Milo’s eyes went wide. “Seriously?”
“Dude, I’ve mentioned this to you multiple times since you and Nora got together, and you never take me up on it. I have access to planes, and I don’t mind flying out there. We’re slow for the next two weeks, so it’s not a big deal for me to fly Nora out, and if I can make it work, I’ll hang out and then fly you two back. Or did you book those flights already?”
“I haven’t booked them yet.”
That made him laugh. “You’re slipping, buddy. The Milo I know would have everything scheduled already.”
“Yeah, well…getting this satellite office off the ground has me flying by the seat of my pants. I have a few people willing to make the move with me, and it’s just snowballing a bit more than I thought it would.”
“That’s a good thing, though, isn’t it?”
“I hope so,” he said with a nervous laugh. “Do you really think you can get a plane and get Nora here on Friday?”
“Absolutely. That part won’t be a problem. I’ll just have to see about how long I can keep it.”
“Thanks, Slater. You have no idea how much I appreciate this.”
“It’s not a big deal. Do you need me to fly your team back with you, or are they doing their own thing?”
“They’re handling their own stuff. I mean, I’m covering it, but they’re all not coming right away. But would you mind flying Evie with us?”
“Evie’s coming?”
Milo nodded. “I thought it would be a good idea if she came and helped me get set up. She keeps my life organized. And I think she’s going to stay for a month. At least, I pitched the idea to her, and she’s thinking about it.”
Evie at the resort for a month? That could be an incentive to stay a little longer. Things had really gotten a bit stagnant around here now that everyone was paired off and always with their significant others. Maybe having Evie here would break up the monotony.
Not that he was going to say a word to anyone about it.
“If she’s game, then I don’t mind flying her back with us. No biggie.”
“Great. Thanks.”
Behind him, the office door opened, and he spotted Nora stepping inside. “Hey! Why are you talking to my fiancé?” she asked.
Unable to help himself, Slater laughed. “Man, the two of you are like one scary brain.” He got to his feet and stretched before facing Nora. “You were running late, so when your laptop chimed, I figured I’d answer it and chat with him until you got here.”
“What if he hadn’t been wearing pants?” she asked. “What if this was a sexy call?”
On the computer, Milo was sputtering, but Slater just laughed harder. “That was my first thought too! But don’t worry. He’s dressed.” He clapped her on the shoulder before waving to Milo. “I’ll let you know when I have everything worked out.”
“Thanks again, Slater. We’ll talk soon!”
“What are you working out?” Nora asked.
“I’ll let Milo tell you about it. In the meantime, I’ll go work in the office up at the lodge with Lexi. Lock the door if the two of you decide to make this sexy.”
“Get out!” Milo shouted.
“You don’t have to tell me twice.” And with a wave, he walked out, closing the door behind him.
It was a chilly day, but it was typical for March. Soon the trails would be full of resort guests, and they’d all be super busy. But for now, it was nice to be laid back with nothing pressing to do.
He wasn’t lying when he told Milo he was ready to move on, but he wasn’t sure where he wanted to go. With all their friends starting these great lives—getting married, having kids, growing their businesses—he felt a little like the odd man out. More than he ever had before.
Not that he was jealous or wanted any of those things. Hell no. He was not the marrying type. His old man had taught him that some people weren’t meant for those things. And considering just how much like his father he was, there was no way he would treat a woman the way his dad treated his mom.
The women. The lying. It was just cruel after a while.
