Chapter Ten
ELIZA
As I'm stacking the rest of the tools, Rhys sidles up next to me. “So,” he says, his tone casual but his eyes sharp, “you and Matt, huh?”
I almost drop the hammer I'm holding. “It's not like that,” I say, steadying my voice. “We're ... friends.”
Rhys raises an eyebrow. “Uh-huh. Well, word of advice? Be careful. Kane's in full big brother mode. Don't rush into anything.”
Immediately, he's called away to help Reid with something, and I'm left standing there, my cheeks burning with indignation. Why does everyone think they need to protect me? Haven't I proven I can handle myself?
I finish cleaning up and head back to my cabin, my mind swirling with thoughts of Matt and my family's overprotectiveness.
As I approach, I see Matt standing on the porch, his hands shoved in his pockets.
My heart skips a beat at the sight of him, but I can see the tension in his shoulders, the worry in his eyes.
“Hey,” I say, climbing the steps. “Everything okay with Kane?”
I lean against the railing, close enough to feel the heat radiating from his body. His eyes lock with mine, and the air between us feels charged. I'm aware of how close we're standing, and the way his gaze drops to my lips for a moment before he looks away.
“What did Kane say when he pulled you aside?” I ask.
Matt hesitates, then sighs. “He reminded me I'm temporary here. That when I leave, they'll be the ones picking up the pieces.”
A surge of anger rises within me. “That's ridiculous! I'm not some fragile thing that needs to be protected. I'm a grown woman who can make her own decisions.”
“I know,” Matt says. “I told him as much. But Eliza, he's not entirely wrong. I will have to leave eventually.”
His words land like a blow, knocking the wind out of me.
In the chaos of everything that's happened, I'd almost let myself forget that Matt's time here is limited.
The thought of him leaving—of me returning to the life I had before he came—tightens something inside me.
I glance at him, realizing how quickly he's become a part of my world.
It hasn't been long, but it feels like we've known each other much longer.
He's stood by me in the worst moments, never making me feel weak, always seeing me for who I am.
Losing that, losing him ... I'm not ready.
I take a breath, trying to untangle my emotions. Isn't it too soon for this? We hardly know each other. But then again, crisis has a way of accelerating things, of stripping away pretenses and revealing what's important.
“Matt, I...” I begin, unsure of the words but knowing I have to say something.
“I should go,” Matt says, his voice rough. “Early start tomorrow. We’ve got to finish repairing the main lodge roof.”
I try hiding my disappointment. “Right. The lodge. There's still a lot to do.”
As Matt turns to leave, clarity washes over me. After everything—the avalanche, the destruction, the fear—how can I let this moment slip away? Life is too short, too unpredictable.
I grab Matt's arm. “Wait.”
He turns back, confusion clear in his eyes. “Eliza?”
Without another word, I close the distance between us and press my lips to his.
The kiss is soft at first, tentative, like we're both testing the waters.
But then Matt's arms tighten around me, pulling me closer, and the kiss deepens, becoming something more urgent.
I pour everything into it—my frustration with my family, my growing feelings for Matt, and the sudden clarity that life is too precious to waste on fear and indecision.
After what feels like both a moment and an eternity, Matt pulls back, his breathing ragged. He presses his forehead against mine, his eyes closed, as if grounding himself.
“Wow,” he whispers, his voice thick with emotion.
I laugh softly, my breath unsteady. “Yeah. Wow.”
Matt's brow furrows as he searches my eyes, still holding me close. “Eliza, are you sure about this? Your brothers—”
I cut him off, my voice firm despite the swirl of emotions rising inside me. “My brothers don't get to decide this for me,” I say. This moment is huge, monumental even, and as the words leave my mouth, I feel both fear and certainty. “I make my own choices, Matt. And I choose this. I choose you.”
The enormity of what I've said hits me, but instead of feeling overwhelmed, a wave of relief washes over me—like for the first time in a long while, I'm truly steering my future.
Matt presses a gentle kiss to my forehead. “I want that too,” he says, and the reassurance in his voice makes my chest swell. Relief, joy, and a flutter of excitement all collide inside me. “But we should take it slow, okay? There's a lot at stake here.”
My heart feels lighter as his words settle in. “We'll figure it out together. One day at a time.”
The doubt I’ve been carrying for days fades, replaced by the steady comfort of knowing we're on the same page.
As Matt turns to head back to his cabin, I call out softly, “You can come back in, you know. We could ... snuggle, or something.”
He pauses, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he walks back toward me, stopping inches away. “As much as I'd love that, it’s not a good idea,” he says, his voice teasing but gentle.
I roll my eyes but can't help smiling. “You're no fun.”
He chuckles, brushing a soft kiss on my forehead. “I'm serious, Eliza. You've got a lot riding on this exam. But tomorrow? We'll make time.”
The heat of his kiss lingers as he steps back, and I know he's right. “Okay. Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,” he echoes, his eyes lingering on mine for a moment before he turns and heads off into the fading light.
When I step back into the cabin, it feels quieter but not as empty as before.
Anticipation lingers in the air, and though I’m on my own for now, I know I’m not truly alone in this.
I grab my books and settle onto the couch, Matt’s words still echoing in my mind.
He believes in me—and that belief pushes me forward.
Tomorrow will come soon enough. For now, it's time to focus on today's challenges.
I fall asleep that night with the memory of our kiss a warm promise of what's to come, and a newfound resolve to shape my destiny.
The next morning, I'm surrounded by my brothers in the main lodge, discussing the day's plans, but I keep noticing Matt's absence. I glance toward the window, wondering where he is. Kane catches my look and nudges me. “He'll be here soon,” he says.
I try to focus, but my thoughts keep drifting to Matt.
“While we’re waiting, we should talk,” Reid says.
I fist my hands on my hips. “If this is about Matt, who I date, kiss, or sleep with is my business. And if you keep meddling, I'll include spoiled clams in the next batch of chowder I make.”
They all stare at me, dumbfounded. Kane speaks up, shaking his head. “This has nothing to do with Matt. We're talking about your exam prep.”
As my brothers are explaining everything, the door creaks open, and Matt steps in, brushing snow off his jacket.
“Sorry I'm late,” Matt says. “I grabbed those supplies you asked for.” He glances over at me, his arrival instantly making the room feel warmer.
Reid continues, not missing a beat. “Matt spoke up earlier, reminded us how much this project means to you.”
I blink, caught off guard. I haven’t been thinking about my test much, not with everything happening here. The lodge, the avalanche, Matt—it’s all consumed my thoughts. But hearing Reid mention it brings the pressure rushing back.
Rhys agrees, adding, “Yeah, we almost decided you should focus on studying, but Matt helped us see we can't sideline you.”
Matt meets my eyes, making it clear he's been looking out for me.
“So, here's what we're thinking,” Kane continues. “Four hours of study each day, then you join us for repairs. That way, you're prepping for your exam and still contributing here.”
I'm momentarily speechless. Matt stood up for me?
A warm feeling spreads through me. Even when I'm not around, he gets me, supports me.
I glance at my brothers, seeing the genuine concern in their eyes.
They're not trying to control me—they're looking out for me, and Matt helped them understand what I need.
I take a steady breath, weighing their proposal.
It's a fair compromise, offering me the best of both worlds. They want to make sure I can still pitch in where I’m needed while giving me the time to focus on my studies.
“I appreciate your consideration,” I say thoughtfully, “and I understand where you're coming from. You're right. This is a balanced solution. Thank you for finding a way I can manage both.”
Relief washes over them. “We want what's best for you,” Kane says.
As I look at my brothers' faces, gratitude overwhelms me. They're giving me a chance to chase my dreams without having to step completely away from helping here.
“Thank you,” I say. “I won't let you down, I promise.”