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We trudged up the wooden steps of the cabin my friends had rented, the boards creaking beneath our weight. Frosty air swirled around us as laughter and conversation from inside grew louder with each step. Pausing for a moment to kick the snow off my boots, I rang the doorbell.
From within, a woman’s voice, slightly muffled by the music and chatter, called out, “Come in!”
We entered, and the warmth from the fireplace brushed against our faces, a stark contrast to the crisp winter air outside.
“Hey, look who finally made it!” Nate exclaimed, lifting his drink in greeting.
He approached, his eyes flickering with obvious interest over Zoey for a split second, causing an involuntary protective surge to rise within me. Noticing my guarded stance, Nate focused on me instead, patting me on the back.
“So, you’re stalking me, huh?” I teased my friend, knowing he had booked the trip after he found out I was staying a few more weeks.
Nate grinned. “When you posted those pics, we couldn’t resist. I got a group together and managed to snag a booking last minute. Lucky to even get a spot.”
“I’m glad you’re here,” I admitted.
Nate pointed to the makeshift bar area. “Drinks are on the counter there, Mason. You know how we do it.”
We made our way over to the bar area and added our contributions—a few cases of craft beer and a charcuterie board that Zoey had put together. The cured meats, artisan cheeses, olives, nuts, and fruits were laid out beautifully on a large wooden board.
This was just another one of Zoey’s talents; she never ceased to amaze me.
Liam, staring at the spread, said, “I know I told you back at your cabin, but that looks better than any restaurant fares I’ve seen recently.”
Zoey beamed. “Thanks, I had fun putting it together.”
A petite brunette, presumably one of Nate’s friends, walked over, her eyes lighting up when she saw the charcuterie board. “This looks amazing!” she gushed, giving Zoey a friendly nod. “You made this? I’m Jessica, by the way.”
Zoey’s smile reached her eyes as she extended her hand. “Zoey. And yes, it’s something I enjoy doing.”
The four of us shrugged off our heavy winter coats. Zoey—clad in a form-fitting, off-shoulder sweater in deep burgundy, paired with dark jeans—looked gorgeous. The entire ensemble made her blue eyes pop.
I swallowed hard, trying to hide the lump forming in my throat. Shit, she looked so fuckable.
I scanned the room. Among the familiar faces of Nate and Trevor, I spotted several unfamiliar ones, but one face in particular caught my attention from across the room: Vivienne.
What was my ex doing here? I tried to mask the unease bubbling inside.
Vivienne’s dress hugged every curve, making it evident she still knew how to command attention. She sauntered over, her every movement calculated, her eyes locked onto mine. The room’s ambient noise seemed to fade as she closed the distance between us.
“Mason! Been a while,” Vivienne purred, her voice dripping with sweetness laced with mischief. A sultry smile spread across her face.
I tried to keep my expression neutral, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of seeing any reaction.
“Viv, didn’t expect to see you here.”
I hoped this wasn’t going to be awkward.
Nate approached with two drinks in hand, passing one to me. “We told Viv we were coming, and she wanted to tag along. Thought it’d be a nice surprise.” He clinked his glass with mine and nodded in Vivienne’s direction before leaving to talk to someone else.
“A surprise, indeed.” I took a long sip, hoping it would help ease the sudden tension I felt.
Zoey, sensing the unease, placed her hand gently on my arm. “Who’s this?”
“An old friend,” Vivienne answered before I could, her eyes never leaving mine.
I cleared my throat. “Vivienne, this is Zoey. Zoey, Vivienne.”
Zoey offered a friendly smile, but I could see the curiosity about Vivienne in her eyes.
