Page 12 of Forever Theirs

“That would be because of Caroline.”

A flare of jealousy erupted, tightening my stomach. I shoved the emotion down deep with a thick swallow, hoping it didn’t show on my face, though the knowing smirk that barely curled the corners of his lips said I did a shit job of hiding how I felt.

“Caroline is a friend and coworker at Uplift. In the past, Miles and I voiced our concerns about her meeting up with men she’d just met, so she started doing the license thing. That way, she was safe, could still live her life, and it put us at ease, knowing exactly who she was with and who to go after if anything happened to her.”

My stomach did a flip at the low growl that vibrated his words. What would it be like to have guys like that in my life? Protective and caring yet understanding and not oppressive.

“Plus, she would tell us where they were going.” He paused and looked just over my shoulder with a frown. “But for the last month, she’s been seeing this one guy, so we haven’t had to worry about anyone new.”

“And that’s a bad thing?” The face he was making made it seem like he wasn’t a fan of the new guy at all.

He ran a hand through his styled hair and shook his head. “Not bad, just… It’s nothing. How do you like the place?” he asked, gesturing around the small cottage. “Is it what you expected?”

A genuine grin spread across my face as I shifted my attention from the dangerously handsome man to the tight living space. It wasn’t fancy or spacious by any means, but it was perfect for one person. The main room was a simple square that worked as the living room, with a love seat against the wall and a single chair beside it. The very basic kitchen had a sink, a small fridge, and a microwave. No surprise that there wasn’t a TV, which wasn’t that big a deal for me, considering I preferred to read instead of watch anything these days. A door off to the side led to a bedroom with a log frame queen-size bed with the softest duvet on the planet and a cramped attached bathroom.

Everything was practical. Exactly what one would need, since most of a visitor’s time was spent outdoors anyway.

“It’s perfect. And the view out back is mind-blowing.” I gestured to the back door. “I’ve already lost a few hours just sitting out there, staring at the mountains. I’m excited to see some of the town tonight. It looked picture-perfect on the drive here. I can’t wait to snap some shots. Since I’m not here very long, I need to make every opportunity and moment count.”

“Then let’s get going.” Phone still in his hand, he typed out a quick text before sliding it into his back pocket. “Just letting Miles know we’re heading to Dave’s.”

Snagging my thick coat from the hook by the door, I slid it on and flipped up the fur-lined hood. A deep, rumbling chuckle came from Aiden as he held open the door, eyes alight with humor.

“What are you laughing at?” I grumbled as I snatched the satchel with my wallet and camera off another hook and looped the long strap over my head. “It was chilly earlier on the porch, and once the sun finally sets, it’ll be downright cold. Don’t judge me.”

He waited at the base of the front steps, studying my movements as I locked up. “Not judging you, Aspen. I’m laughing because it’s practically summer here. Hell, I debated wearing shorts, and you tugged on a winter coat over a sweater. It’s adorable and reminds me that we’re a bit of a different breed up here in Alaska. Most people wouldn’t think this weather is warm, but after the long-as-hell and bitter fucking winter, we do.”

The metal key dug into my fingers as I shoved it into a deep pocket, pushing it into the tight corner so it wouldn’t accidentally fall out. Instead of moving along the path toward the parking space allotted for my cabin when I stepped beside Aiden, he gave me an uncertain look before leaping up the steps. Fingers around the doorknob, he gave it a few turns and shoves, ensuring it was locked up tight before turning back with a smile.

A swell of emotions had tears burning behind my eyes as my heart melted at the simple gesture by an almost complete stranger. I’d only known the guy a few hours, yet here he was, so concerned about my safety that he double-checked the cottage was secure. I noticed he did it to the back door, too, before we headed out the front.

When was the last time anyone but me cared about my safety?

I swallowed down the unshed tears, not wanting Aiden to see how much that gesture meant to me. Because damnit, I was tired of always having to be on guard, watching over my shoulder, and keeping myself safe.

“I can see that. But even coming from Seattle, this is cold enough to warrant a heavy coat. I hate being cold.” Loose rocks and fallen pine needles slid beneath my boots as we walked side by side along the path toward an older-model Toyota 4Runner. “That yours?”

He flung a set of keys up in the air, catching them again with ease. “Yep, that’s us. Normally, with the nice weather”—he laughed when I shot him an incredulous look—“I’d drive the bike or four-wheeler around town, but I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about riding with me since we just met.”

“Do you live close to here?” I smiled when he opened the passenger door for me.

Hand on top of the open door, he waited until I was in the seat, camera carefully cradled in my lap, before responding. “Yes and no. It’s not too far. Miles and I live together in a community our boss built just for Uplift employees. It’s cool as hell and nearly self-sustaining at this point. It really is damn impressive what Brandon, our owner, and Carl and Amy, his life partners, created for us. It’s a miniature town with a close-knit family-like environment. Sure, we all work together, but we’re family now too.”

I nodded while biting the tip of my tongue to keep from asking about Brandon and his partners. Because, unless math was different here, he listed three people in their relationship, not the typical two. That seemed to validate the rumor that popped up on social media when conducting my research on Anchor Bay. A few posted about a unique poly community that settled outside town several years back. Uplift was never mentioned or linked in the posts, but the way Aiden spoke about his community, it seemed to be the one they’d mentioned.

As if waiting for my reaction to that revelation, Aiden hesitated a few seconds, watching me before nodding and shutting the door.

I deflated against the seat, blowing a raspberry. That was a lot of information to process, and I now had a shit ton of inappropriate questions I was desperate to ask.

The SUV bounced when he folded into the driver’s seat and turned to face me. “Ready?” At my nod, he pushed the key into the ignition and started the engine. After turning the heat on full blast and pointing all the vents my way, he shifted into Reverse and pulled out of the parking spot. “If you want to grab some shots on the way, let me know, and I can slow down or pull over.”

My heart gave a heavy thud and, I swear, swelled at his offer.

The seat belt caught, tugging against my chest when I adjusted along the seat to lean on the door and gaze out the side window, my eyes flicking every which way to not miss any of the gorgeous scenery off in the distance. Without me having to ask, Aiden slowed to an almost crawl when we hit the edge of town. Smiling so wide my cheeks burned, I rolled down the window, not caring about the chilly wind filling the SUV, and raised my camera, snapping shots of the colorfully painted buildings and almost-deserted docks and piers. The sun reflected off the choppy water, highlighting the bright colors and unique layout of the town.

“Go ahead.” Aiden pulled off to the side and rested a forearm on top of the steering wheel. “We’re in no hurry.”

The tires continued to roll along the road while cars and other ATVs coasted past us, but not once did he ask me to hurry or complain that I was taking too long. By the time he pulled the SUV into an angled parking space in front of a weathered wooden building, I’d taken hundreds of pictures I couldn’t wait to download and sort through.

---