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“Malia.”
We parked, meeting at the front of the truck. Here goes nothing. Hopefully, Malia was already here. As we stepped closer to the cabin, which sat just beyond the other parked vehicles, my anxiety hit full force. This was probably a horrible idea. I couldn’t very well leave now, not without having to explain everything to Tara.
A man stepped onto the porch as we approached. He was a large man, Paul Bunyon-ish. He had to be well over six feet. The height might have been exaggerated as he stood above us, but his broad shoulders left little doubt. He had the look of a military man, someone who’d seen things that would make most people fear sleep.
“Hi, there. I’m Aidan.” The man’s voice boomed, clearly in control. “Come on in and grab a drink. Everyone is out back at the fire.”
I shook his hand. My hand felt small in his. “I’m Landon. This is Tara.”
“Of course, Tara. Mina mentioned you were coming. She’s out by the barn, or at least she was before I came out here.”
Tara smiled easily. I changed my mind. I might not be able to leave since I’d invited her, but I was glad I did. She had an effortlessness about her. It eased my anxiety just enough that I didn’t feel like I was on pins and needles. It was refreshing.
Aiden led us through the cabin. It was larger than mine, definitely warmer and more inviting. Not that I’d tried hard to make mine homey. As I followed Tara out the back door, I realized I would need to step up my game if I planned to invite her over.
The back door led to a large porch overlooking the backyard. The sun was just setting over the trees, leaving a soft glow that touched parts of the yard while keeping others in the shadows. There was a grill on the porch, as well as a table and chairs. It looked like Aidan was used to entertaining. Stepping off the porch, I stepped back quickly as a woman ran up to Tara, grabbing her in a hug. This must be the friend she was talking about.
“I can’t believe you’re home. Please tell me you’re staying longer than a few days this time!”
Tara’s smile leaked a bit of tension. “We’ll see. I’ll be here for a few weeks, anyway. It depends on my next career move.”
“Well, I’ll take all the time I can get.”
The woman looked past Tara, smiling at me. For the life of me, I couldn’t remember what Tara said her name was. Watching the two of them, it was apparent the woman was a firecracker. She was small, but her personality was anything but. I wished I had asked Tara more about her. I started to reach out my hand when Tara saved me.
“Mina, this is my friend Landon. He’s the reason I’m here.”
My body tensed as she said this, thoughts of ulterior motives once again pinging in my brain.
“He got an invitation from someone and asked me to tag along.”
I exhaled slowly. Of course that’s what she meant. I needed to relax. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you.”
Mina smiled wide. “Do you live in Ashford, Landon? I’m not sure I’ve seen you in town.”
I swallowed hard. This is what I’m here for. Make connections and find my way back to writing. “Yes. I haven’t lived here long. In fact, Tara and her family are the first people I’ve met. I guess you and Aidan count now too.”
She laughed. “Well, I’m glad to be added to your list. Ashford is a great place. Small but not too small. If you need any pointers, I would be happy to help. That is if Tara runs off to DC again. As long as she’s here, you’re in good hands.”
Tara blushed slightly, looking away. The glow stirred something inside me again. I found myself hoping she stayed longer than just a few weeks. She reached out and grabbed my hand, and the spark between us charged me. I followed her to a few seats beside the bonfire, passing a table of s’mores ingredients. I’d not had a s’more since I was a kid. We sat, and she and Mina launched into a conversation about Mina’s husband. I assumed he was around here since Tara mentioned he came frequently.
“Landon? Did you hear Mina?”
I looked at them. I’d been lost in my own world. “Sorry, I was mesmerized by the fire. It’s enchanting. What did you say?”
“You sound like me! I could sit and look at the fire forever. Block the whole world out.” Mina tilted her head. I couldn’t tell if she was trying to make me feel better or if she was genuine. I supposed that was the con of not socializing with anyone but my agent for years.
