blast and pointing all the vents my way, he shifted into Reverse and pulled out of the parking spot. “If you want to grab some shots on the way, let me know, and I can slow down or pull over.”
My heart gave a heavy thud and, I swear, swelled at his offer.
The seat belt caught, tugging against my chest when I adjusted along the seat to lean on the door and gaze out the side window, my eyes flicking every which way to not miss any of the gorgeous scenery off in the distance. Without me having to ask, Aiden slowed to an almost crawl when we hit the edge of town. Smiling so wide my cheeks burned, I rolled down the window, not caring about the chilly wind filling the SUV, and raised my camera, snapping shots of the colorfully painted buildings and almost-deserted docks and piers. The sun reflected off the choppy water, highlighting the bright colors and unique layout of the town.
“Go ahead.” Aiden pulled off to the side and rested a forearm on top of the steering wheel. “We’re in no hurry.”
The tires continued to roll along the road while cars and other ATVs coasted past us, but not once did he ask me to hurry or complain that I was taking too long. By the time he pulled the SUV into an angled parking space in front of a weathered wooden building, I’d taken hundreds of pictures I couldn’t wait to download and sort through.
The hinges groaned when Aiden shoved his door open and stepped out. Busy putting the camera away, I jolted when my door swung open and he leaned against it.
“Get some good shots?” he asked with an expression that told me he was actually interested and not just making small talk.
“Yeah, I think so. I’ll know for sure once I get back to the cabin and can look them over on the laptop.” He stepped back, allowing me to exit the 4Runner. I eyed the rotting wood facade. “So, this is the place we’re meeting your friend?”
“Yep. It’s not much to look at, but it’s a favorite of us locals. The tourists and visitors stick to the trendier and newer side of town, which is just two blocks that way.” He hooked a thumb behind him as we headed for the door. “Ches is a great guy. Pours strong drinks and always has the best beer on tap.”
I eyed Aiden, then the sign that had seen better days. The white-painted Dave’s was barely legible. “So, the guy who owns it is Ches, but the bar is called Dave’s?”
Aiden tipped his head back, his long locks of hair swinging with the movement, and laughed. With a wink, he tossed a heavy arm across my shoulders. He paused, still chuckling under his breath. “Dave was Ches’s dad. He owned the place before he passed several years back and left it to his son.”
The cheerful expression shifted to one of consideration as his honey-brown gaze flicked between my face and where his arm hung on my shoulders. “Is this okay?”
Biting my lip to hide my goofy grin, I nodded.
“Great, because I’m a touchy-feely, invade-your-space kind of guy. If it ever bothers you, let me know. I try to remember that not everyone wants me hanging all over them.”
It was crazy that I truly didn’t mind. In fact, his touch was almost comforting in a way, despite him being a stranger and sexy as hell.
He reached the door first, grabbing the thick wooden handle and giving it a tug before gesturing for me to go through.
I paused just inside the bar, my eyes taking a second to adjust from the sunlight to the dark atmosphere. Scents of fried food, stale beer, and fish wafted up my nose when I inhaled. Tugging at my coat, I popped the snaps and pulled it off as Aiden stepped up beside me. Every head turned our way, and conversations died as the patrons focused on me.
I swallowed hard, not loving the curious and a few hostile stares.
“You said this was a local favorite. Are there a lot in Anchor Bay? Locals, that is, in the actual town?”
“More than you’d think.” A wide hand pressed to my lower back, guiding me forward through the scattering of high-top tables. “The fishing keeps this town going most of the year, but in the summers, we get an influx of visitors who want to explore Alaska. Some locals live in town, but a lot don’t. They move here to get away from people, and that’s what they do. Build a remote place out in the mountains and only come into town to trade what they’ve trapped or shot, stock up on supplies, or when they need a tiny dose of socialization, which is what they get here.
“Oh, good, Miles is already here.” He pointed toward a table in the corner and then huffed. “Of course he brought her too.”
I stumbled, hip bouncing off a chair, when the light shifted, pouring through one of the few windows along the back wall, highlighting a massive man whose intense gaze tracked my every move. Even sitting down, I knew he was well over six feet tall, and with broad shoulders and a thick chest, he radiated power. Short dark hair, barely long enough on top to style, and a thick, almost-black beard that covered but didn’t conceal the sharp lines of his square jaw. True hazel eyes never left my face, almost dragging me into his orbit.
Movement to his right drew my attention. I sucked down a shocked gasp, almost choking on a delighted squeal that tried to escape at the same time.
Holy fuck.
Was that really a dog, sitting in a chair like a human, smiling at me?