by J. H. Croix
I knew she wouldn’t leave that topic alone for long, so I was prepared. “Her name is Gemma. She runs a yoga studio here in town. We’ve only had dinner once.”
That made it sound like not much, but I wasn’t about to tell my sister about the kiss that blew my mind in the parking lot outside of the coffee shop. I also definitely wasn’t going to tell her about the encounter when Gemma came all over my fingers in her kitchen. I confided in my sisters plenty, but I did have some limits.
“I want to meet her,” Harley announced.
“Jesus, Harley. It’s not like we’re getting married. We had dinner. Once. Pump the brakes.”
She sighed. “You need to settle down at some point. I feel like you’re letting what happened with Deana ruin romance forever.”
Leaning back into the couch, I ran a hand through my hair and cast her a glare. “No, I’m not. When the time is right and it feels right, I’ll settle down. I’ve had dinner with Gemma once. Don’t get so far ahead of yourself.”
“You also took her for a plane ride. That’s more than just dinner.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “It is definitely more than dinner. Look, you’re going to meet her. You’ll be here at least a few weeks, right?”
Harley nodded. “Of course.”
“Daphne and Nora are trying to work it out for Gemma to offer a weekly class here at the resort. So, if Daphne doesn’t sweet talk you into doing a class in town, you’ll meet Gemma when she comes out here.”
Harley clapped her hands together. “Yes! I need to screen her. If she’s secretly a bitch, then it’ll be good to know right off the bat.”
“God help me,” I muttered. “Worry about your own love life, please.”
“I’ve sworn off men forever. I only had to walk in on one boyfriend screwing my friend. That’s enough to last me a lifetime.”
“You’ll feel differently after the sting fades.”
Harley’s brows rose toward her hairline. “You’re one to talk. All Deana did was steal money. You haven’t been serious with anyone since then.”
Elias leaned against the plane wing, dragging his sleeve across his forehead. “Fuck, man. That’s a lot of dog food.”
I chuckled as we turned together to glance over toward the pallet stacked with bags of dog food. We were loading up one of our planes for a delivery run to the general store in a small village.
“It’s always something. This isn’t as fun as taking that rescue dog who got adopted the other week.” Elias flashed a grin. “Thanks for helping me load up. You seem pretty close to one hundred percent,” I commented, gesturing toward his ankle.
Early last winter, Flynn and Elias had been in a minor plane crash when a bird flew into one of their engines. Aside from cracked ribs, Flynn had been otherwise unscathed. Elias had sustained a nasty ankle break and gotten poked good and hard in the side by a branch. He’d been a cranky ass for a few months, but he was flying again and in love with Cammi, so all was right with his world.
Elias flashed a quick grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Pretty much. I’m guessing I’ll be able to predict the weather with this ankle for the rest of my life, but otherwise, it’s all good.”
I chuckled. “That’s like my shoulder,” I said, patting my left shoulder. I’d dislocated the shoulder during a training exercise in the Air Force—a total fluke. Ever since then, it felt okay most of the time and didn’t give me any trouble, but I sure as hell could tell you when it was about to rain or snow. “What’s on your schedule today?”
Elias glanced through the open garage doorway of the hangar out toward another plane already waiting near the runway. “I’m taking one of the tourist groups. Just a nice pretty flight over a few glaciers. Maybe the wildlife will cooperate for us.”
We laughed together. That was a running joke. There was wildlife in abundance in Alaska, and for the most part when we took tourists on the “money trips,” as Flynn called them, we usually saw some wildlife. Most often, we encountered moose, occasionally bears, and along the shorelines, the rare sighting of a sea lion from the air if they were in the shallow water, or resting on the rocks. We also saw rafts of otters, seals, puffins, and eagles all over the freaking place. If we were really lucky, we might see a whale breaching, or pods of orcas and beluga whales.
On occasion, we saw nothing more than common seagulls. “I’ll be thinking positive for you. That one area, just past the harbor, has been a good spot for bears lately. I’ve seen one or two most every time we go through. I’m guessing a mama bear hibernated nearby over winter.”
Elias dipped his head in acknowledgment. “Thanks for the tip. I’ll make sure to keep to a low elevation in that area.” Elias pushed away from the plane wing and strode to the pallet, hefting another bag of dog food on his shoulder to stack in the back of the plane. “Let’s finish up so you can get rolling.”
We moved quickly and had the pallet empty in short order. I waved Elias off when his group arrived. Only minutes later, I followed him up into the air, steadying the plane once I could level out. The small planes were so much fun to fly. You could see the world from above the entire time, unlike the big commercial planes where you got so high there wasn’t much to see other than clouds.
Flying gave me a sense of freedom like nothing else did. I felt peaceful in the air, coasting along, savoring the view of the sparkling ocean below and the mountains in the distance. Mount Augustine, the volcano that stood sentry out in Cook Inlet had a halo of clouds encircling its peak. That volcano stood tall and majestic, a quiet reminder of its potential power at all times. It also served as the backdrop for some of the prettiest sunsets I’d seen in my entire life.
As I flew, Gemma came to mind. I meant to text her about dinner, but then Harley showed up earlier than I expected. I made a mental note to text her when I landed back in Diamond Creek today.
My mind shifted over to my little sister. Our family had always been close. We’d grown up blessed with two parents who loved each other. They’d fallen in love young, had kids and stayed in love all the way until they passed. I thought I was going to do the same thing until Deana notched a decisive scar on my trust.
I was more philosophical about it now than I’d been when it happened. I’d been too young anyway. Hell, I’d asked the girl to marry me when I’d enlisted in the Air Force. Deana had been Laura, my next youngest sister’s, close friend. Of course, I’d trusted her. As soon as she got her degree in accounting, my parents hired her to handle the books for my dad’s company. He’d done construction for years and ran a pretty good business. Deana embezzled a nice chunk, and they had to scrape by after that with my mom cleaning houses to make up the difference.
While I didn’t like admitting Harley was right about me, she had a point. I’d kept my distance from anything serious after I broke it off with Deana. In a weird way, what Deana did felt more personal than if she’d screwed around on me. Maybe because it took planning on her part and happened over time. It wasn’t a fluke, or a moment of reckless judgment. I was also intensely protective of my parents.
I kicked Deana to the curb in my thoughts. I didn’t want to dwell on her. Gemma was much more appealing to think about. That girl had cleared out an entire room in my brain. She was already furnishing it and didn’t appear to have any intentions of moving out soon. I’d replayed our encounter in her kitchen a few more times than I’d ever admit. The magnetic pull to her held strong regardless of whether she was nearby.
Chapter Fifteen
Gemma
“And, here’s the main room,” Daphne said, gesturing with a hand around the large open space.
I spun in a slow circle. “This is beautiful,” I said.
This was my first time visiting the resort. Although it felt as if we were truly deep in the wilderness, Walker Adventures was only twenty miles or so from Diamond Creek. The resort was a large octagonal shaped building with several stories. This main floor was an expansive open space with windows on all sides exce
pt one where it led into what I presumed was a dining area. The windows offered views of a field with flowers blooming under the late-afternoon sunshine, and evergreen trees mingling with cotton wood and birch. Beyond the field, the hill sloped downward, offering a view of the bay in the distance, and of course the mountains.
“It is, isn’t it?” Daphne commented when I looked back toward her. “I feel so spoiled to live here and see this every day.”
I smiled. “I get it. I feel lucky just to be here.”
“We were thinking you could do the yoga class upstairs. Follow me.” Daphne gestured toward the stairs.
Although the main room had an open layout, it offered several areas for relaxing and mingling. There was a sectional in one corner that had a large flatscreen television mounted on the wall, and there was a reading area surrounded with comfortable chairs and low bookshelves defining the space. In another area, a smaller couch and chairs faced a large woodstove.
“There’s a nice room upstairs. I think it’s a good size for you,” Daphne said, crossing over to a spiral staircase in the corner.
I followed her up, and we stepped into a hallway with hardwood flooring and rows of doors, basically like a hotel. Daphne glanced over at me. “These upper floors are almost all guest rooms, but we have a rec room on this level.”
Following her to the end of the hallway, we stepped into a room with windows facing into the forest. The room was empty with the hardwood flooring echoing under our footsteps. “Do you think this is big enough?” she asked.
“There’s room for about ten students. I can’t imagine there would be more than that at a time. How many guests do you all have?”
“Up to thirty at any given time. But I think you’re right. Only about ten would sign up. Plus, half or more of them are men.”
I laughed. “Lots of men do yoga. You’ve sweet talked all the guys here into coming to my classes in town.”
“We were actually thinking maybe you could do a class for guests and one for staff every time you were here. We’ll still come to your classes in town, so you won’t be losing the business. Obviously, we’d be paying you for the classes here.”
“Sounds like a plan to me. On Wednesdays during the week I only have morning and lunch classes because the room isn’t available in the evening. Why don’t I just plan to come out then? If that works for you all.”
“Perfect. When can you start?” Daphne asked, clasping her hands together in front of her chest.
“This coming week if you want. We could start with a staff class and then if enough guests sign up, I’ll do that too. It’s Sunday, so that would be in three days.”
“Awesome. Now, do you want to have dinner with us?”
“As if I would turn down your food,” I replied with a grin. “I’ve only had the scones you made for Cammi and a few things at her grand reopening, but everything was delicious.”
Daphne’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Thank you. Let’s go back downstairs. I’ll show you the kitchen.”
A few minutes later, Daphne was showing me around the kitchen. Although it was an industrial kitchen and clearly designed to serve guests, the space was inviting. There was a large island with stools surrounding it with a view of the stove area, along with a long table by the windows offering a view over the field and mountains.
“Tonight’s staff night,” she explained while she checked on something Cat was doing on the stove.
Cat was Flynn’s younger sister and looked so much like him it was endearing. Although she was a good foot shorter, she had his slate blue eyes and dark blond hair and a more feminine version of his strong features. “How does it look?” Cat asked as she peered into the pan with Daphne.
“Great,” Daphne said encouragingly. “You want to keep it going until the glaze caramelizes. The heat has to be just right.”
“What are you making?” I asked.
Cat looked up, her ponytail swinging with the motion. “Glazed pork with rice and spinach. It’s a new recipe to me.”
Daphne glanced her way. “You’re a better cook than you give yourself credit for. Stop worrying so much. The only way you learn is to try new things.”
“Plus, you have Daphne as your teacher. Rumor has it everything she makes is amazing,” I offered.
“It totally is,” Tucker called as he walked through the archway from the main room into the kitchen.
Like the other guys who flew for Walker Adventures, I’d gotten to know Tucker because Daphne brought him to my yoga classes on occasion. I smiled over at him. “Hey, Tucker, how’s it going?”
His brows hitched up when he saw me. “Oh, the yoga teacher’s here. Are you gonna make me do yoga before dinner?”
I laughed. “No.”
I was relieved for the distraction of more people appearing. Diego had texted me to let me know his sister had arrived sooner than he expected. I was trying not to think about it and told myself it was no big deal to meet his sister because we weren’t even a thing. Not at all. It didn’t seem to matter what I tried to tell myself, anxiety pinged around my body every time I thought about it. I’d take any distraction I could get.
“Be nice,” Daphne called over. “Gemma’s joining us for dinner. She is going to do one staff class a week out here though. You’re expected to be there.”
Tucker slipped his hips onto a stool by the island while Daphne started shredding cheese. “Yes, ma’am,” he said with mock solemnity. “We do whatever Daphne says.” He glanced toward me. “We want her to stay happy and keep making our food.”
Daphne rolled her eyes. Nora entered the kitchen. “Hey, Gemma,” she called over as she disappeared through a doorway at the back of the kitchen. It looked to be a pantry because I could see a glimpse of the shelves lining its walls. She reappeared with a bottle of wine and some glasses.
“Anybody want wine?” She stopped by the counter where Daphne was working.
“I’ll take some,” Daphne said. “I don’t usually turn down wine.”
“You?” Nora’s eyes met mine.
I shook my head. “No, thanks. I’m driving.”
Over the next half hour or so, the kitchen gradually filled with staff as they filtered in from wherever they’d been. I settled on a stool near the end of the counter, enjoying the banter between the group. I didn’t have to see him to know when Diego arrived. The hairs on the back of my neck rose, and heat chased over my skin.
I couldn’t stop myself from glancing over to the archway that led into the kitchen. His dark curls were rumpled, standing out against his burnished skin. My eyes lingered on him as he walked across the room. He was talking to Flynn who was handsome all on his own, but didn’t have the effect on me and my hormones that Diego did. Good thing, seeing as he was absolutely taken by Daphne.
Diego’s arms swung easily at his sides, and I savored the flex of his broad shoulders with the subtle motion. He had on a faded black T-shirt, and I couldn’t help but wonder what his chest looked like underneath it. Gah! I had it bad. When he looked away from Flynn, his gaze landed on mine immediately, as if he sensed I was here. For a split second, it felt as if there was an electrical wire connecting us, sparking in the air all the way across the room.
Dear God. My body needed a warning sign for this man. “Danger, risk of explosion.” Or something along those lines.
Daphne said something to me, and I tore my eyes from his. “What?” I asked reflexively.
“I asked if you wanted one of these.” She held up some kind of bread item she’d just pulled out of the oven.
“Of course. I don’t even know what it is, but I’ll take it.”
Daphne grinned, a sly gleam in her eyes. “Rolls stuffed with brie and prosciutto.” She paused, arching a brow. “Which you might’ve heard when I asked, if you hadn’t been staring so hard at Diego.”
My cheeks got hot when the man in question stopped beside me. “I’ll take one,” he said quickly. After Daphne handed us rolls on two small plates, he glanced to me
when she moved on. “This is a nice surprise.”
“Hi,” I managed breathily.
“I should warn you, my sister is about to show up, and she wants to meet you.”
Chapter Sixteen
Diego
Gemma’s eyes widened as she stared back at me. She’d been about to take a bite of one of those rolls and lowered it slowly to the plate. “Soon?”
I nodded, trying not to laugh. I understood her anxiety because meeting my sister was akin to coming face to face with a freight train. There was no stopping her, and Gemma didn’t even know that. “I did tell you she was already here.”
Gemma nodded, popping one of those rolls into her mouth and closing her eyes as she chewed. I couldn’t look away from the sight of her lush, plump lips closing around the roll. It didn’t help matters one iota when she let out a soft moan of satisfaction, which sent a poorly timed jolt of lust through my body.
Opening her eyes, she swallowed. “Daphne’s food is a religious experience,” she said reverently.
I chuckled. “Agreed. You see why we’re all so happy Flynn fell in love with her. We’ll be on his case instantly if anything looks rocky between them.”
I popped one of the small rolls into my mouth, closing my eyes as the combination of flavors invaded my senses. “Fuck,” I said when I opened my eyes. “They’re just rolls, but they are incredible.”
Gemma laughed softly, leaning her elbows on the counter. “They are. So, your sister. Where is she?”
I glanced at the clock above the stove. “She went into town with Nora earlier, but Nora’s back, so I expect Harley to show up any minute.”
“Do I need to worry?”
“Not at all. I have four sisters, and they all have opinions about my life. Lately, Harley has been on a kick trying to set me up and get me married off.”
