7. Lila
CHAPTER SEVEN
Lila
The invitation came out of nowhere.
Nate, as usual, was full of enthusiasm and not even remotely aware of the landmine he’d just dropped into my lap.
“It’ll be fun, Lila! Fresh air, snow, good company… just what you need to break out of this rut.”
I stared at him, the words sticking in my throat.
Fun. Sure.
Because spending a weekend on a ski trip with Jaxon and Colt, the two men currently tied in a tug of war for my sanity, sounded like a recipe for anything but relaxation.
“I don’t know,” I said finally, twisting my fingers together. “I mean, you guys don’t want me tagging along, do you? It’s your annual thing.”
Nate rolled his eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous. Everyone’s on board. Besides, when’s the last time you did something just for yourself? After everything you’ve been through…”
The last time I’d done something for myself had ended with Colt’s lips on mine and the memory burning a hole in my conscience. But I couldn’t exactly say that.
“I’ll think about it,” I hedged, but Nate was already grinning like he’d won.
“Great. You’ll love it, promise. And Biscuit can come, too. Fresh mountain air’ll be good for him.”
Biscuit, lying in his usual sprawl on the rug, perked up at the sound of his name. His stubby tail wiggled a few times, completely oblivious to the whirlwind inside my head.
I had plans for the day.
Chores, job hunting, unpacking.
But after what Nate had just suggested, I needed to get out, to clear my head, to stop thinking about Jaxon’s piercing gaze and Colt’s playful smirk.
“Come on, Biscuit.” I reached for his leash. “Let’s go for a walk.”
I’d forgotten how beautiful the Fernridge Trailhead was this time of year. Quiet, too.
The kind of place where you could hear the crunch of snow underfoot and the occasional chirp of a bird overhead. Biscuit trotted ahead, his little legs working overtime to plow through the powder.
He looked back at me every few steps, as if checking to make sure I was still there.
“Don’t worry, buddy,” I said, my breath clouding in the crisp air. “I’m not going anywhere.”
The trail opened up to a small overlook, the valley below dusted in snow like powdered sugar. I leaned against the wooden railing, letting the stillness settle over me.
Why was this so hard?
It wasn’t just the kiss. It was everything—being back in this town, trying to piece myself together after years away, and now being thrown into the deep end with Jaxon and Colt.
They were like fire and ice, each pulling me in a different direction, and I was stuck in the middle, unsure which way to turn.
Unsure if I should turn either way at all.
Biscuit barked, jolting me out of my thoughts. He was sniffing at a patch of snow, his tail wagging furiously.
“Find something good?” I asked, smiling despite myself.
We continued down the trail, back onto the main street in town, until the scent of warm sugar and maple drew me to Sweet Maple Bakery. Biscuit tugged eagerly at his leash, clearly as much of a fan as I was.
Inside, the familiar aroma wrapped around me like a hug. Mrs. Cooper, the bakery’s owner, greeted us with her usual cheery smile.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite pair! How’s life treating you, Lila? I haven’t seen you for a very long time!”
I returned her smile, though it wavered just a little.
“It’s been… eventful,” I said, trying not to let too much show. “But I’m back now, for better or worse.”
Mrs. Cooper wiped her hands on her flour-dusted apron and nodded knowingly. “It’s always an adjustment, coming home after so long. But it’ll settle. You’ll see.”
I hoped she was right.
Biscuit let out an impatient bark, earning a laugh from her. “And you, young man, still as demanding as ever, I see. Let me grab him a treat.”
She disappeared behind the counter, and I knelt down to ruffle Biscuit’s fur.
“You’re spoiled rotten, you know that?”
He wagged his tail in agreement, completely unrepentant.
Mrs. Cooper returned with a small biscuit shaped like a paw print and handed it to me with a wink. “On the house. Call it a welcome home gift.”
“Thanks,” I said, standing and glancing at the display case. “And I’ll take one of your famous maple donuts. For me this time.”
Mrs. Cooper beamed as she bagged the donut. “Ah, that’s the spirit, dear. A little indulgence never hurt anyone.”
As she handed it to me, her expression softened and I could almost feel her eyes boring into me.
“You know, Lila, I was talking to your dad the other day. He mentioned how you’ve had a rough go of it lately.”
I stiffened slightly, but she went on, her tone gentle. This was the only issue with small-town life. No secrets.
“He said you’ve been keeping to yourself. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that. But sometimes, when life knocks us down, it helps to shake things up. Do something unexpected, something… fun.”
Her words struck a nerve.
I smiled politely, but my mind was already spinning.
Fun .
The ski trip was supposed to be fun, wasn’t it? Fresh air, snow, and… Jaxon and Colt.
Mrs. Cooper must’ve noticed my hesitation. “When I first moved here, I didn’t know a soul. It took a lot to step out of my comfort zone, but you know what? Some of the best memories I’ve ever made were from saying yes to the things I wasn’t sure about.” She patted my hand, her warmth seeping into me. “You might surprise yourself.”
I nodded, murmuring a thank-you as Biscuit and I made our way back out into the crisp air.
Her words stayed with me as we walked home, weaving into my thoughts like a thread I couldn’t pull loose.
Back at the house, I paced the living room, Biscuit watching me like I’d lost my mind.
“What do you think, buddy?” I asked, throwing myself onto the couch. “Am I crazy for even considering this?”
Biscuit tilted his head, his ears perking up as if to say, Go for it.
Before I could overthink it any further, I grabbed my phone and called Nate.
He answered on the second ring, his voice already smug. “I knew you’d come around.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “Don’t push your luck. I’ll come, but only because I think Biscuit could use the fresh air.”
Nate laughed, clearly not buying my excuse. “Whatever you say, sis. You won’t regret it. It’s gonna be great, I promise.”
As I hung up, a mixture of dread and excitement bubbled in my chest. The trip was happening.
Now all I had to do was survive a weekend with two men I couldn’t stop thinking about.
No big deal.