Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
CAITLYN
Vic had moved into his cabin, and Luna and I were now in the furnished apartment. And through it all, I avoided Vic for the past week as we settled into a new routine. But my body’s reaction every time I saw him from afar hadn’t changed just because I was avoiding him.
And today, my luck had run out. My morning walk had taken me past the woodshop where he just happened to be with his brother. Once again, my greedy gaze ate him up. Shoot, I needed to do a one-eighty right now, before he noticed my interest. Before he got any more ideas, but my feet failed me.
I felt a rush of hot liquid flow through my veins, then my stomach dropped, and my lungs seized. And yet going without breath seemed like a small price to pay in order to witness the man not fifty yards away, his shirt off—again, his skin glistening—again, from the late spring heatwave.
Did he run hot, or was it pure vanity to have his shirt off whenever possible?
“What are you looking at, Caitlyn?”
Waa! My scream rent the air as both Chassie and I jumped.
My sister laughed, then saved me. She grabbed my arm, dragging me away from guaranteed mortification.
“Where did you come from? Is he looking at me?” I demanded in a loud whisper.
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, and he’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?