Page 20 of Accidentally Joining His Cult

I recognize him from a program in Vermont and smile back. I'm pretty sure his name was Justin. “Hi, Justin! Good to see you again.”

“Oh my god, you remember me?” He’s so excited.Nailed it.

“Of course. How’s Vermont?” I always try to connect with everyone I meet, and moments like this, where someone feels seen and special, make the effort worth it.

It doesn’t cost me anything to be kind. Why wouldn’t I be?

“It’s great! I just graduated, so now I’m able to work for Kyla full time. I love it so much!” he replies.

“Congrats! Hopefully I’ll see you in Montana working at our headquarters soon.”

He nods eagerly at the idea. It’s a big deal to be promoted to corporate headquarters, and it’s a goal for many in the company. Everyone who works there raves about the community, so even those who’ve never visited understand how special it is.

Once we get our welcome materials, Beck and I head out toward the cabin.

“I didn’t even think to ask beforehand, will we have similar schedules this weekend, or will you be working a lot?” Beck asks as we arrive at our door.

“I probably should have asked if you had any special interests in the smaller classes. I could still change your schedule if you do, but I went ahead and matched yours up with mine so that we could hang out all weekend,” I admit with a laugh.

“Sounds perfect,” he agrees.

Luckily, he looks genuinely happy andnotlike I’m being a clingy weirdo.Small victories.

Opening our door reveals a nice studio-style, open-concept space. There’s a small kitchen just ahead, with a stove, microwave, and even a full-sized fridge. Off to the right, where the space opens up a bit more, there’s a round table with chairs for four. Behind that is the bedroom area. The bed looks smaller than the one I have at home, so it must be a queen or even a full.

When she’d referred to the cabin as a suite, I assumed there would be a couch of some sort, but the seating area beyond the table only has two plush armchairs facing a television. There’s a desk pushed against the wall to the right of the bed, and a door to the left of the bed must lead to a bathroom behind the kitchen.

Looking around, I realize there’s nowhere else to even volunteer to sleep to avoid sharing the bed. I glance at Beck to see if he seems annoyed or upset by the lack of options, but he just sets his bag down at the foot of the bed and smirks at me. “I call the side closer to the bathroom.”

“That’s fine,” I agree with a laugh. If he doesn’t care about sharing, then I won’t either. It’s no big deal. I’m not sure why I’ve even given it this much thought.No need to be this nervous.

“I’m going to shower off my day of travel before the welcome dinner if you don’t mind me using it first?” Beck asks, and I nod for him to go ahead.

This weekend is going to be great. I just need to stop overthinking everything with Beck.

He obviously wants to be my friend. He’s here to spend time with me. He didn't hesitate about us sharing the room... or the bed.

My old feelings of loneliness from moving around so much as a kid and never having consistent friends have no place here. I’m going to have fun with my friend.

So why am I so nervous?

CHAPTERSEVEN

Beckett

The welcome dinner is fine, I guess.

I’m at Cody’s table with a bunch of the Kyla executives. They seem like friendly people, but I’m really only interested in talking to Cody.

“So tell us about yourself,” the woman across from me prompts.

“I’m Beckett,” I answer flatly.

She laughs, and the man next to her tries to get more out of me. “What do you do, Beckett?”

“I’m in management.” I know I should probably put in some effort so that Cody doesn’t think I’m an asshole, but when I glance his way, he’s biting his lip like he’s trying to suppress a smile in response to my attitude.

I’m so distracted by his lips, wishing that I could be the one digging my teeth into them, that I don’t notice the man’s follow-up question until someone loudly clears their throat and he obviously repeats himself. “What type of company do you work for?”

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