Page 13 of The Proximity Effect

“The food wasn’t that bad… it just wasn’t what was expected.” I sighed, letting one of my hands hover over the water so that it tickled my skin. “I was serious about my offer. It gives me something to do in the evenings, and eating dinner alone at a restaurant isn’t exactly fun.”

Evan looked thoughtful. “Why didn’t you just cancel your reservation?”

I shifted in the water, careful not to spill my wine. “It was honestly the last thing on my mind after he ended things. Canceling a wedding is no joke, so there was a lot to take care of on that end of things…”

“Shouldn’t he have been the one to take care of all that?” Evan’s jaw tightened, and his fingers drummed against the hot tub’s edge. He seemed more protective than merely annoyed on my behalf.

“In theory, he should have been since he was the one who called it off, but he was swamped at work and...” I trailed off, the familiar excuse tasting bitter on my tongue. Now that I really thought about how Declan had left me to handle the mess of our canceled wedding while he hid behind his work, it pissed me off.

I took another sip of wine, the liquid doing little to wash away the realization that I’d spent years making excuses for his priorities. Declan always let his work and hobbies take precedence over me.

“And what about your work?” Evan’s voice was gentle, like I was a rabbit ready to run off, and honestly, I felt like it. The way his eyes studied me with concern made me want to sink deeper into the bubbling water until only my nose poked out.

I let out a dry laugh. “I’m currently unemployed. Declan ended things because I was looking into other job options. I wanted to run my own restaurant instead of catering to wealthy families forever. So I decided to jump off the cliff and quit my job to devote all my time to figuring out my next great adventure.”

“Maybe being here is your next great adventure.” It felt like he was telling himself that more than he was telling me, like he was trying to convince both of us that sometimes the best paths are the ones we never saw coming.

We were both silent for a few minutes, letting the burbling jets fill the space between us. The quiet was comfortable rather than awkward until the mood shifted, and Evan flashed me a grin that made me wonder if he practiced it in mirrors or if charm came naturally to him.

I laughed, unable to help myself. There was something infectious about his energy, like he could probably convince me that a root canal was fun if he tried hard enough.

“What are your plans for tomorrow? Besides avoiding our breakfast service, which, honestly, is probably wise.” Evan’s teasing tone made me wonder if he was the one preparing said breakfast.

I tapped my chin and pretended to consider this deeply. “Well, I was thinking of writing a strongly worded review, but that might take up my whole morning. You know the type… ‘While the ambiance was delightful and the service charming, Iregret to inform you that the chef appears to believe scrambled eggs should have the consistency of rubber and toast should match the color palette of volcanic ash.’” I grinned at his mock-wounded expression.

“Counteroffer.” He leaned forward, and I definitely didn’t notice the way the movement made his shoulder muscles flex. “I’m leading the morning snowshoeing group. The regular guide is on vacation, probably living it up somewhere with actual working restaurants.”

“You? Leading a group?” I tried to picture him being responsible for other people’s safety.

“I’m wounded by your lack of faith.” He clutched his chest dramatically. “I’ll have you know I’m extremely qualified. I watched a whole YouTube video about it this morning.”

“Please tell me you’re joking.”

He smirked, his eyes dancing as they caught the light. “You’ll have to come along to find out. Could be fun... unless you’re scared?”

“Of your navigation skills? Absolutely terrified.” But I was seriously considering it. After all, what else was I going to do? Sit in my overly romantic suite and count the cherubs on the ceiling? “Although watching you try to lead a group through the wilderness might be worth the price of admission.”

“So that’s a yes?” He looked excited, and something warm spread through my torso.

“That’s an ‘I’ll think about it.’” I finished off the last of my wine to hide my smile. “What time?”

“Nine. Which gives you plenty of time to sleep on it and realize what an amazing opportunity it is.” He adjusted the way he was sitting, his chest coming out of the water, and I absolutely did not watch the way the water ran down his skin. “How many people can say they’ve been personally guided throughthe wilderness by someone who may or may not have learned everything they know from YouTube?”

“When you put it that way, how could I possibly resist?” I rolled my eyes, but I was already pretty sure I’d be there tomorrow morning. Something about Evan made even potentially getting lost in the woods sound like it could be fun.

“That’s the spirit!” He beamed at me, and for a moment, I forgot about all the reasons why flirting with one of the resort’s owners was probably a terrible idea. “Plus, if we do get lost, I packed extra ramen in my emergency kit.”

“My hero,” I deadpanned, but I couldn’t quite keep the amusement out of my voice. “Though maybe I should pack my own snacks. You know, just in case.”

“Smart woman.” He winked at me, his expression playful but with an undercurrent of something that made parts of me tingle. “Beautiful and prepared for disaster. I like that in a hiking companion.”

My cheeks flushed, and I blamed the hot water, not the way he was looking at me like I was the most interesting person he’d met in ages. And absolutely not because of how his compliment landed somewhere between teasing and sincere.

My brain finally caught up with my hormones, reminding me that ogling him was probably not the wisest move. I was supposed to be focusing on my own personal growth or whatever it was Google said you should do after a breakup—not getting flustered over compliments from someone who probably flirted with all the guests.

“Well, would you look at the time!” I announced with all the subtlety of a foghorn. “It’s my bedtime.”

Evan arched a brow, amusement dancing in his eyes. “It’s barely ten.”

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