Page 20 of Tempted To Be Mine

“That’s actually really sweet,” Cleo said softly.

“Don’t sound so surprised.”

She smiled. “I’m not surprised. It’s just nice to hear you say it.”

Mom smiled proudly. “Lucy’s lucky to have you as a friend, Jeremy. And you’re lucky to have her.”

7

LUCY

The airport was a blur of noise and motion. People rushed everywhere with rolling suitcases behind them. They all talked on phones while clutching overpriced coffees. I stood near the departure board, my brand-new carry-on at my feet, and tried very hard not to think about where I was going.

Alaska. The Last Frontier. Temperatures that would make my California blood freeze solid. I was a tropical-climate kind of girl. I knew shit about the frontier and had zero desire to know what that meant or felt like.

I checked my phone for the tenth time in as many minutes. Jeremy was late. The man had never been on time for anything in his life unless I physically dragged him there.

I was about to call him when I spotted that familiar dark head bobbing through the crowd. I wasn’t the only one who noticed. He drew eyes everywhere he went. Even in jeans and a hoodie, he looked like he’d stepped out of a magazine.

“Lucy!” He waved like we hadn’t seen each other in months instead of days. His grin was so wide it practically split his face. “Are you ready for this?”

“No.”

“That’s the spirit.” He pulled me into a quick hug before I could protest. He smelled like expensive cologne and coffee. “I have something for you.”

“My personal sun?”

“Better.” He reached into his carry-on and pulled out a small wrapped package. The paper was bright red with little snowflakes on it. “Open it.”

I took the package, eyeing him suspiciously. “What is this?”

“A gift. You open them and find out what’s inside.”

I tore off the paper and found myself holding a knit cap. It was black with “I Heart Alaska” embroidered across the front in cheerful red letters.

“Jeremy.”

“Hold still.” Before I could react, he grabbed the hat and shoved it onto my head, tugging it down over my ears. “Perfect. You look great.”

Despite myself, I laughed. The hat was ridiculous. “You’re an idiot.”

“Just keeping you warm. Come on, let’s get through security.”

After all the annoying airport stuff, we boarded and settled into our first class seats. Wide seats that actually reclined. Champagne before takeoff. Flight attendants who treated us like royalty instead of cattle. I settled into my seat by the window and immediately pulled down the shade.

“This is going to be amazing,” Jeremy said. “Did you see the photos Sebastian sent? The location is insane. Mountains everywhere. This frozen lake that looks like glass. We’re going to get some incredible shots.”

“Mmhmm.” I gripped the armrest as the plane began to taxi. I wasn’t a nervous flyer. I was just not looking forward to Alaska.

“And the lodge looks really nice,” Jeremy continued. “Rustic but upscale, you know? They’ve got these individual cabins, and apparently the main lodge has this massive fireplace. Like, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. Very cozy.”

“Cozy.” I closed my eyes as the engines roared louder. “Great.”

The plane lifted off the ground. When I opened my eyes, Jeremy was watching me with concern. “You good? You’ve never freaked out about flying before.”

“I’m fine. The flying is not the issue.”

He flagged down a flight attendant and ordered us both ginger ales.