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Zeroed in on me.
Just short of reaching us, he stopped dead in his tracks. His duffle bag landed at his feet, fingers tightened on the handle of his telescope case. His jaw ticked. For a second, I thought he might have swallowed his tongue. “You?” he breathed.
“Nice to see you again too, Derek.”
He sighed, looking back at the visitor centre, probably wondering if it was too late to cancel.
“Oh. You know each other?” Marit asked, her eyes wide.
I gave her a bright smile. “You could say that. It’s been years though, right Derek?”
Derek mumbled something I didn’t quite catch. It was probably just as well.
“Drop your bag at the tailgate,” I said to him. “If you’re still coming with us, that is.”
He glared at me for a long second, and I wondered if he was about to bail. The tic in his jaw always gave him away. But he huffed as he brushed past me, and I had to bite back a smile. I made very quick introductions, and while they made small talk, I went to the back of the Cruiser to stack their bags. Resting my hands on the tailgate, I paused to catch my breath.
Derek.
The only man I’d ever loved.
Still as gorgeous as he had ever been.
This was going to be a very interesting five days.
Get it together, Paul. Be professional. What happened between you was a long time ago.
I could do this.
Easy as.
Right?
God, why did he have to look so good? Why did he have to smell all fresh-showered and have damp hair that hung into his eyes?
And why did he still have to look at me like he wanted to kill me?
Five days, Paul.
How bad could it be?
CHAPTER TWO
DEREK
I thought I was prepared.
I thought I was prepared to see him. I knew he was out here running these tours. I’d asked around. I’d stalked his social media. He’d made his dream come true, doing what he’d always wanted to do. I always knew he would. He was determined and driven.
And gorgeous.
And selfish.
The outdoor life seemed to serve him well. More rugged now, tanned, and with muscles that came from working hard. His light brown hair was short, his chest broad in his khaki uniform shirt, his thighs and calves thick down to his work boots.
I wasn’t prepared for how good he’d look.
I wasn’t prepared for the pang and stab of longing and regret.
