Though I was no marketing expert, I did know more than most about the travel industry and before I knew it I was advising two avid, interested business owners on how they could pitch their services to leading travel magazines and websites.
After listening to my parents’ criticism for the past two days, it felt good to have people take my work seriously. No, they took me seriously. So seriously they offered me a paid gig if I’d write the kind of feature piece I was talking about.
“I appreciate the offer, but I don’t know if I’ll be sticking around long enough for that. I’m sorry.” And I was. I’d gotten myself excited at the angle I could spin on their personal story and their business—but I’d already committed myself to an assignment in Brazil shortly after Jackie’s wedding.
My time in Bridgewater was limited, which was how I’d planned it. I’d learned years ago that it paid to have an escape plan when visiting.
Still, I found myself watching Jackson and Dash, who’d been hovering nearby while I talked, giving me some space to converse with the local pilots, but always close enough in case I needed them. I’d never had people looking out for me before. Smothering me, yes. Nagging, for sure. But I’d never had this—the kind, generous, thoughtful consideration of two men just wanting to make sure I was safe and happy.
I surprised myself with a weighty sigh and for the second time that night I found myself feeling sorry to leave. I’d been prepared to flee, to run. Escape. But the party was fun and I wanted to spend more time with Dash and Jackson. I didn’t want to go.
Me? Sad to say goodbye? This had to be an aberration. Maybe I was getting sick or I’d been blinded by Sally’s sweater lights. Or maybe it had been too long since I’d had great sex if one night of multiple orgasms had me feeling sappy about small town life.
“Keep it in mind then,” Rory said. “Will you excuse us? Our wife and daughter are getting ready to open presents.” He pointed toward a pretty blond woman who looked vaguely familiar.
“Is that Ivy?”
I saw the men swell with pride as they looked at the woman I’d known in high school. While these two had been in the same class with us, I didn’t remember them. Maybe I’d been too hung up on Dash and Jackson to see anyone else. “Yes, and our daughter, Lily.”
The little girl looked just like her mother. By the way the men looked at the duo, it was obvious they were in love.
“Go ahead and join them. Have fun,” I said, watching as they made their way over and both took a moment to kiss Ivy. I would have gone to say hi, but I didn’t want to interrupt.
Everyone started to gather around and exchange small gifts so I hung back. Jackson and Dash looked like they were stuck in a conversation with Sally and someone else I didn’t recognize but their gazes kept flickering over to me as if I had some sort of magnetic pull.
Jackson’s dark eyes met mine and his slow smile made my knees weak. Shit, they were seriously dangerous to my mental health but there was no denying the physical attraction. The chemistry. But since I did have an escape plan and I’d made it clear that this was nothing serious, I was in the amazing position of being able to have my cake and eat it, too.
And that metaphorical cake looked yummy. They looked good in their button-down shirts and jeans. But they looked even better without clothes. Rippled muscles, broad shoulders, powerful backs, big—
Maybe if I was very lucky—or very naughty—I’d get another chance to experience that blissful sight. They had said I’d get a reward. Hopefully two.
My aunt’s voice behind me startled me out of my dreamy thoughts. “Are you going to stand around mooning over your sexy cowboys all night or are you going to enjoy the party?”
I let out a laugh at her words, turning to give her a rueful grin. She was right. I had been ogling the guys. “I didn’t bring a present,” I said, nodding toward the gift exchange. “If you hadn’t noticed, I wasn’t exactly prepared to come to a party.”
I looked down pointedly at my too-casual outfit but my aunt waved away my concerns, taking me by the hand and pulling me toward the laughing crowd. “Don’t be silly. Beverly always throws in extra gifts in case we have surprise guests like you. Besides, they’re mostly gag gifts anyways and all in good fun.”
A young, cute brunette knelt by the tree and seemed to be in charge of doling out the gifts. She smiled up at me when Aunt Louise dragged me near. “Hannah, I’ve told you about my niece, Avery, haven’t I? She’s in town for her sister’s wedding.”
“Of course,” the woman said, much to my surprise. She smiled. “The travel writer, right?”
I nodded and stuck out my hand.
“This is Hannah, the town’s new doctor,” Aunt Louise offered as introduction. And then, as if it was totally normal and appropriate, she turned to face the good doctor with a wicked grin. “My niece has been in town for one day and has managed to ensnare the two most sinfully sexy vets in the state.”
I knew for a fact that my cheeks had turned bright red. “Aunt Louise!”
Hannah laughed as she nudged me. “Way to go, Avery.”
I let out a snort of laughter at her over-the-top wink. “Oh my God, I can’t believe this town.”
Hannah laughed harder. “Tell me about it. At least you were raised here. Coming from California, moving to Bridgewater was like discovering a new world.” Her attention seemed to be caught by two men on the other side of the room and her expression softened sweetly. “Sometimes I still feel like it’s too good to be true.”
Obviously, those guys were hers. Big and brawny, one of them winked at Hannah. They were good looking, but nothing like Dash and Jackson.
Aunt Louise bent down and picked up a small present and handed it to me.
“Open it,” she urged.