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He pressed his wide palm to my lower back as he guided me along the narrow path. Out of the truck, breathing in the crisp, clean air, I wrangled my crazy emotions. Though with him right at my side, every inhale trapped his cedar and spice scent in my lungs, making me desperate to slide even closer.

“Tonight was a lot of fun.” He hummed a noncommittal response. “Exactly what I didn’t know I needed. I didn’t realize how… lonely and empty my life was in Seattle. Who knew coming to a remote Alaskan town would show me just how much I didn’t like my life, even though while I was in it, I thought I did?”

“Alaska is a great place to gain perspective.” At my door, I dug out the key from my coat pocket and went to slip it into the lock, but Miles’s hand wrapped around my own, gently pulling the key from my grasp. “Let me. Would you be okay if I stepped inside first and secured the room?” With the fading sunlight, I caught his wince. “Not that I expect anything bad, I just… I want to make sure you’re safe, and if I don’t inspect your place before I leave, I’ll worry all night.”

Aww.My lips curled into a sappy grin, and I nodded, releasing the key.

After opening the door, Miles flicked the porch light on so I wouldn’t be standing in the growing darkness while he stepped inside the cottage. I held a breath, turning on the heels of my boots to press my back against the exterior wall, not liking having my back exposed without Miles at my side. Which was dumb. This place was safer than Seattle, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that something dangerous lurked among the trees, waiting for the right moment to strike.

And considering this was Alaska, it was probably true. A wolverine, bear, moose—hell, anything could be out there.

“All clear.” I jumped with a high-pitched squeak, not hearing Miles approach until he was right beside me. “Sorry.”

“You move like a ninja for someone your size.” I pressed a hand over my racing heart.

“Trained by the best to be the best.” His wide shoulders rose and fell in a casual shrug. Not for the first time tonight, I caught the tightness around his eyes, as if moving his upper body in certain ways caused him pain. Running a hand through his short dark hair, he scanned the trees. “Aiden and I have a motorbike trail tour tomorrow, but we should be back after lunch. How about you stop by around two for us to gather what all we’ll need for that hike we promised?”

I nodded without even realizing it, too lost in the way his voice caressed my skin and too mesmerized by his lips as he spoke.

“I’ll text you the address and directions to our community’s homestead from here. It’s just on the other side of town, so not far. Tomorrow should be nice enough weather for you to borrow one of the resort’s bikes, or you could always ask them to drive you.”

“Yeah, sounds good,” I said with a wide yawn. That meant I would need to actually turn on my phone to retrieve the directions, which I was not looking forward to. Surely by now, James realized I was gone, and Barbara no doubt had some words to say about my abrupt departure. “Thank you again for tonight.” I leaned against the doorframe, exhaustion from the last couple of days slamming into me. “I really needed it.” Lip between my teeth, I debated saying what had been on my mind all night. “Like I said in the truck, I am attracted to you and Aiden.”

His dark brows rose along his forehead. “I sense a ‘but’ coming.”

My hair shifted with a slight nod. “But you and him, what you’re suggesting while I’m here, was unexpected and threw me for a loop. I’m tired and unsure of pretty much everything right now, considering I just quit my job without another one lined up, ended a toxic relationship, and flew here with no real plan besides having a place to stay. All that is making me feel… overwhelmed. Yeah, overwhelmed is a good word for the mess that’s going on in here.” I tapped my temple with my index finger.

Instead of responding, he stepped close, wrapped his long, muscular arms around my shoulders, and held me tight against his chest. Stunned, I stood stiff, completely frozen, only blinking at the lone picture that hung on the wall above the sofa. The bear hug was completely unexpected, though when he didn’t drop his hold or say anything, the tension slowly melted from my taut muscles, and I relaxed in the safety of his hold. I even wrapped my arms around his waist, relishing his radiating body heat, yummy smell, and overwhelming sense of comfort and support.

To my surprise, his hands never wandered. When was the last time I hugged a man, other than my dad, who didn’t initiate more than that simple act? Not a single word was spoken between us, the embrace saying it all.

I was safe.

I wasn’t alone.

He had my back, no matter what.

In his arms, I felt protected against the world. All my worries and fears couldn’t reach me here. Which was dumb. My life was still a complicated shit show, yet for this brief moment, it felt worlds away.

“Like I said earlier, you owe us nothing. If all you need from us this next week are hiking guides and friendship, then that’s what you’ll get. Don’t let your past overwhelm your future. You don’t have to figure it all out now.”

“I’m twenty-eight years old,” I whispered, eyes squeezing shut. “I should have a career, a husband and family—hell, a healthy 401K.” But as I said those words, I knew they weren’t my own. “Or at least that’s what I’m told by my mother.”

“But is that what you want?” His chest vibrated with the soft words, making me melt even more against him.

“I don’t know what I want anymore.”

Pulling back, he held me at arm’s length. “Strip away everyone else’s expectations, what society tells you a ‘good life’ comprises, and focus on what makes you happy.” After softly squeezing my shoulders, his hands fell away and casually slipped into the front pockets of his jeans. “Good night, Aspen.” He backed up a step, his dark gaze never leaving mine. “If you need anything, call or text me. I’ll shoot you that address when I get home tonight.”

When he turned to leave, I slowly closed the door, still watching his back as he disappeared into the trees. Once the door clicked closed and the locks were secured, I slumped back against the thick wood and slid down until my ass hit the floor.

Forearms on my bent knees, I scanned the small cottage, suddenly feeling more alone than ever. My heart sank, and a heaviness pressed on my chest, tears threatening to spill over. Wiping at my burning eyes, I did a double take at something resting on the small counter in the simple kitchen.

A groan escaped as I pushed off the floor, barely having enough energy to stumble toward the single piece of paper that caught my attention. I read the lines once, twice, a smile creeping up my cheeks until the muscles ached.

Don’t forget to lock up after I’m gone.

Sweet dreams, Aspen.