Page 72 of Forever Theirs

I wanted to stay here with Miles and Aiden in the perfect tiny community that had lovable dogs, ermines running about, and who knew what other animals I had yet to discover. I was safe here, desperately wanted. So, why in the hell would I consider leaving when everything I was missing in my life was here?

With my mind made up on that drastic life change, I finished the last bit of coffee, folded up the trail map, and pushed away from the table. Now, to grab the gear from my cabin at The Nest that I left behind yesterday before heading out to the trail. My decision to stay only solidified the necessity of going on the hike. I would need a decent income from my photos to not drain my savings, which meant I needed more pictures.

I might stay here for Aiden and Miles, but I sure as hell wouldn’t lose myself in the process.

Been there. Done that.

Never again.

* * *

With a determined exhale,I forcefully shoved the cabin door open. The heavy wood bounced against the opposite wall and closed again. I pressed a palm to the center, keeping it wide open. Feet still firmly planted on the porch, I leaned inside, frantic gaze jerking around the open-concept cabin for any signs of danger. When nothing jumped out to kill me, I dared a hesitant step over the threshold.

The door slammed shut at my back, making me jump despite expecting the sound.

Ears straining to hear over the blood pounding in my ears, I inched my way deeper into the living room. As the seconds ticked by with nothing happening, my shoulders dropped, and each breath came easier.

Chafing both hands along my biceps, I gnawed on my lower lip, still not 100 percent convinced I was truly safe. It didn’t feel as off as yesterday when we walked in, but it certainly didn’t feel as welcoming as the cute cottage did the first day.

In fact, it felt hollow.

Cold.

Lonely.

Shaking off the unease, I grabbed my pack from the hike with Aiden and Miles and began unpacking the things I wouldn’t need for a quick in-and-out hike. All I needed was different lenses for my camera, snacks, water, and maybe more snacks, just in case. I really should’ve eaten that delicious-looking muffin at Sips.

Studying the sad pile of munchies, I groaned and looked to the ceiling in exasperation. If I wanted more than a single granola bar and beef jerky stick, I’d have to visit the resort’s outfitting store before heading out. After double-checking that I had everything, I scanned the cabin one more time before reaching for the door handle.

Except it twisted beneath my hovering palm before I could grip it.

Stupid. Stupid Aspen.

I forgot to lock it behind me.

A rush of adrenaline had me gripping the metal and yanking the door open. The man standing on the other side of the door gasped and stumbled backward like I was the one who surprised him.

“Who are you, and what do you want?” I said breathlessly, my pulse racing like I’d sprinted a mile.

Long, thin fingers gripped at the material of his pressed button-down shirt right over his heart. Lips parted, he gasped for air while swaying on his feet.

“Oh, I did not expect you to be here,” the stranger wheezed.

Setting down my pack, I crossed both arms over my chest and waited for him to continue, taking the moment to memorize everything about him. Middle-aged, dark hair graying at the temples, and a somewhat familiar face now that I could look while not freaking the fuck out. My eyes narrowed on his face like that would help me place where I’d seen him before. Strangely enough, despite his attempt to enter my cabin, I didn’t feel threatened by the stranger—more annoyed than anything.

“I am so sorry,” he said in a rush, now that he had his breath back. “I stopped by to make sure everything was secure after the incident yesterday.” I raised both brows, not commenting. “Forgive me, Aspen.” A repulsive shiver raced down my spine at my name coming from his lips. “I’m Charles Parks.” Still, I waited. “General manager of The Nest.”

I relaxed a fraction. That was why I recognized him—I’d probably seen him around the property since I arrived.

“So, is everything okay inside?” He shifted, attempting to see around me, but I jerked the edge of the door closer to block his view. A flash of annoyance crossed his face before settling back into a fake smile.

“Yes.” I cleared my throat. “Miles and Aiden made sure of it.”

I had no clue why I threw their names out there, but it felt like a life raft, something to hold on to while standing in front of the stranger as my suspicions grew. How convenient that he came to check on my cabin in the fifteen minutes I’d been back since I left yesterday.

“Right,” he grumbled. He slowly took me in, pausing on the pack on the ground by my boots. “Going for a hike?”

I nodded.

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