Page 9 of Canadian Spring

“How long ago was this?” Lila asked.

“Six months ago.”

“Perfect. Great timing for you and Grumpy Bear.” Lila gave a wink as Skylar’s eyes widened.

“No—nuh-uh— no way. Not happening.” Skylar jumped up, resuming her pacing.

“I think what Lila’s saying…” Kade stopped to glare at her friend, who responded by sticking her tongue out at Kade and grinning. “Is that Dyllan is a good guy, and you shouldn’t write him off because of a misunderstanding.”

“Ha—misunderstanding.” Skylar folded her arms over her chest.

“Just think about it?” Lila asked, getting up from the table.

“Ugh, I’ll think about it. Maybe I’ll kill him with kindness,” Skylar said sarcastically.

“There ya go! You’ll fit into Logan Creek just fine,” Kade said with a wide smile.

“On that note, I should go. I have some things to confirm before we leave tomorrow.” Skylar stood from her chair, smoothing out the fabric of her skirt.

“Vegas, baby!” Lila exclaimed, raising her hands in the air, channeling her inner Joey.

Skylar laughed as she hiked her laptop bag onto her shoulder. “You guys are insane.”

“But you love us,” Lila smiled sweetly, handing Skylar a to-go cup of coffee and a bag. “Now go. I’ll stop Kade from limiting your caffeine now that you’re out the door and planning. Shoo.”

Skylar laughed, accepting the treats. “Thank you. See you bright and early tomorrow!”

Stepping out onto Main Street, Skylar placed her sunglasses on the bridge of her nose and turned her face up to the warm spring sun. There was a peace to Logan Creek that Vancouver just didn’t have. It was calmer. Quieter. Even the air felt less heavy.

Determined to make the most of the beautiful sunny day, Skylar took her time strolling down the street, looking in the windows of all the shops as she passed until she settled on sitting in the town square. The wooden gazebo in the middle, combined with the historic town and mountain backdrop, filled her heart with a happiness that she didn’t realize she was missing. As much as she loved the city, it never truly felt like home. It was loud, overcrowded, and overpriced. The scenery was stunning, and the access to literally anything she could think of was great, but Logan Creek felt like home.

Maybe I could make a home here. Surely people in the area need a wedding and event planner.

Taking a seat on a nearby bench, she placed her bag beside her and took a sip of her coffee; peeking in the bag Lila gave her, she smiled at a cinnamon roll larger than her hand.

“More sweets?” a gruff voice growled behind her. She didn’t need to turn to know who it belonged to. Her blood pressure rose while the butterflies in her stomach fluttered. The conflicting reactions he elicited drove her crazy and made her even more furious.

“I don’t know why you’re so obsessed with my eating habits. You’re not my doctor, nor my dentist.” She raised her head, voice a pitch higher as she stared straight out in front of her.

“I just find it odd. You’d think with the amount of sugar you ate, you’d actually be sweet.”

Standing up, Skylar turned, placing her fisted hands on her hips. “Like you’d know anything about being sweet.”

So much for killing him with kindness.

Taking a deep breath, Skylar channeled every yoga class she had ever taken to steady the building fire burning within her.

“I’m sorry. I think we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot. I’m not usually this abrupt. I’m Skylar, Kade and Lila’s friend. I’m here to help Kade and Brody with their wedding.” She stuck her hand out in front of her.

She ignored the arched eyebrow on his perfectly handsome face as his gaze darted between her hand and face.

“You can’t be serious,” he scoffed.

“Oh, I am,” Skylar said with a smile, refusing to drop her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dyllan.”

She resisted squirming under his intense gaze, his deep brown eyes burning a hole into hers. After what Skylar swore was eternity, he placed his large, calloused hand into hers, giving her a firm shake.

She ignored the searing heat that shot through her body the moment they touched.

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