by Megan Green
“Came to offer up my services. Put me in, Coach. I’m ready to work.”
She lifts a quizzical eyebrow at me. “What makes you think I need your help?”
I look past her, at the room behind her. “The fact that you bought enough paint to fill that lake out back and the fact that you only have two hands. Come on, Lex. I’ve got nothing else to do today. Keep me from dying of boredom.”
She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth as she turns to the side and surveys the mess behind her, her eyes wide, as if the magnitude of her project is finally sinking in. My eyes narrow in on the corner of her lip, and I have to remind myself that I’m taking things slow. Because, right now? All I want is to find out exactly how that lip would taste between my own teeth.
When she turns back around, she surprises me as she says, “Okay. But only for today. I don’t want you thinking I can’t handle myself.”
I expected a lot more of an argument. She’s finally relenting, letting me help. And her words are almost laughable, her serious expression causing me to smile.
“Lex, the last thing I think of when it comes to you is someone who can’t handle herself. In the short time we’ve known each other, you’ve shown me over and over how independent you are. This isn’t me trying to take over. I know you’ve got this. This is simply a friend wanting to offer a helping hand.”
She smirks. “A friend, huh? And who says we’re friends?”
There’s a hint of mischief in her eyes, as if she’s enjoying teasing and toying with me. And, fuck, if that isn’t the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.
“Oh, we’re friends. In fact, as far as I’m concerned, you’re the best friend I’ve got right now. Though that might have more to do with me not having actually met anyone else in town yet. Other than the cashier at the grocery store.”
“You really ought to get out more. Pretty sad when your best friend isn’t even sure if she likes you.”
I take a step back, covering my heart with both hands. “You wound me, woman. Straight through the heart with that one.”
She chuckles, blowing a stray strand of hair from her eyes before turning and picking up a roller. “Get to work,” she says, slapping the roller against my chest. “Don’t make me fire you on the first day.”
She must miss the implication behind her words, but I sure as hell don’t. First day. That means, I’m coming back tomorrow.
Painting sucks ass.
I know I said I enjoyed helping my uncle during all those summers, but I forgot how much I absolutely loathed painting. It’s so monotonous. Up and down, up and down—oh, but don’t zone out because then you’ll fuck up and have to do it over again. I’ll never understand how people make a living out of this. I’d rather gouge my eyes out.
Lexi has been rather quiet the last few hours, working on one end of the room while I work on the other. We’re getting close to meeting in the middle, however, and she’s now only a few feet away from me.
An idea flashes through my mind.
Dipping my roller into the tray, I make sure it’s nice and wet. Then, before I can change my mind on what’s surely one of the dumbest ideas I’ve ever had, I turn and run the dripping roller right up the center of Lexi’s back.
She lets out a little squeal, her back straightening as she stiffens. I gulp, wondering how this is going to go. The way I see it, I’ve got two possibilities. Either she kicks me in the balls and yells at me to never come back or…
She spins around, a wide smile brightening her entire face. “Oh, you’re gonna get it.”
I duck as she tries to hit me in the stomach with a splash of paint, which isn’t the smartest move. I might have avoided ruining my already ratty T-shirt, but instead, I get a face full of gray.
Her eyes widen with shock, a surprised breath escaping her lips as she tries to stifle her laughter. When she finally decides it’s safe and I’m not about to scream at her, she lets loose, her soft giggles quickly giving way to loud chortles.
“This means war,” I say, playfully narrowing my eyes and lunging for her with the roller.
The next ten minutes pass in a flash of color, fits of laughter, and more paint on our clothes than on the actual walls. When she finally collapses and calls a truce, I fall down on my back next to her, my breathing hard from the workout I just got.
After my heart rate returns to a normal pace, I roll over onto my side, facing her. She does the same, her hand coming up to prop her head as she looks at me. There’s a smudge of paint under her left eye, and her once sleek ponytail is now in wild disarray around her face.
She looks beautiful.
Without thinking, I reach over and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her eyes fall down to the floor as her cheeks flame, a shy smile coming across her face.
“What?” I ask, surprised at her reaction.
“Nothing. It’s just…I’ve always wanted a guy to do that. I always see it in movies. But that’s the first time I’ve ever experienced it firsthand.”
I want to follow up her words with a kiss, but I know that would be pushing my luck. So, instead, I settle for a smile before climbing to my feet.
“Come on, Disney,” I say, referencing her hopelessly romantic comment, and extend a hand down to her. “We’d better get back to work.”
Lexi smiles up at me as I set her plate down in front of her.
“This smells delicious,” she says, her eyes ravenous as she takes in the steak, baked potato, and green beans before her.
We got so caught up in painting and our idle chatter today that neither of us had the thought to break for lunch. When my stomach grumbled so loud that even she couldn’t ignore it, we looked at the clock and realized we’d spent the last ten hours painting.
Time flies when you’re having fun.
After our paint war, Lexi and I fell into an easy conversation. Nothing profound, mind you. I still don’t have any idea what makes this girl tick or what she might be running from. But she talked for hours about her sister and her new nieces. And how much she’d been enjoying fixing up her old house.
I threw in a few tidbits of information about myself—mostly related to my youth and growing up, helping out my uncle—just enough to keep the conversation flowing and not seem like I was hanging on her every word, which was exactly what I’d been doing.
Watching her talk about her family changed her entire demeanor. Her face didn’t just brighten up when she spoke about Ella and her girls; her entire body also shifted. She used her hands more when she talked, acting out whatever story she was telling as best as she could. There was a lightness to her tone that wasn’t present whenever she spoke about any other subject.
If there is one thing I’m able to surmise from today, it’s that Lexi really, truly loves her family.
She doesn’t love them for what they can do for her, which is something I’ve grown accustomed to over the years. It doesn’t matter to her if her sister is the wealthiest or poorest person on the planet. She loves Ella for exactly who she is. And it’s refreshing as hell.
When she realized the late hour, however, she immediately clammed up and thanked me for my help. She tried to offer me some money for my time, which I declined. Then, we had a few awkward moments before she excused herself to take a shower, which was my cue to leave.
Only I wasn’t ready for the day to end. So, instead of saying my good-byes and walking home, I somehow managed to sweet-talk her into dinner at my place. It might have taken a bit of pouting and bribery on my part, but none of that matters now. Not with her sitting across from me.
When I went to the store a few days ago, I made sure to fill the fridge with plenty of nonalcoholic alternatives. I have no idea what she likes to drink, so I made sure to get a little bit of everything.
When I listed off her choices when she first arrived, she giggled and said, “Nothing like having a fully stocked bar at your fingertips, huh?”
Little did she know I’d done it for her.
&nbs
p; Now, as she sips her sparkling lemonade, I’m glad I had the foresight to stock up. I didn’t want a repeat of our first dinner date. I know there is more to the story other than her not drinking. I sensed it in the way she’d said the words. But I’m not going to push her. She’ll tell me when she’s ready.
It’s my job to ensure that happens.
We eat in silence, both of us too hungry to bother with pleasant conversation while shoveling food in our mouths. She insists on rinsing the dishes when we’re both done eating, and I catch her staring out at the dock as she stands at the sink.
I walk up behind her, stopping just shy of pressing against her back. “Would you like to go sit by the fire?” I ask, my voice soft and husky.
She slowly turns around, her eyes roving over my face that’s mere inches from her own. She doesn’t step back, however, and doesn’t try to get around me. She stares into my eyes a moment longer before she finally drops her gaze and clears her throat. “I should go.”
I nod, allowing her space to free herself from where she’s trapped between my body and the counter. “I’ll walk you.”
I fall into step beside her as we make our way the short distance to her house.
When we reach her front porch and her newly finished stairs, she gives me a small smile and a nod. “Good night, Ian.”
As her hand closes on the doorknob, I speak, “Come hiking with me tomorrow.” I meant to phrase it as a question, but instead, it came out as more of a plea.
We managed to finish up most of the painting today, and I hate the possibility of not seeing her in the morning. So, I blurted out the first thing that came to my mind.
Lexi turns and looks at me over her shoulder, as if trying to gauge whether I’m serious or not.
“There are some great trails near here. I’ve been wanting to get out and give them a try before the weather turns.” It’s not a lie. I’ve seen several mountain trails while out on my morning runs. I’ve been dying to travel down them, but I figure I’d probably do better with some hiking boots and mountain gear rather than a pair of battered running shoes and some gym shorts. “I’d love it if you joined me.”
Her face is unreadable as she takes me in at the bottom of her stairs. I start racking my brain for any other reasons why she should accompany me because I know she’s going to say no.
So, I’m surprised when I hear her say, “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow, Ian.”
I practically float back to my house. She said yes. I’m going to go hiking with Lexi tomorrow. We’re going to be alone together all damn day—just her, me, and the trees. It’s going to be fucking amazing.
Then, the thought hits me.
I don’t have any hiking boots.
Fuck.
Chapter 10
Lexi
I’m not seeing the problem here, Lexi.”
Liv toys with the wrapper on her blueberry muffin, pulling off a berry and popping it into her mouth before looking at me. It’s only my third shift at Turn the Page, but Liv sort of makes it impossible for me not to spill my guts to her. First thing this morning, I told her all about my day with Ian yesterday and my agreement to go hiking with him today.
“You said he was a nice guy. You said you liked hanging out with him. What’s the harm in a little hiking trip? Are you worried he’s secretly a serial killer?”
I shake my head. “Of course not. It’s just…it’s complicated.”
“Life is complicated, babe. Get used to it,” she says, her eyes returning once again to the muffin.
Charlie interrupts, “What I think Livvy is trying to say is, things in life are never as easy as you hope they’ll be. But that’s the beauty of life. It’s never easy, but it’s always worthwhile.”
I groan. My head hurts, and it’s way too early in the morning for Charlie and his philosophical musings. I need at least three more cups of coffee before I’m up for this conversation.
Charlie smiles at me, and I instantly regret my ornery response.
“Sorry, Charlie,” I say with a giggle. “I think that’s the first time I’ve actually said that and meant it. Usually, it’s more of a sorry-dude-but-suck-it-up type of response.”
He grins. “Believe me, it’s not the first time I’ve heard it. And I guarantee, it won’t be the last. At least my mother didn’t name me Jack. I can deal with, Sorry, Charlie, a lot easier than, Hit the road, Jack.”
Liv grunts as she hops off her stool, stretching her back and cracking her neck from side to side. “Whatever. All I’m saying is, you need to live a little. You’ve been here two weeks now, and as far as I can tell, you’ve done nothing but fix up your house and spend time here.”
“You truly should get out and see the beautiful leaves before they’re gone,” Charlie adds.
“Yeah, you never know when the first snow is gonna hit.”
I stand. “Argh, all right. I’ll go. Some friends you are. You’re supposed to be on my side.”
Charlie reaches out and pats my hand. “We are. That’s why we’re telling you to go.”
The two of them exchange a knowing glance as I sigh and get to work.
“Are you…trying…to kill me?” I gasp, doubled over to try to ease the ache that’s developed in my side.
When I agreed to a hike, I pictured a casual stroll through the woods. Not scaling the side of a mountain.
Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But, seriously, would it kill someone to level this shit out a little? I feel like I’ve gone a million rounds with the StairMaster.
Ian smiles at me as he grabs hold of my hand, pulling me up and over the next rock. “Trust me, it’ll all be worth it once we get to the top.”
“Yeah, because then I can push you over for trying to kill me.”
He throws his head back in laughter, and even though I’m pretty sure my lungs are going to explode and my side is going to rip open, I can’t help but chuckle with him.
“You think I’m kidding? You just wait, buddy.”
“I’m not worried. I’m pretty sure I can take you.”
He turns and leads the way down the path ahead of me, and I can’t stop the perusal my eyes give his body. A fine sheen of sweat covers his arms and neck, causing the dark tan of his skin to almost glow. But that’s the only indication he shows of any sort of exertion.
I knew Ian was in good shape—I mean, come on, look at the man—but he’s in far better athletic shape than I ever realized.
“Are you Superman or something?” I huff as he hops deftly from one rock to the next.
He shoots me a crooked smile over his shoulder. “Superman? No way. I’m more like the Caped Crusader. Always dug that bat mask.”
My face falls and I give him an exasperated sigh. “Seriously, how are you not dying right now?”
A confident grin spreads across his face. “I work out.”
I snort. “Duh. I might be out of breath, but my vision works fine.”
“There you go again, checking me out,” he says with a smirk, reaching his hand down to me to help me up and over the next hurdle.
“Don’t flatter yourself. It’s not like I’ve had anything else to look at while trying to keep up with you.” Except, you know, the leaves and the landscape—the entire reason I’m supposed to be out hiking with him today.
He laughs as he pulls me up to stand next to him. After I steady myself, I take a look around and realize we’ve finally reached the crest. My sharp intake of air must clue Ian in on my sudden awareness as well.
“Told you it would be worth it. Now, come on. The clerk at the grocery store told me there was a sweet little meadow over here where we could have lunch.”
He turns and walks away without waiting for me to respond.
When his words register, I jog to catch up. “Lunch? I hope you don’t expect me to trap and kill my own food. Because I sure as hell didn’t bring anything to eat.”
Just then, he holds back a few branches that were blocking our way. I step ahead of him, spinn
ing around as I walk out into the clearing. It’s small and private—not that anything this far up is a thriving metropolis—and absolutely stunning. The meadow is surrounded by a thick forest of trees and bushes, their vibrant fall colors breathtaking now that I have a moment to step back and enjoy them.
“Wow,” is all I can say.
Ian steps out next to me, his hands coming to rest on his hips as he looks around. “Wow is an understatement. Can’t believe I’ve been here for two weeks, and I haven’t been out exploring yet. I’ve been missing out.”
I nod. “Too bad we don’t have much time left. They’re saying we could get our first snowfall as early as next week.”
I expect Ian to cringe, like most people do when they hear snow is on its way. But his eyes light up as he looks at me.
“Can you imagine how gorgeous this place will be, covered with a blanket of white?”
I look around me. “It’ll be stunning. Too bad the trail will be impassable.”
Ian continues to survey the scenery around us. “True. But I don’t mean this meadow. I mean, all of Maple Lake. Sitting out on the back porch with a cup of cocoa and a blanket, watching the snow as it dances across the lake. I can’t think of anything more heavenly.”
I smirk. “Why, Ian, you sound like a bit of a romantic.”
He puffs up his chest. “Me? No way. I’m manly. The manliest. To prove it, watch as I lug that big log over here, so we have somewhere to sit and eat.”
He gestures to a fallen tree, the trunk of it at least a few feet around and fifteen feet long. There’s no way in hell he’ll be able to get that thing all the way across the meadow.
I smile as I watch him stride over to it, rolling up his sleeves as he nears. Spitting into his hands, he bends at the knees and works his fingers under the gigantic piece of wood.