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I swat at his finger and angle my head toward him. “You know, a fake wedding might cost more than a real one.”
He frowns. “How many actors are we talking about?”
“It’s just an idea. Avoids dragging friends into this mess.”
“Mess? Is that what it is?” His voice barely rises above a whisper as he slinks back into his chair.
I can’t get drawn into Mason’s world again. My gaze flitters about the room and lands on two enlarged prints I had framed. One of them is of Lake Como, Italy. The vacation Mason and I went on last year. Should I take the landscape down? We aren’t in the photo, but it’s a reminder of the good times we had.
“If you were honest with your gran months ago, she might be used to the idea that you haven’t found the one. And it wouldn’t be too close to when she—” I don’t say it. I can’t admit to myself that Gran is leaving planet earth.
Mason’s gaze dips to the carpet. Does he avoid the subject too? He breathes in and lets out a loud exhale. “Gran’s a smart cookie. She knows a lot of people around town. She’ll be expecting to know the guests.” Mason fixes his gaze back on me. “Why don’t we stick to the story that you don’t want a fuss and we have only our closest family members there. My parents will go with the flow. Your mom and sister. An actor for the minister. Maybe that’s it. And Gran, of course.”
“Will she be happy with only a few guests?”
“We’ll explain that it’s our wedding, and you would rather avoid the town spotlight.”
I scoff. “Gran won’t fall for that. She knows I’m in the public eye on social media for Clear Creek Adventures. I’m far from shy.”
A curve to his lips draws me in. Dang it, he’s cute when he does that smirk thing.
“Okay.” He raises a forefinger. “We’ll say you want the money we save on wedding expenses to go to a worthy cause you’re passionate about.” He dips his head and locks eyes with me. “What’s your passion?”
We stare at each other for several beats. He knows how to get my passion ramped to outer space. I pivot my foot under the table, grounding myself to earth. Don’t get lost in those eyes. Repeat, break eye contact immediately.
I scramble for my cell. “I have a few charities I support.” I scroll through my bank app, searching for the full name of the rescue dog association. “Evergreen Dog Haven.”
Mason’s forehead puckers. “I’m surprised it’s not an environmental agency or something.”
I grin. “Gran likes dogs, doesn’t she?”
“She had a faithful friend who kept her company when my grandfather passed away. After Benji was put down, Gran didn’t want another pet. Only a goldfish. She said she wouldn’t cry over cat food.”
I slap a hand to my mouth. “I can imagine her saying that. She’s such a character.”
7
LAUREN
After I finish my shift at Clear Creek, I get changed in the public restrooms and head to the visitor center. I usually don’t need to go inside. All tours are managed online, and my schedule is emailed the day before. But I need to ease my way into a conversation about reserving the theater.
I cross the threshold and set off the sensor. Kaitlyn pokes her head above the ticket booth and peers over her glasses. “Lauren. I haven’t seen you in a while.” She stands, her chair swiveling in her wake. “Don’t tell me a tourist is hurt?” Kaitlyn exits her plexiglass-shielded office and rounds the pillars, striding toward me. “We’ve had six months without incidents. The council will shut the white-water rafting if we’re not careful.”
I wave my hands. “No. No. It’s all good. I’m not reporting bad news.” I scan the center to the souvenir section. A massive fiberglass mountain goat glares at me. What? I did nothing.
I shake away my silly imagination and the niggling that bites when I’m about to lie. I hate lying, and my need to ask a favor is all Mason’s stupid fault.
“Is Ethan around?”
Kaitlyn swings her head, and her high ponytail swishes like a horse mane. “Yep. Go for it.” She faces me. “He’s in his office.” Kaitlyn smiles, and her green eyes brighten. “I get anxious sometimes. Sorry, I jumped to conclusions. Being under witness protection has made me sensitive to possible danger.” She laughs. “Of course, you’re careful to ensure our clients follow safety procedures and sign the waiver form. If it’s their negligence, they can’t sue us.”
I nod, not about to argue with Kaitlyn. She’s the real boss around here. Ethan may have the management title, but Kaitlyn’s the one who hires and fires these days. Not that I need to worry. At staff events, Kaitlyn shows she likes me. I’ve been around longer and don’t need to prove myself.
“All right. I’ll go see Ethan.” I steal a breath and head down the hall.
I tap lightly on his door. “Only me.” I don’t want to alarm the guy like I did Kaitlyn.
Ethan lifts his head. “Hey. Come in.” He gestures to the chair opposite his desk.
