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“I don’t either,” she assured him. “But I’ve been feeling much better since I got here. Even despite the accident. Still, I’ll call my therapist and talk it through with her. Maybe I’ll wait until Monday, though.”
He nodded then rose. “Do you two have any plans this weekend?” he asked as he walked toward the coat rack and reached for his jacket.
Sofia shook her head. “Ellie is trying to lie low, so no. We may go to the Boom later tonight, though. It will just be locals.”
The Dirty Boom was a restaurant and bar on the south side of town that was far enough from the lodge that very few tourists ventured down.
“What about you?” Ellie asked as he pulled his jacket on.
“I’ve got some work to do this morning. Was thinking of doing a little full moon snowshoeing tonight, though.”
Sofia shivered dramatically, but Ellie was intrigued. “I assume that means exactly what it sounds like it means?” He nodded. “Is it cold?”
“Freezing. Literally,” Sofia said.
Asher flashed Sof an indulgent look. “It is cold. But snowshoeing warms you up. And we don’t get a lot of winter nights that are both clearandhave a full moon. With the recent snowfall, well, I’m looking forward to it.”
“Can I come?” she blurted out. “I mean, if it won’t be any trouble. I’ve never snowshoed before, and I’d understand if you don’t want a beginner slowing you down.”
His gaze darted to Sofia, but Ellie didn’t look at her friend. She didn’t know what she’d see in Sofia’s expression and wasn’t sure she wanted to find out.
“Of course,” he replied. “I’d be happy to have you join me.”
He didn’t sound entirely happy, but he didn’t sound unhappy, either. Maybe more like a little confused.
She beamed at him. She loved the way moonlight cast shadows in the dark and reflected off new-fallen snow. She also loved the unique, dampened quiet that a snowy world created. But she’d only ever experienced either of those while shooting a film. She didn’t know where she and Asher would venture that night, but she didn’t want to pass up the chance to immerse herself in the experience.
Nor did she want to pass up the chance to spend time with him. Caution had her questioning whether to ignore her flutterings of interest—their lives were worlds apart. But something about him had her, metaphorically, lifting her head to look at the world around her. Heinterestedher. He made her want to know things about him in a way no man had in a very, very long time. If ever.
“Ernie is bringing my car by this afternoon. I can swing by your sisters’ shop this afternoon and pick up what I need. I assume they’ll be able to outfit me?” He nodded. “Great.” She smiled again. “What time should we meet?”
“Does nine work? The moon should be high enough by then to give us the light we need.” He still seemed a bit confused by her interest.
“Perfect,” she said. “I’ll get directions from Sofia. I’m looking forward to it.”
His gaze skated to Sofia then back to her. He gave her a slow nod then added, “Me, too.” Although his tone was a little less than convincing. Even so, she didn’t get the sense that he didn’t want her there. Only that he hadn’t expected it and needed a moment to adjust.
After dropping a kiss on Sofia’s cheek, Asher headed back outside. When the door closed behind him, Ellie braced herself for Sofia’s reaction. She didn’t have to wait long.
“Snowshoeing? Really, Ellie. You hate the cold.”
She tried for a nonchalant shrug, but she couldn’t fool her friend. “I’ll have the twins outfit me appropriately. And for the record, I don’t hate the cold, I dislikebeingcold. If I’m wearing the right things, I won’t be cold.”
Sofia arched an eyebrow. “Is your clothing the only way you intend to keep warm?”
“If you’re asking whether I’m planning to jump Asher and get warm the old-fashioned way, need I remind you I’m sort of in the middle of a mental crisis? I just want to experience something I’ve never experienced before.”
Her friend eyed her. “I like how you mix the lie with the truth. It makes you more believable.”
A guilty smile threatened to derail this conversation, and she fought to keep a straight face. “I’m not lying.”
Sofia crossed her arms over her chest. “Fine, but you’re not telling the truth either.”
She had Ellie there. Sort of. Was she attracted to Asher? Yes. Did that mean she planned to do anything about it? Probably not. Shewasn’tin the right place to start anything. Evenifshe wanted to. Which she didn’t. Not now, anyway. Right now, she just wanted to appreciate his company and enjoy getting to know him. As a person.
As her father liked to say, there’s always room for one more friend in your life.
“Have you ever snowshoed before?” she asked, shifting the focus of the conversation.
