Page 17 of Lucky in Love
Following the construction noise, he found the new rec cabin. It wassonew, the scent of fresh pine overwhelmed him as he entered. A beautiful stone fireplace commanded attention at the far end of the room. Men were building bookcases and looked to be about halfway done.
“Sorry about the racket,” Alex said, approaching from behind. “They should be finished soon.”
“Geez,” he said, hoping he hadn’t jumped in surprise. “Sneak up much?”
“I didn’t sneak. The hammering’s just so loud you didn’t hear me,” she said. “With The Grocer on the loose, you’d better be more aware of your surroundings.”
“Any updates on that? Without internet, I can’t get any news.”
“He’s still at large, and possibly in the general vicinity, so be careful,” she said. “Look, I didn’t get a chance last night, but I meant to apologize for the…” She waved a hand around at nothing. “You know? Mix-up yesterday.”
“You mean when you broke into my cabin and called the police because you thought I was a murderer?” Brody raised an eyebrow.
“Yes.” She glared. “That’s what I mean. We don’t need to rehash it to death.”
“If that’s your best, you’re not very good at apologies. Sure you’re not just groveling because you found out why I’m here?”
“Ugh,” she huffed. “Forget it.”
He laughed, not sure why he was antagonizing her. He found it intriguing that even though she knew his review of her business could make or break her, she wouldn’t—or couldn’t—suck up to him.
He spent the rest of the day exploring Green Valley Falls, stopping frequently for photo opportunities. When something especially beautiful or interesting caught his attention, he’d park and jot down a rough paragraph describing it. Just a few key words he would expand upon later in his writing process.
It had only been twenty-four hours, but between staying off the internet and all the nature, he felt himself relaxing. He decided that when he returned from New York, he would really lean into the no-phone rule, and fully embrace the whole unplugging concept. That was the only way to do the article justice.
The following afternoon, he packed an overnight bag and headed out for his life-altering trip. Driving through the parking lot, he caught Alex chasing after a duck—probably her new friend Daisy—and couldn’t help but smile. He slowed and opened the window.
“I’m off,” he said. “Be back late tomorrow. I left most of my things here, but nothing interesting, so stay out.”
“Ha. Ha.” She rolled her eyes. “Travel safe.”
To throw Chloe off, he’d texted a “Happy Anniversary” message, lamenting that they wouldn’t be together. She’d responded in kind, and he hadn’t heard from her since. He drove to Portsmouth and boarded the plane to NYC. Destiny awaited.
For the last few days, he’d tried to keep his mind on his work, but kept envisioning how things would go down on this trip. Now that he’d committed to proposing, the ring was burning a hole in his pocket.
By eight o’clock that night, he was headed up the elevator to their apartment. Technically, it was Chloe’s place, but since he had no home base other than his mother’s, this was where he considered home.
He turned the key quietly and slipped in. From the doorway, he could see she wasn’t in the living room or kitchen. Sometimes she worked late, but her purse and keys sat on the entryway table, so he knew she was here. Probably in the bathtub. She loved long, hot soaks.
He dropped his bag and made his way down the hall. Approaching the bedroom, he heard noises that caused the brutal and decisive massacre of the butterflies in his stomach.
Two voices—one distinctly masculine—coming from inside. Laughter, flirty talk of undressing, declarations of anticipation. Chloe wasn’t alone. And obviously not the slightest bit bereft over being apart on their anniversary.
Brody stood in the hallway and listened as his life plans drifted away. Shock, disbelief, hurt, and anger came in quick succession. How could she?
Before he lost his nerve, he cleared his throat forcefully and knocked twice before pushing open the door.
As surprised as he was to find Chloe cheating. He was flabbergasted at who she was cheating with.
“Nathaniel?” Brody blurted, watching a guilty, chagrined expression spread over his boss’s face.
“Brody,” Chloe cried, jumping away from Nathaniel. “What are you doing here?”
“Thought I’d surprise my girlfriend on our anniversary.” He glanced between the two. “Guess I’m the one surprised.”
“Look,” Nathaniel started, coming toward him. “I’m—”
“Don’t,” Brody snapped. Nathaniel froze in place and shut his mouth. “How long?”
