“I’m Arron,” he said in the awkwardness.
Nick shook his head and gave a wry laugh. “Unbelievable. Actually, no, it’s not...”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing, man. I’ll be out of your way in a minute. I just stopped by to grab my golf clubs.” He walked past him toward the closet.
Arron had no idea what to do or say, so he busied himself with tying his shoe with one hand. He kept one eye on Nick as he grabbed a jacket and a baseball glove from the closet, as well.
It was hard to believe that Alisha had dated them both. He didn’t think he’d have anything in common with this man.
Nick was a buttoned-up professional who spent his days in an office and his free time on a golf course. Arron would rather die than do either of those things. Nick was polished and put-together...and Arron was tattooed and a mess most of the time.
She’d claimed to want the stability that Nick presented, so what had happened to tear the two of them apart? Had Nick broken things off? Was that why Alisha seemed completely against any thought of reconciling with him?
More likely, it had everything to do with Arron not being what she wanted.
Nick shut the closet door and started to leave but paused and turned back to glare at him. “I just need to know one thing—did she know you were coming back? Is that what happened?”
“Um...no. I had a climbing accident and kinda guilted her into letting me stay with her while I recovered.”
Nick scoffed. “I’m sure she was more than happy to accommodate.”
Arron’s jaw tightened. He had no idea what the guy was implying, but he didn’t like his tone or the way he was talking about Alisha. “I don’t think she is, actually. I was just going to leave.”
Just then, Alisha entered the apartment and sighed, glancing back and forth between the two of them. She held out a hand to Nick. “Key, please.”
He removed the apartment key from his key ring and dropped it into her hand.
“Thank you. You can go,” she said, gesturing to the door.
Unfortunately, Nick didn’t seem to be done just yet. “I can’t believe that you threw away everything we had for this guy.” He jabbed a thumb in Arron’s direction.
Arron frowned, too intrigued by the meaning of the man’s words to be fully insulted.
Alisha looked uncomfortable as she shifted from one foot to the other. “Seriously, Nick. Get out.”
“I’m leaving.” Nick turned to him. “You missed one hell of a birthday party, man.”
Arron frowned. “Excuse me?”
“The surprise party she threw for me...on your birthday. June third, amiright?”
Arron blinked, and one look at Alisha’s flushed, embarrassed expression confirmed the truth of Nick’s words. She held the door wide open and motioned Nick out of the apartment. Then she closed the door and avoided Arron’s gaze as she went to the kitchen. “Are you hungry? I can make something...”
“Is it true—what he just said? Did you mix up our birthdays?” he asked, wheeling the chair into the kitchen.
She looked away and waved a hand. “Simple, stupid mistake. Don’t read anything into it.”
He pushed his body out of the chair and hopped on his good leg toward her. “I’m going to read everything into it.”
She sighed in exasperation. “It was nothing.”
“It caused your breakup.”
“Fine.” She placed her hands on her hips and squared her shoulders. “Maybe I wasn’t completely over you, and it...interfered with my relationship with Nick.”
His heart raced and a new hope surged as he moved toward her. “I never completely got over you either. That ill-timed attempt at a kiss last night was something I’ve wanted for a very long time.”
She swallowed hard. “You were the one who left, remember? You ended things by driving away. I was here all the time.”
He sighed. “Langdon’s death hit me hard. I couldn’t grasp the fact that he was really gone. I thought if I got away, I wouldn’t feel it as bad, you know.”
She nodded. “Well, you went to all four corners of the earth. Couldn’t possibly get much farther away than that.”
“It didn’t work. The pain of losing Langdon didn’t fade...” He paused. “And neither did the pain of losing you.” He took her hands in his and stared into her eyes.
“Then why didn’t you come back?” Her cool facade dropped and he saw the hurt and disappointment and questioning in her expression. It killed him to see it, but it also reconfirmed what he’d been hoping—that things maybe weren’t as over for her as she claimed.
It was time to confess the truth. It might be the only way to move forward with her, the only way to get a second chance. He released a slow, deep breath. “I did. About three weeks after I left.” He paused. “You were already dating Nick.”
Alisha’s mouth dropped open and he felt the energy shift between them, as realization seemed to dawn on her that maybe all of this hadn’t been completely his fault.
* * *
ALISHA FELT ILL. Her stomach twisted into a tight knot as she stared at the man she’d always longed for.
He’d come back and he’d thought she’d already moved on. Technically, she had. Nick had been a good friend at first, a shoulder to cry on, and then it had led to something more... Or at least she’d desperately tried to force it into being something more.
She had no idea what to say. No way to really explain what had happened. The reality was she had fallen quickly into Nick’s arms, seeking comfort, desperate to replace Arron in her heart with someone else so that she wouldn’t feel so damn hollow.
But how did she tell him that?
Instead, maybe she could show him how she felt. Moving toward him, she steadied him against the kitchen counter and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her entire body tingled with the familiar sensation of being pressed close to him. The scent of his woodsy cologne enveloped her and she realized how much she’d missed that smell. She swallowed hard and licked her lips as her gaze flitted back and forth between his eyes and full, deliciously tempting mouth. “So I’m thinking about kissing you. I’m going off a vibe... Stop me if I’m reading the signs wrong,” she said, moving closer.
His one good arm wrapped around her body, drawing her closer. His breath against her skin was warm and his gaze burned with desire. “There won’t be any argument on this end,” he murmured against her mouth.
She stood on tiptoe and leaned her head back, closing the gap between their faces. Arron’s head lowered toward hers and she closed her eyes as their mouths connected.
A deep, happy sigh of release escaped her as she clung to him tight, deepening the kiss that she’d been craving for so long. How she’d refused it the night before, she had no idea. She should definitely win some kind of medal for self-control. Right now, she had none. She wanted to kiss him and hold him and touch him and never let go.
Being in his arms felt like home. Cheryl was so right about her heart settling on his. There was no questioning whether the relationship was right. There was no need to second-guess or wonder if he felt the connection too.
He separated her lips with his tongue and held her closer, as though he too was struggling with not being able to get enough. She could stand here kissing him all day...
Out of breath, he reluctantly pulled back, and the smile on his face made her heart soar. She’d missed that smile so much. Seeing the look of happiness on his face that mirrored the happiness in her heart had her almost floating. The weight of all those months of missing him and longing for him and denying her emotions drifted away in that incredible moment.
“That was quite a kiss,” he said, holding her tight.
“We had a lot of time to make up for,” she said.
And for now, she refused to think about how much time they
had together before they once again found themselves at a crossroads with a decision to make.
CHAPTER SIX
Two weeks later
HIS SOUL HAD always craved adventure. Spontaneous, unpredictable, impulsive...all traits that he didn’t even try to deny. But no matter how far he’d traveled the past year, how high an adrenaline rush he’d found or how breathtaking the scenery around him, he’d been unable to erase Alisha from his thoughts, from his heart. He’d missed her every day and he’d have traded it all for her.
Knowing she was with someone had made it easy to stay away. Now, how could he possibly leave, knowing that she’d never gotten over him either and the connection he’d felt to her a million miles away was real and strong, and she’d felt it too?
He’d wasted more than a year looking for something, anything, that made him feel as alive, as happy, as complete as being with her did, and he’d be damned if he lost it again. Lost her again.
The last two weeks had done more than just heal his body; they’d healed the deep wound in his chest that sorrow had created. His brother was gone and he’d always honor his memory, but Arron was being offered another shot at love and he’d be a fool to let anything stand in the way.
Picking up his cell phone, he dialed the familiar local number and smiled when a female voice answered.
“Hello. Thank you for calling SnowTrek Tours. How may I help you?”
“Hey, Cass, it’s Arron.”
“I was hoping I’d get a call from you,” she said, sounding genuinely happy to hear his voice.
“Yeah, well, I heard you might be looking for a free-climb guide.” Cassie had never partnered with anyone else, telling him that the job would always be his if and when he ever wanted it again. Her trust in him and Langdon to ensure the safety of her clients had meant a lot to them, and he didn’t take it for granted now.
“As soon as those bones of yours heal, the job’s all yours,” she said. “And, Arron—welcome home.”
He breathed a sigh of relief. Not in a long time had he felt like he was in the right place. But Wild River was home and it was time to start putting down roots.
* * *
ALISHA TOOK A final deep breath, then hit Print on the staff room computer. She stood, gathered the letter from the printer and headed down the hall to the hospital CEO’s office.
This was the right decision. She didn’t question it for a second. Her footsteps felt light as she made her way down the hall.
The last two weeks had been everything she’d always wanted. Being with Arron was the future she’d do anything for. No matter what that looked like. They’d agreed to take things one day, one recovered bone at a time. And to not talk about what happened next or where things were headed.
They both knew they wanted to be together. And they both trusted that this time they’d figure it out.
This was the right decision.
Knocking once on the open office door, she entered as Grant looked up from his desk. “Hey, how’s my favorite nurse named Alisha?” he said.
She laughed at the old, familiar joke he used on everyone. “Be careful. One day you’ll hire a duplicate name and that joke will backfire.”
He laughed. “Good point.” He gestured toward the chair across from him and she sat. “What can I do for you?”
She slid the letter across his desk. “I’m requesting a leave of absence.” It even felt right saying it. She’d thought it would be harder to take time off, to take this leap of faith, but it wasn’t, and she saw it as a good sign. No matter what happened, this was the right decision for her life right now.
“Oh...” Grant didn’t seem bothered, just surprised. No doubt he was, since she hadn’t even taken a sick day in four years.
“Is everything okay?” he asked. “Healthwise? You’re good?”
She nodded. Healthwise, she was better than ever. Being blissfully in love and spending every available moment wrapped in the arms of a man she was crazy about did wonders for the psyche. “I feel perfect.” She paused. “I just thought maybe I’d do some traveling. See the world.” Her excitement rose in her chest at the thought of something she should have done sixteen months ago.
But there was no room for regrets. Only new adventures awaiting.
“That’s wonderful,” he said, sitting back in his chair. “Where are you headed?”
“I don’t know,” she said with a small smile as she stood to leave. Wherever the wind and a certain tattooed, blond-haired man decided to take her.
* * *
HER NEW TRAVEL pack on her back, Alisha opened her apartment door later that evening. Her heart raced in anticipation of seeing Arron and telling him the news. Since making the decision, she’d gotten more and more excited about what lay ahead. Being with him was what she wanted, and it no longer mattered if that was here in Wild River or halfway across the world.
The sight that met her inside her apartment was one she’d never have expected in a million years. Tea lights flickering all over the room, the table set for two with wine and flowers, and the sound of soft, romantic music playing made her mouth drop.
“Welcome home,” Arron said, appearing in the kitchen. He wore a pair of new, form-fitting jeans and a black Henley that hugged his body in a way that had her mind on things that didn’t involve any clothing at all. But he’d obviously gone to some effort to make a nice evening, so she’d be patient.
“You cooked?”
“Close. It’s takeout.”
She laughed. “Even better.” She set the backpack down against the wall. Her news could wait. “What’s the occasion?”
Arron took her hands in his and led her to the couch. He sat beside her and stared into her eyes. “I have something I want to tell you.”
Her heart beat so loudly she thought it might explode. This was it. The moment where he told her he planned on leaving soon. He was healed enough...
“I’ve decided that you’re right,” he said.
She was? About what?
“I mean, I always knew you were right,” he said with a grin. “But I’m finally brave enough to commit to this...us...life here in Wild River. A solid, stable life. No more living in a van and coasting from one odd job to another.”
Her mouth gaped. He what?
“This is what I want. Being with you. I tried to ignore the feeling of emptiness in my gut for so long, but it never went away. Knowing you were happy with someone else was the only thing keeping me from coming back,” he said, emotion evident in his voice. “But now I’m here and you’re here and I don’t want to mess this up again. I don’t want to lose this.” He gripped her hands tight in his and she returned the reassuring squeeze.
He was saying everything she’d always longed to hear. He was giving her what she’d always wanted. But now she knew that it didn’t matter as long as they were together. “Arron...”
“Wait. I’m not done,” he said. He took a deep breath. “I’ve applied for my old partnership with SnowTrek Tours again and Cassie’s accepted. I can start leading free-climb tours as soon as I’m capable.”
Her chest ached. That had to have been a hard call for him—going back to the career he’d shared with his brother. And he was doing it for her. For them. “Arron...that’s incredible. Really, it is, and I’m...speechless about all of this.”
He pulled her closer. “I love you, Alisha. Being with you is what matters. It’s what I want and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make this work.”
Her breath caught in her chest. He loved her. He’d actually said the words this time, not a variation of them, and she knew he meant them. She loved him too...
She laughed through tears of happiness burning in her eyes as she picked up the backpack. “I was coming home with news of my own. I put in for a leave of absence at the hospital. I was going to tell you tonight that I’m ready to leave this
solid, stable life behind and go with you to the far corners of the world.”
He looked surprised and slightly overwhelmed. “You were willing to do that? For me?”
“Yes! I love you, Arron. I always have. You are a part of me, so ingrained...and I don’t want to be without you. So, if that’s here or anywhere else, I’m ready.”
He pulled her into his chest and held her tight. She breathed in the scent of him, savoring this moment that couldn’t possibly get any better. “I can’t believe you were willing to do that,” he whispered into her hair.
She glanced up at him. “So, what do we do?”
He took a deep breath. “Well...you did buy a new backpack... It would be a shame not to use it.”
“I’m listening...” More than that, her heart was open to any and all possibilities.
“You’ve put in your time-off request already and I don’t have a start date at SnowTrek...”
“Right. Technically, neither of us is tied to Wild River for the next little while...”
“So why don’t we travel the world for a few months—” he took her face between his hands and kissed her gently “—then come back here and continue making a life together?”
She nodded. “I like the sound of that a lot.”
“Then it’s a plan,” he said. He kissed her long and deep, full of passion and love. A kiss that held the promise of a future she’d thought they’d lost.
She hugged him tight, her heart at ease, knowing she wouldn’t have to let him go.
Not now. Not ever.
* * *
ISBN-13: 9780369719102
Wild Alaskan Hearts
Copyright © 2021 by Jennifer Snow
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
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