Page 19 of Rumours and Romance
“Actually, if you weren’t so busy banging Summer, we could be running more often. So it sort of is your fault.”
“Fuck off,” Ethan says good naturedly before turning to me. “Heard you were out with my sister last night.”
I finish swallowing my water, then screw the cap back on my bottle, thinking carefully how to handle this. “I was.”
“She deserves to be treated like a queen. You get that, right?” His tone leaves no room for disagreement, not that I would. Mila does deserve the best.
“Absolutely. She’s an incredible woman.”
He nods slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. “It’s good for her to have a man around. She needs someone, especially since, as this asshole said,” — he shoves Reid good naturedly — “I’m a bit busier these days with Summer and the resort.”
Something about the words he says rubs me the wrong way, and I feel my eyebrows draw together. “I know she’s your sister, and you probably know her best, but I gotta say she doesn’t strike me as someone who needs anyone, much less a man. She's strong, smart, independent, and more than capable of taking care of herself.”
Reid barks out a laugh, leaning back and slapping Ethan on the back. “He’s got you there, brother!”
After a tense moment, Ethan’s face relaxes into a wide smile. “Good answer, man. Good fucking answer.”
I let out my breath on a laugh, feeling like I just passed a test I didn’t realize I was taking. We talk for a few more minutes, then Ethan and Reid get up and head down the trail, leaving me in the small clearing by myself. I sit there, listening to the birds chirp and the trees rustle in the wind for a while longer before getting up myself and carrying on to the hot springs. The smell of sulphur hits me long before I see the low pools carved into rock. There are a few people using them, none of whom I recognize, but all are friendly enough to wave hello. I don’t stay, choosing instead to turn around and head back to the motel to get ready for work.
But as I leave, my mind wanders to Mila in a bikini, sinking into the hot water with me. A hot springs date sounds like a great idea to me.
It’s later that week when Mila texts me about viewing the bungalow she has for me to look at. But when I pull up at the small bungalow she isn’t there yet, so I take the opportunity to look around. The street is quiet, and all of the houses appear well maintained. Then again, that could be said for all of Dogwood Cove. If this town has a dark side, I haven’t found it yet.
The house in front of me is nothing special, but has a nice porch, and a small front yard. There’s room in the driveway for two cars, and a big picture window out front. Is it my dream house? No, actually, Mila’s place is way closer to what I always imagined wanting for myself. But this place will do just fine for a temporary home until the right thing comes along that’s more permanent.
The beep of a car horn makes me turn, and I see Mila pull up. Her dark blue Jeep fits her personality so perfectly, making me think of strength and freedom. She climbs out, her long hair blowing in the gentle breeze, and her smile lights up my own.
“Ready to see your new home?” she calls out cheerfully, dangling a set of keys out in front of her. Apparently her nerves about our fake relationship that were running wild while on our date are gone now, and the confident Mila I first met is back.
“Absolutely.” I grin and follow her up to the front door. She unlocks it, then steps back to let me go first. I push open the door, and step into the entryway. The house smells like fresh paint. Mila said Ethan finished up what he wanted to do early, so technically I could move in today if I wanted. Even if the house hadn’t suited my needs, I would probably take it just so I could move Harley and I out of the damn motel. But as I wander through to the kitchen, taking in the small back yard, I know I’ll be going straight from here to the motel to pack up my clothes and move in.
“You said it’s fully furnished, so all of this stays?” I ask, resting my hand on the back of a surprisingly comfortable looking chair that sits beside the front window. Guaranteed my cat is going to claim that spot as his own.
“Yup. Everything you see is included. All you need are some fresh linens and yourself.”
“It’s perfect, Mila. Thank you.” When my gaze reaches her, she’s blushing. Suddenly I find myself wondering just how far that adorable pink colour goes, as it disappears underneath the V-neck of her shirt.
“It’s no big deal. Just renting a house to a friend.” The fist bump she gives my shoulder makes me frown, as does the way she says friend. It shouldn’t, that’s what we are, after all. “Okay, so here’s the keys. I have to get back to the bakery. Just drop off your deposit and rent cheques with Ethan when you can.”
“Not with you?”
Her blush deepens as she darts her gaze up to meet mine. “Umm, no. It seemed weird, seeing as we’re meant to be dating and all, to have you give me money. And since Ethan and I co-own the house, you can just pay him.”
Her answer makes sense, but something tells me she’s also trying to put some separation between us. Which gives me a weird pang in my chest. Must be because I’m worried what Morton will say if our relationship ends too soon. Or maybe it’s because I really like spending time with her. Sure, I can admit that she’s a great friend. And our first fake date was a success. That kiss at the restaurant was…well, that was more than a success. That was something I’m not ready to fully think about just yet.
“Okay. Well, thanks for showing it to me.” I put my hands in my pockets and lean against the back of the couch. “We should plan our next date.”
“Right. There’s the Canada Day celebration on Monday, we could go to that together.”
July first. That means I’ve been in Dogwood Cove for just over two months. It feels like it’s been so much longer.
“Sounds good, lots of public exposure. Are you ready for me to kiss you in front of everyone?” I’m teasing, but a part of me really wants to see her response. And the momentary flare of heat in her eyes tells me I’m not the only one who’s thinking about our kiss from the other night.
“Bring it on. Just be ready for my brother to go all overprotective on you.”
I laugh at that. “Oh, he and Reid already did that when I ran into them while hiking to the hot springs the other day.”
Mila groans. “Seriously? Ah, crap. I’m sorry, I was joking. I didn’t really think he would say anything.” She drops her face into her hands, and I reach out to gently take her wrists and pull her arms down.
