Page 2 of Picture This

Maybe the reason the men in the lobby had barely spoken to me on the flight was because I’d turned each and every one of them down for a date.

“We’re going glamping.” Emily clapped. “The resort has this beautiful campsite in the mountains. We’ll drive up in the morning. Go hiking. Spend a day with nature. Have a campfire. Sleep beneath the stars. Then come back and get ready for the wedding on Saturday morning. Doesn’t that sound amazing?”

“Actually, yes.” I gave her a sideways glance. “Are you sure you want to sleep in a tent and sleeping bag the night before your wedding? Camping is my kind of activity, not yours.”

“This is glamping. There are beds. And I need to disconnect. It will be good for me to spend a night away from here, where I can’t obsess over the decorations or flowers.”

She’d still obsess. This wedding had consumed her for nearly a year.

“What about the rehearsal dinner?” I asked as the line to the reception desk shifted forward, Emily and I shuffling along with it.

“We’re doing it tonight instead. And we have a busy afternoon before the dinner starts.” Emily pulled her phone from her dress’s pocket, checking the time. “I’ve got my final dress fitting in an hour. I’m meeting with the wedding planner at four to do a final walk-through of the reception venue. Just wait until you see the barn. It’s the perfect blend of refined and rustic.”

The barn was a newer addition to the resort and a building I hadn’t been inside yet. According to my parents, the Haven family had made a lot of changes to this place since I’d left. They’d tailored it toward a wealthy clientele who wanted a Montana escape while still maintaining a fully functioning cattle ranch.

But even with the remodeling, the bones of the resort I’d known as a kid remained. Everything was just a bit fancier now. The wooden walls, oak floors, and antler chandelier gave this space an authentic style that melded flawlessly with the modern lighting, woven rugs, and sleek leather furniture.

“I’m glad you’re here.” Emily looped her arm with mine, resting her head on my shoulder. “Luca’s parents arrived last night. They’re staying in one of the chalets. As of this morning, they were both fairly enamored with this ranch. But I feel like I’m holding my breath. I just want everything to be perfect.”

“It will be. Whatever you need, I’m here. I’ll drop my bags in my room, and then this maid of honor is at your disposal all weekend.”

If that meant glamping, then I would glamp.

As the line moved again, I mentally sorted through my suitcase and the clothes I’d brought along that could work for camping. My hiking boots were in New York, where they’d been collecting dust in my apartment for the past eight years, but thankfully, I’d opted for tennis shoes instead of heels for today’s flight. Shoes that weren’t as white as they used to be and had earned a side-eye from two of Luca’s snobby friends earlier.

“Who’s all going camping?” I asked, partly curious and partly dreading her answer would include all the guys still in line.

“A group of us. You. Me and Luca.” Before she could finish the roster, something over my shoulder caught her attention, making her smile.

I turned to follow her gaze, and time slowed to a crawl.

Noah.

He jogged down the stairs, hazel eyes scanning the lobby. When he spotted Emily, he flashed her a crooked smile. His gaze locked with mine for only a moment, but it was long enough for my heart to stop and my cheeks to flame.

Noah Chappel.

My best friend’s older brother.

My childhood crush.

Wow. It had been a few years since I’d seen him last, and somehow, he’d only gotten more handsome.

His wavy hair was longer now, the chocolate strands combed away from his face, probably with his fingers. It curled slightly at his ears and the nape of his neck. His strong jaw was dusted with dark stubble. His simple gray T-shirt stretched across his broad chest and flat stomach. The sleeves strained against his biceps. His faded jeans molded to his bulky thighs and draped down long legs to scuffed boots.

The lobby was crowded with good-looking men, but Noah put them all to shame.

The last time I’d seen him was at Christmas a few years ago. I’d flown home for the holidays, and Noah had been at his parents’ annual Christmas Eve party. He’d brought a girlfriend, but according to Emily, they’d broken up not long after New Year’s.

Did he bring a date to this wedding? Or was he single? As a general rule, I didn’t ask Emily about Noah. I’d spent my entire life faking indifference when it came to her brother. But whenever she mentioned his name, I clung to her every word.

It was only a crush. That’s all it had ever been. Noah was the boy of my teenage dreams, and someday, I’d meet the man who’d outshine the glimmer of his image. I just hadn’t met that guy yet. Even Peter, and we’d dated for a year.

Noah Chappel’s pedestal was sky high.

He reached the bottom stair and crossed the lobby for the doors. Before he pushed outside, I let myself check out his ass.

Still as perfect as I remembered. Damn.