Page 14 of The Proximity Effect

“Yes, exactly! Do you have any idea how long my nightly skincare routine takes?” I started rambling, my mouth operatingcompletely independently of my common sense. “I’m practically knocking on forty’s door. Well, if you consider nine years and some change as ‘knocking.’ But prevention is key, you know? And don’t even get me started on scheduling medical appointments. I should probably book a mammogram soon. Not that I need one yet, but it’s good to be prepared. My aunt always says—” I slapped a hand over my mouth. Did I really just mention mammograms to the attractive man I’d been not-so-subtly admiring? “You know what? I’m going to stop talking now.”

I stood up quickly, forgetting about little things like physics and blood rush and the fact that I’d had two glasses of wine. The world tilted alarmingly, and I wobbled like a newborn giraffe trying ice skates for the first time.

“Whoa there.” Evan was out of the water in an instant, his hands steadying me by my elbows. “Maybe making a dramatic exit isn’t such a good idea.”

“I wasn’t being dramatic,” I protested, even as I gripped his forearms for balance. “I was being... efficient.”

He stepped out of the hot tub, holding out his hand to help me out and down the steps. The universe, clearly not done humiliating me, decided this would be the perfect moment for my foot to slip. I pitched forward, straight into his chest, and suddenly my bikini-clad boobs and his shirtless chest were pressed together.

Water droplets clung to his skin, and I could feel his heart beating under my palms where I’d braced myself against his chest. His hands had moved to my waist, warm and steady, and for a moment, we stood there, breathing the same air.

His eyes met mine, and something electric crackled between us. I watched a drop of water trail down his neck and had to physically restrain myself from following its path with my finger. Or my tongue.

No. No, no, no. Bad Tessa.

Evan finally cleared his throat and stepped back, his hands falling away. The night air rushed in where his warmth had been, and I suppressed a shiver. My nipples, however, became hard pebbles attempting to escape.

And yup. Evan noticed before he looked away and ran a hand through his wet hair. “I’ll see you tomorrow? For the snowshoeing?”

“Right. Snowshoeing. With YouTube’s finest instructor.” I snagged my towel and wrapped it around myself like armor. “Assuming I survive my very important skincare routine and all my preventative medical screenings.”

He laughed, the sound warm and rich in the chilly night air. “Get some sleep, Tessa.”

“Goodnight, Evan.” I gathered what remained of my dignity and turned toward the resort.

I managed to make it all the way back to my room before burying my face in my hands and groaning. Mammograms? Really? That’s what my brain decided to go with? At this rate, I’d have to extend my stay to work through all my embarrassing moments.

Chapter 6

YouTube-Certified Guide

Evan

Igroaned as the sound of Archer aggressively making coffee pulled me from sleep. The man couldn’t even pour water without it somehow sounding judgmental. From my bottom bunk, I could make out Liam’s form still sleeping under the covers of the king bed, which he’d claimed like a conquering hero when January rolled around. Lucky bastard.

The cabin’s thin walls did nothing to muffle Archer’s morning routine. Every cabinet door that closed might as well have been a personal attack on my existence. I swear he did this shit on purpose.

“For fuck’s sake,” I muttered, rolling out of bed and nearly braining myself on the upper bunk.

Gavin would be laughing his ass off if he could see us now—three grown men sharing a bedroom like we were back in college. Except in college, we had liked each other.

The thought of Gavin sent a familiar ache through my chest. That asshole had been our glue, the one who kept us fromkilling each other during finals week and talked us down from our worst ideas. Well, most of our worst ideas. He’d encouraged quite a few of them.

Now here we were, forced to live together in this glorified shoebox because even in death, Gavin was trying to fix what we broke. Part of me wanted to be pissed at him for this manipulation, but mostly I just missed my friend.

I shuffled into the main living area, dodging Liam’s snowboarding gear that he’d left by the couch again. The “kitchen” was basically a hotplate, and Archer stood there in his suit getup, looking like no amount of coffee would fix the scowl on his face.

“Morning, Archie.” I reached past him for a mug. “Did the coffee maker insult your mother, or is this your usual morning charm?”

He didn’t even look up from his phone despite me using the nickname he hated. “The resort’s coffee supplier sent the wrong beans again.”

“Tragic.” I poured myself a cup anyway. “You know who probably knows good coffee suppliers? Tessa.”

That got his attention. “We’re not hiring her.”

“Why not? She’s already here, she’s qualified, and she wants to cook for us.” I leaned against the counter, watching him bristle.

“We’re contacting temp agencies.” He straightened his already straight tie. “It’s more professional than having a guest step in.”

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