Just This Once, Contemporary Romance (Last Frontier Lodge #3) (18 page)

“When did you break your nose?” she asked.

He eyed her sleepily and shook his head subtly, as if to nudge the sleep away. “Probably not as exciting as you might think. I broke it when I was ten. Fell off my bike. My face got up close and personal with the sidewalk.”

She giggled. “Oh. I guess I figured you broke it when you were on a mission or something.”

The corner of his mouth hooked in a half smile. “That would make a better story, but no.”

His body tightened in a shivering stretch against hers. “I suppose we could get up,” he said gruffly before dipping his head and catching her lips in a kiss.

When he pulled away, she opened her eyes again. For a moment, she was held in his gaze. A rush of intimacy washed through her. She wanted the moment to simply keep going. To feel wanted, to feel known and understood, and to feel this close to him was so comforting, she couldn’t stop the hope unfurling in her heart, its wings beating loudly. Restless and uncomfortable with the need rushing through her, she kicked the covers off and sat up abruptly.

A while later, she was saved from her worrying over how to explain Aidan’s sudden appearance when they entered the restaurant and Gage approached, casually clapping Aidan on the back. He appeared entirely unconcerned about Aidan’s presence at her side.

“Hey man, how was the flight?”

“Slept through most of it. How’re things going here?”

“Busy. I’m about to head out for some errands in town. How about we meet tonight for dinner and drinks?”

At Aidan’s nod, Gage turned to her. “You too? Marley should be around.”

Becca managed a nod and tried to read Gage’s expression. If he was curious about her and Aidan, he masked it well. His expression was bland, but then Gage was the master of not letting his thoughts show. She realized Gage was waiting for her reply. “Sure.”

Gage moved on, pausing at a few tables to chat with customers as he made his way through the restaurant. She and Aidan got in line by the breakfast buffet. After they were seated, Aidan immediately dug into his food. He’d stacked his plate high with just about everything on the buffet. A waitress came by and served them with coffee. After a few fortifying sips, she finally asked the question practically burning a hole in her brain.

“Did Gage know you were coming up here?”

Aidan looked up from his food, his blue eyes clear and direct. “Yup. Figured there’d be more questions if I didn’t let him know I’d be showing up.”

Even though Becca had already told Garrett and Delia about her and Aidan, she wasn’t so sure how she felt about Gage knowing anything about it. Yet, she didn’t know how she could hide it. With Aidan here, she either had to put on the act of her life, or get over it and be okay that her family would know something was going on with them.

Even though it went against her grain, she knew it would be silly to try to pretend. She swallowed her pride and looked across the table at him. “Oh, okay.” That’s all she could muster at the moment. She was saved from further worry about what to say next when Marley’s friend, Ginger Sanders, came walking up to their booth. Ginger’s stride was confident, conveying the bold personality she had. She was a witty, caring, and blunt friend. Her shiny brown hair swung around her shoulders and her blue eyes were bright.

Once she reached them, Ginger leaned down to give Becca a quick hug. “Hey Becca! Marley mentioned you were here for a bit. How’s it going?” Ginger’s sharp eyes shifted to Aidan, assessing and questioning. “Aidan, right? We met at Delia and Garrett’s wedding.”

Aidan met her curious gaze head on and nodded. “Sure did. Nice to see you again.” He paused and took a sip of coffee.

Ginger’s eyes swung back to Becca, and Becca could see the questions brimming there. She may not have known Ginger too long from her visits up here, but she already knew Ginger was inherently curious and would most definitely be wondering what was up between Becca and Aidan. Becca flushed slightly, but ignored it.

“Want to join us?” she asked. “Assuming you’re here for breakfast, that is.”
Ginger nodded. “It’s the weekend. Of course I’m here for breakfast,” she said. “I’ll grab some food and be right back.”

Ginger made her way to the buffet and returned moments later. Breakfast passed uneventfully. Aidan excused himself to return to the room to check emails and handle some work. As soon as he was out of earshot, Ginger’s gaze zeroed in on Becca.

“Okay, what’s going on with you two?”

Becca felt the heat run up her neck and face. She took a breath and forced herself to answer. “I guess we’re kind of seeing each other.”
“Kind of?”

Oh geez. Ginger wasn’t one to accept vague. Becca much preferred vague, but she knew it wasn’t helping her navigate the muddle of her own feelings. She couldn’t bring herself to sort through the emotional tangle she was in with those closest to her because it only heightened the vulnerability running under the surface of every moment lately. Even if Ginger wouldn’t let her dodge, it was somehow easier to talk with her. Becca took another breath. “It’s only been a few weeks. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

“Well, he’s got it bad for you. I know that look, and that’s a man in love,” Ginger said firmly.

Becca’s stomach somersaulted. “Huh?”

Ginger grinned and took a gulp of coffee. “Figured you were clueless. Okay, that might’ve been a bit harsh. Let me say it another way. You seem like maybe you’re not used to this whole relationship thing.”

Though Becca wanted to squirm in her seat, she swallowed her pride and nodded. Because she was good and lost here. “If you want to know the truth, I haven’t even dated anyone for three years, not since I found my ex getting a blow job from one of my bridesmaids just days before we were supposed to get married,” she said bluntly. Funny, but there was no pain left from saying aloud what happened. She figured that was a good thing. All she had left was the tinge of bitterness and a massive lack of trust in love.

Ginger didn’t flinch. Her eyes softened with understanding, an understanding that couldn’t have come from nowhere. She shook her head slowly. “Damn. That sucks.”

Becca smiled wryly. “You can say that again. You look like you might have some idea how it feels.”

Ginger shrugged. “Maybe. For me, it was after the wedding. I married my college sweetheart too soon to figure out he had the most wandering of wandering eyes. I thought he was just a flirt. I finally wised up and dumped him, but it got ugly. Pain is relative, so I’m not sure if it’s better to get bitter before or after you get married. I totally get the whole swearing off relationships thing. That’s what I did. It works for me.” Her words were matter of fact.

Becca took Ginger’s words in and realized she wanted to tell her it wasn’t worth it to swear off relationships. Ginger was a vibrant, intelligent, strong and beautiful woman. The idea she would cut herself off in that way seemed…limiting. Not that Becca thought everyone should be with someone, but it shouldn’t be a choice driven by fear. She recalled a small suggestion a therapist offered her in the months after her engagement blew up. To try to tell herself what she would tell a friend in a similar situation. She wanted to tell Ginger not to rule out any chances. Perhaps she needed to consider her own advice.

She met Ginger’s eyes. “So if it works for you, why are you trying to convince me Aidan looks like a man in love?”

Ginger’s eyes widened. “Wow, call me out then.” She chuckled and shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I like to see a happy ending. Just because I didn’t get mine doesn’t mean I don’t want it for everyone else. Plus, I haven’t completely sworn off relationships, but you should try dating in this town. It’s not exactly easy. I’ve either known most of the men here forever, or they’re tourists I won’t ever see again,” she said with a wry smile.

Becca started laughing just as Marley approached the booth and slid in beside Ginger. Marley looked between them. “What’s so funny?”

“Dating in Diamond Creek,” Ginger deadpanned, sending Becca into another spate of laughter.

Marley rolled her eyes. “You’re always on everyone, so don’t you dare give up on yourself.” Her tone was warm and sly, but stern.

Ginger returned the eye roll. “You know how hard it is to meet anyone around here. The only reason you got lucky is Gage hadn’t been here for like twenty years. Plus, we’re not talking about me. We’re talking about the fact Aidan is gaga over Becca, and she needs to figure out what to do about it.”

Marley’s eyes widened. A small smile played at the corners of her mouth when she looked at Becca.

“What?” Becca asked, fighting the flush racing up her neck and face again.

“I had a hunch the first time I saw you two in the same room.”

“You did?!”

“Let’s just say if you thought you were being discreet, you weren’t. Whenever you got the chance, you were eyeing him and vice versa.”

Ginger had just taken a sip of coffee and almost spit it out when she laughed. Becca gave up fighting her flush and put her face in her hands and groaned.

Chapter 23

Aidan came to a stop in the driveway and glanced around. Garrett had invited him to stop by this afternoon. Aidan had taken him up on it for two reasons. Garrett was a good friend and he wanted to see him, and it gave him a reason to leave Becca to her own devices. Some moments, she was warm and affectionate, but in others, that familiar guarded look passed over her face. He didn’t want to overwhelm her anymore than he already had. It was early afternoon. The sun was already starting its slide down the sky. Garrett and Delia’s home was situated on a bluff overlooking Kachemak Bay. The view was breathtaking. The bay sparkled under the sun, the mountains rising tall on the opposite side. A rocky beach spread out at the foot of the bluff.

Aidan climbed out of his truck and walked toward the house. It was a two-story timber-frame home with a wrap around porch. An eagle flew into view, swooping low and emitting a high-pitched call. Aidan watched as it slowed in flight, the beat of its massive wings audible, and came to land on the corner of the roof. The majestic bird took a moment to settle itself, folding its wings down and turning to watch Aidan. For a flash, he considered what it would feel like to be prey of this massive bird. Its eyes were sharp and piercing, its gaze so focused, he felt like the bird could see right through him.

The front door swung open as he walked up the steps. Garrett grinned and stepped through the door, pulling Aidan into a bear hug.

“Hey man, glad you made it!” Garrett stepped back. “Come on in.”

Aidan followed Garrett into the house. The home was warm and inviting. There was a small foyer, cluttered with shoes and boots kicked off and coats hung haphazardly on hooks along the wall. Beyond that, they entered an expansive living room with wall-to-wall windows offering a view of the mountains and bay. The kitchen was off to one side with a curving counter and stools and a round table by the windows. He followed Garrett into the kitchen.

“Water, soda, or beer?” Garrett asked.

“Water’s good for now. I’m meeting Gage for dinner and drinks later.”

Garrett gestured him toward the table and followed him over with two glasses of water. Aidan took a seat and surveyed the view. He turned back to Garrett. “Beautiful place.”

“Thanks. We love it.”

“Gotta say. You look more relaxed than I’ve ever seen you. Life with Delia’s treating you pretty good.”

Garrett’s eyes lit up. “Life’s damn good. Moving up here is best decision I’ve made. Ever,” he said decisively. He paused, his eyes sobering. “Well, it wasn’t moving here. It was Delia.”

Aidan nodded, his throat tightening. He couldn’t help but think of Becca. He distracted himself with a gulp of water. They chatted about superficial matters at first with Aidan offering updates on mutual acquaintances in Seattle and hearing about Garrett’s work in Alaska. After a few minutes, Garrett eyed him for a beat too long.

“Let’s get to it. What’s up with you and Becca?”

Aidan had prepared himself for Garrett’s questions. While he was somewhat nervous, he wasn’t as bothered as he had been about Gage. Perhaps because he’d worked alongside Gage for so long. “Look, if you’re pissed, let’s get that out of the way first.”

Garrett’s mouth tightened as he nodded slowly. “Not sure if I’m pissed or not. It all depends on what’s going on.”

Aidan ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “Fair enough. Look, we just started seeing each other a few weeks ago. She means a lot to me.
A lot
. I’d like to give you a definitive answer on what’s going on with us, but I’m waiting for Becca. She’s, uh…” He paused and turned to look out over the water, considering what to say.

Garrett interjected. “She’s been committed to nothing more than her work for years. I’m not sure what you were about to say, but Becca’s one of the most stubborn people I know. Sometimes that’s a good thing, but her stubborn streak hasn’t done her any favors ever since her engagement went south right before her wedding. If you were looking for a fling, I’d kick your ass. But I don’t get the idea that’s what your after because you’re not that kind of guy.”

Aidan’s chest tightened. To say he wasn’t looking for a fling was an understatement. He was looking for the opposite. He just didn’t know how long he’d have to wait. He shook his head. “No, not after a fling.”

“She told me about you.”

“She did?” He was more than a little surprised.

Garrett nodded slowly. “Don’t think she meant to, but I knew something was up. We
are
twins, so it’s kind of a sixth sense thing sometimes.”

Aidan waited for Garrett to offer more. When he didn’t, Aidan sighed and figured he was going to have to do the asking. “Anything I should know?”

Garrett shrugged. “Nothing she said. If my guess is right, you mean more than a little to her. She’s all twisted up about it. Becca’s not exactly easy on herself, so she’s not easy on anyone else either. Whatever you do, don’t give up just because she pushes back. That’s what she’s expecting.”

***

Late that night, Becca stared out the window. She’d spent so much time watching the stars through this window since she’d been here, she almost had the pattern of stars memorized. She and Aidan had dinner with Gage and Marley earlier. She’d spent the evening feeling her past and present collide. Over the years, she’d had many dinners with Aidan and various configurations of family members. The buzz of attraction had always been there, but she’d kept it muted somehow. Now, it had flared to a fire inside. His presence added fuel to the fire, the flames licking through her. With him, she felt a mix of comfort and disquiet at once. Comfort from his familiarity, his solid, strong, steady as a rock presence. Disquiet from the sheer depth of longing she felt, the electricity that sizzled to life around them. She didn’t know how anyone couldn’t notice it. Somehow she’d gotten through dinner, her pulse running wild every minute of it and desire beating like a drum in her heart and body.