Page 14 of Saved By the Mountain Man

“Of course.”

I try to play it off as nothing and bury the flash of annoyance. “Hmm.”

“I mean, he did invite me last month when he got married to his longtime boyfriend, Patrick.”

The relief on my face must be apparent because she shakes her head in disbelief. “He was my only close friend in college and the only one I ever told about you. That’s why I was so bummed when he left for Europe after college.”

Dammit. All those wasted fury and frustration. Then again, I was still immature and selfish, and Dan didn’t deserve that version of me. “We can always go visit him someday.”

Her face lights up. “For real?”

“Yes.”

The smile wobbles, and she reaches out to cradle one side of my face. “Matt, I’m still sorry for hurting you. I could’ve done it differently, handled it the mature way, and talked to you.”

“In hindsight, I’m glad it happened.” When her eyes widen, I give her hand a squeeze. “Because it allowed us to grow. If you had married me straight out of high school and without at least attempting to do what you’ve always wanted, you’d probably resent me right now.”

She doesn’t say anything because we both know it’s true. The fact that my first reaction to seeing her was shock, followed by anger, says a lot.

“Maybe it had to happen, you know, for us to grow as better people,” I say.

“When did you get so wise?”

I scoff. “If I were, I would’ve done more than visit you once and left the moment I saw you with someone else. I would’ve kept showing up to support you and tried to understand you, instead of wallowing in self-pity. I wouldn’t have waited until you plopped yourself in front of my cabin, disturbing my peace and leaving me with no choice but to save you.”

“You asshole.”

I burst out laughing. “Finish your breakfast. We can buy art materials after you talk to your dad. Who knows? You might get your creative juices flowing here. I’ll set up a space where you can paint.”

“Thank you, Matt. This handyman side of yours gets all the other juices flowing, too.”

I choke on my coffee and glare at her. “Dan…”

The beautiful brat just throws me a shit-eating grin. “Let’s finish eating and get out of here before my courage leaves me.”

“Good idea.”

8

DANIKA

Matt and I stand in front of the doorway, my heart pounding in my chest as I take in the familiar sight and smell of my childhood home. It’s been thirteen years, but the house still looks the same. Well, almost, except for the new flowers on either side of the door and a fresh coat of beige paint.

Beige? Does Dad now have social media and know what aesthetics are? He’s always been a black-and-white kind of guy. Absolutely no beige or pastels.

“You need more time?” Matt asks.

I shake my head, overwhelming emotion forming a lump in my throat, and raise a fist to knock.

“Just a minute!” Dad yells.

I take a deep breath and try to steady my nerves. Why am I so terrified? This is my dad. This is my home. Yet I can’t shake the feeling that he’ll be disappointed. I wasted more than ten years of my life chasing after something that didn’t lead me anywhere.

I don’t realize I’m clutching my shirt in my fists until Matt reaches out and intertwines his fingers with mine. That calms me down a bit. He’s here. Matt has always been good at stepping up when I’m too scared or nervous to say anything.

The door opens, and Dad steps out, his steps faltering when his eyes land on me. I haven’t seen him since last Christmas when he stayed three days at a hotel near me. We see each other at least four times a year, but it’s always him going to me and not the other way around.

“Dani?” His voice is soft but thick with emotion.

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