The Cabin

by Alice Ward

  “You’re kidding,” he said. He stared at me with a baffled expression, waiting for me to change my mind. I didn’t.

  “You’ll still have the jacket on,” I assured him.

  “What’s the point of this?” he asked. “I thought we were trying to target ‘real bikers?’ No real biker is going to want to see me without a shirt on!”

  “The women will,” I said. “We aren’t just targeting men, you know? These ads are also for women, so—”

  “So, I’m also a sex object,” he groaned.

  “Basically,” I admitted. “Sorry, but that’s the way it is.”

  Sean sighed and removed the leather jacket. He handed it to me, and I took it with a frown. Surely, he wasn’t about to strip down right here.

  Just as the thought entered my mind, Sean pulled his t-shirt over his head. He turned and tossed it into the changing tent before turning back to me. I handed him the jacket, trying desperately not to stare at his abs. I thought the jacket would help divert my attention, but it did the opposite. The black leather accentuated his ab muscles in an incredibly sexy way. I swallowed hard and forced my eyes back to his face.

  He grimaced at me one last time and made his way to the photographers. I watched from a distance while they posed him and gave him orders. Sean stayed still and let them take a few test shots. Then, they set him free and told him to just have fun. I could tell from Sean’s face that he wasn’t all that used to having fun. I smiled to myself at his discomfort, but I still couldn’t peel my eyes from his chest and stomach.

  I realized why the photographers wanted him outfitted in just the jacket. Coupled with the motorcycle, Sean was the picture of a sexy biker. No woman alive would have been able to resist him in that moment. I told myself my attraction to him was a good thing. It meant our plan was working. Our female demographic would be drawn to him, just like I was.

  Still, I knew I needed to pull myself together. Sean was off limits. My sexual attraction to him was completely inappropriate, and I needed to make it stop. He was my employee and my boss’s son. I could never date him. It would cross so many professional lines, not to mention it would put my job in serious jeopardy. Which, based on my last conversation with Zach, it already was.

  Zach was just looking for an opportunity to get rid of me. Ever since I rejected his offer to take me out, he’d been on a witch hunt. Anything that went wrong, he came running to me. If a single sheet of paper was misfiled, it was my fault. If there was a scheduling conflict, it was my responsibility to fix it. He was doing everything in his power to make me miserable. I couldn’t imagine what he would do if he caught wind of something happening between Sean and me.

  The photoshoot continued. I thought about disappearing into my office until they were done, but my feet were cemented to the floor. Sean was there and I had no desire to move until he did. No matter how many times I told myself I was being stupid, I couldn’t help it. Every part of me wanted him.

  “Okay, Sean,” the photographer called. “Take the jacket off for me.”

  “What?” Sean asked, his eyes widening slightly.

  “Just for a few shots,” the photographer said. “It’ll be quick.”

  Sean sighed and rolled his eyes. He shrugged the jacket off his shoulders and tossed it to the side. The photographer’s assistant caught it and jumped back out of the frame. I looked down at the floor, focusing intently on my shoes.

  It wasn’t long before my eyes traveled back to Sean. Now, not only were his chest and abs on full display, but his biceps were flexed just enough to seem natural. He had the kind of body most men dreamed of. I could tell he worked out regularly, but he wasn’t obsessive about it. He was built in a sexy, effortless way. I felt my mouth go dry as I watched him pose over and over again.

  My entire body was on fire, and I felt completely out of control. I worried that everyone would know what I was thinking. I looked away again, telling myself not to look up until the shoot was completely over.

  ***

  “That was torture,” Sean said when the photoshoot ended. He walked over to me with slumped shoulders. He didn’t stop until he made it to the changing tent. He disappeared inside for a few minutes. When he reemerged, he was fully dressed in his own clothes. I breathed a sigh of relief. I didn’t know if I could talk to him while he was shirtless.

  “It wasn’t that bad,” I said lightly.

  “For you,” Sean argued. “You weren’t the one half naked up there.”

  “I should have warned you about that,” I apologized. “I honestly didn’t think about it until this morning.”

  “It was your idea?” Sean asked.

  “Well,” I said weakly. “Yeah? At least, the shirtless part was. It’s the best way to play to our female demographic. Trust me, they’ll love it.”

  “If you say so,” Sean shrugged. “Anything for the company, right?”

  “Say that with a little more oomph next time,” I teased.

  “I’ll do my job, Tara,” he said. “but you’ll get absolutely no oomph out of me.”

  I laughed and looked down at my feet. I shifted my weight from side to side, trying to think of something to say. I thought about going over his schedule for the following week, but we’d already done that.

  “So, listen,” Sean said, breaking the silence. I looked up at him quickly. “Tomorrow is Paisley’s first official day of summer.”

  “Yeah?” I asked.

  “She’s been out of school for a few weeks, but she’s been going to swim camp every day since,” Sean explained. “I really want to start the summer off on a good note, you know? With something fun.”

  “Sure,” I nodded. “That’s a great idea.”

  “The problem is,” he said. “I have no idea what to do with her. I mean, she’s eight years old. I have no idea what eight-year-old girls like to do for fun.”

  “What does she like?” I asked. “What is she interested in?”

  “I don’t know,” Sean admitted. “I know she loves to swim and that she’s really into art, but that’s about it.”

  “Well, maybe you could take her to a water park or something?” I suggested.

  “Actually,” he said slowly. “I was hoping you might come with us? I don’t know where yet, but I could really use your help.”

  “My help?” I asked breathlessly.

  “Yeah,” he said. I could feel his excitement growing. “Paisley really likes you. I think she would have more fun if you were there.”

  I paused, not sure what to say. Sean looked at me with expectant eyes and a slight smile. I could tell how badly he wanted me to say yes, but I couldn’t get Zach’s threat out of my head. If he found out I was spending time with Sean away from work, I didn’t even want to think about what he might do.

  Still, Sean’s words tugged at my heart. Paisley was adorable, and I enjoyed talking to her that day. When she was sick, I really felt like I helped make her feel better. If Sean said she liked me, I believed him. I wanted to spend time with her again. And with Sean.

  “Only if you’re free,” Sean added suddenly. “I mean, I know it’s short notice. If you have plans already, it’s okay.”

  “I don’t think I can,” I said softly. “It’s just, mixing my work life with my social life isn’t something I usually do.”

  “Is that what you’re worried about?” Sean chuckled.

  “Yes,” I admitted.

  “Well, you shouldn’t,” Sean said. “I promise it’ll be a lowkey day. You would just be helping me out with my daughter. I’m new at this whole dad thing, and you were so great with her the other day. I know she would love it if you came.”

  Sean’s persistence was wearing me down. I knew I couldn’t continue to say no. More than that, I didn’t want to say no.

  “Okay,” I said with a reluctant smile. “Sure, why not?”

  “Really?” Sean asked, smiling brightly. “Thank you! That’s amazing. It’ll be fun, I promise.”

  “I’m sure it will
.” I nodded.

  Sean and I planned out the details and said goodbye. I watched him as he left the showroom and disappeared into the parking lot. It was almost time for me to go home, so I went upstairs to grab my things. When I made it back downstairs, my mind was racing. What had I just done?

  I climbed behind the wheel of my car and turned on the ignition. The air conditioning blasted against my face, and I shook my head slightly. I felt like I was living inside a dream. Nothing felt real. Not the car around me. Not the office building in front of me. And definitely not my plans with Sean.

  I pulled out of the parking lot, cursing my decision. I felt certain I just signed the death sentence on my career. Part of me regretted it, but a bigger part of me couldn’t wait to see Sean and Paisley again.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Sean

  Paisley’s summer had officially begun and still, I had no idea what to do. I wanted her to enjoy herself, and I wanted to show her that life with me could be fun. Tara’s suggestion of going to a waterpark seemed like a good idea, but I wanted to go somewhere we could talk. I couldn’t imagine having a conversation in the middle of a kid-filled, water covered theme park.

  All night Friday and all morning Saturday, I tried to think of a plan. I came up with different ideas that I immediately dismissed. Nothing seemed good enough for either Paisley or Tara. So much was riding on that one day: my relationship with my daughter and, maybe, the beginnings of a romantic relationship with Tara.

  I refused to get my hopes about Tara, but I couldn’t help but think about her. I could feel a connection between us and thought she felt it, too. There was no way I could be sure, but the way she looked at me sometimes. It was like she was thinking the exact same things I was thinking, like we were on the same wavelength. She’d been occupying my thoughts for days.

  This was my chance to impress them both. After weeks of having Paisley fulltime, I still felt so far away from her. She was my daughter, but she was also a stranger. I knew I was partially to blame for that. I didn’t fight hard enough for her all those years ago. I let Claire make all the decisions. I backed down too soon. If I could go back and change it, I would in a heartbeat.

  Instead, I vowed to do everything I could to build a relationship with her. That morning, I decided to put Tara out of my mind and focus solely on what would make Paisley happy.

  “So,” I said over breakfast. “What do you want to do today?”

  “I don’t know,” Paisley shrugged. “Whatever.”

  “Well,” I said slowly. “Do you remember my friend, Tara? She came over the other day when you were sick.”

  “Yeah,” Paisley said. Her face brightened slightly.

  “She’s going to come hang out with us today,” I said. “And I think it would be cool if we took her somewhere really fun. What do you think?”

  “Sure.” Paisley shrugged.

  “Where do you think we should go?” I asked. “We can go anywhere you want.”

  “Um,” Paisley began. Her expression was thoughtful. “I don’t know. My mom never really took me anywhere.”

  I watched Paisley’s face closely. She looked sad, but there was more behind her eyes. She almost looked disappointed. It occurred to me that Paisley and I may have had more in common than I thought. The way she mentioned her mother reminded me of the way I always talked about my dad. She seemed disappointed with Claire, almost angry at her.

  I wanted to ask her about it, but I knew it wasn’t the time. Paisley would have to open up to me in her own time. Still, I felt an odd sense of comfort wash over me. Claire wasn’t the perfect mother, that much I’d always known, but I spent a lot of time convincing myself Claire was better for Paisley than I would ever be. For the first time, I didn’t know if that was true.

  A soft knock on the door pulled me away from my thoughts. I started to stand, but Paisley was faster. She jumped up from the kitchen table and ran to the front door. I grinned at the sight. I knew she really like Tara, but it was still amazing to see her get excited.

  “Good morning,” Tara said as she stepped inside. She smiled at Paisley and then at me. I waved her over.

  “We’re just finishing up breakfast,” I said. “You hungry?”

  “No,” she shook her head. “I ate.”

  “Coffee?” I offered.

  “Sure,” Tara smiled. “Thanks.”

  I moved to the counter and poured her a cup. I’d seen her drink coffee at the office so I knew she took it black. When I handed it to her, I gestured for her to sit down. She sat down with a grateful smile.

  “So,” I said. “Paisley and I were just discussing what to do today.”

  “Yeah,” Paisley said. “But we have no ideas.”

  “Actually,” I said. “I think I do.”

  Paisley looked at me with surprise. I grinned at her and turned my attention to Tara.

  “Arizona Museum of Natural Science,” I said with a flourish. “What do you think?”

  “Sounds fun,” Tara nodded. “Paisley?”

  “Sure,” Paisley said. She didn’t muster up a smile, but I could tell she was excited.

  I smiled and told Paisley to finish her breakfast so we could leave. She gulped down her food faster than I’d ever seen her. Before Tara was able to finish her coffee, Paisley was up. She walked over and stood by the door. She didn’t say anything, but she watched Tara and I expectantly.

  “I think she’s ready to go.” Tara laughed.

  “What gave you that idea?” I said. I took Tara’s coffee mug and rinsed it out in the sink. After a quick clean up, I ushered the girls out of the house and locked the door behind us.

  ***

  By the time we made it to the museum, Paisley vibrated with energy. We went inside, and she looked around with wide eyes. She took in the exhibits around her with more interest than I’d ever seen her show. When we reached the butterfly exhibit, she smiled. In all the weeks that we’d spent together, I had never seen her smile. Not once. Not until that moment. I was so happy I almost cried.

  “She loves it,” Tara whispered to me softly. We stood together and watched Paisley dance around the exhibit. Butterflies landed on her arms and her head. She giggled and tried to catch them, but they fluttered away.

  “I could watch her all day,” I said with a small laugh. “She looks so happy.”

  “She is,” Tara said. “You did a great job. This was an amazing idea.”

  “I’m glad you’re here,” I said, turning to face her. “It wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t.”

  Tara just smiled back. We continued watching Paisley until she got her fill and wanted to see more. After a few hours, we stopped for lunch. Paisley once again ate quickly before dragging us away.

  “There’s more to see!” she said with excitement.

  Paisley ran ahead, too impatient to wait for Tara and me. I shook my head and laughed as I watched her go.

  “Don’t go too far!” I called after her. “Stay where I can see you!”

  Paisley ignored me, but I knew she heard because she slowed her pace slightly. I could still see her as she looked at the different artifacts lining the walls.

  “You’re a great dad,” Tara said suddenly.

  “I don’t know about that,” I said dismissively. There were things Tara didn’t know about my past with Paisley, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to tell her.

  “You are,” Tara insisted. “I know you don’t think you are, but you’re doing a really great job.”

  “I’m trying.” I nodded. “It’s hard, though. It’s new for us.”

  “What is?” Tara asked.

  “This,” I said. “Us. Living together. Being around each other.”

  “Oh,” Tara said. “I didn’t realize.”

  “Yeah,” I said. “I’m not proud of it. Paisley only came to live with me a few weeks ago.”

  “Why?” Tara asked.

  I took a deep breath and thought about my answer. It wasn’t a secret, Claire’s accident,
but it also wasn’t something I talked about with just anyone.

  “Her mom,” I began slowly. “Her name was Claire. She died in a car accident a few weeks ago.”

  “Oh my god,” Tara whispered. She glanced at me quickly before looking over at Paisley. “She’s so young.”

  “Too young,” I said, shaking my head. “She doesn’t deserve this.”

  “No one does,” Tara said softly. “She’s lucky to have you, though.”

  “I wish that were true,” I said. “She doesn’t even know me and, really, I don’t know her. Until the night Claire died, I hadn’t seen her in years. She only recognized me because Claire showed her pictures.”

  “Can I ask,” Tara began. “I know it’s not my business, but I just wonder…”

  “Why I wasn’t in her life?” I finished for her.

  “Yeah,” Tara nodded. “If it’s too personal, I understand.”

  “Back then, I wasn’t the best guy in the world,” I admitted. “Claire wasn’t happy, and she cheated. Then, she left me. I didn’t feel like I had a choice. I thought that Paisley would be better off without me in her life. So, I let Claire have her. I didn’t even fight her on it.”

  I finished talking and waited for Tara to speak, but she didn’t. She just reached over and grabbed my hand. She interlocked her fingers with mine and squeezed gently. I looked at our connected hands and my heart stopped beating. When my eyes found hers, I saw that she was staring at me with an intensity I’d never seen before.

  “Tara!” Paisley yelled. Tara and I both jumped. I let go of her hand and cleared my throat.

  “What is it?” Tara asked, smiling as Paisley ran toward us.

  “Come on!” Paisley said. “You have to see this!”

  ***

  “Sweet dreams,” I whispered as I closed Paisley’s door.

  “That was fast,” Tara said when I reappeared in the living room.

  “She was asleep within five minutes.” I laughed. “I think we wore her out today.”

  Tara nodded. “She definitely enjoyed herself.”

  “She really did, didn’t she?” I asked. Tara grinned, and I grinned back. It had been the perfect day.

  “Well,” Tara said. “I should get going.”