Logically, she knew Quinn wasn't here. Just looking at the place, Zoe knew Quinn wouldn't be able to afford it. But the idea of finding her seemed less and less like the main priority. After everything that had happened in the car…
; Well, spending time with Ian didn't sound like such a bad prospect. Especially not in a romantic place like this.
Taking another deep breath, she thought back to the feel of his weight on her body, the cool splash of rain on her skin, and the cold feel of the metal truck bed. The memory alone made her shiver with longing, and she was torn between stripping off her clothes as soon as she walked through the door and showering off the summer rain.
Maybe we could just shower together… Two birds and all.
A branch snapped behind her, and she turned to find Ian approaching with the key in hand.
"Perfect place, huh?" he asked.
She nodded. "Absolutely breathtaking."
She followed him inside quickly, smirking openly at the heart-shaped bed.
Ian shrugged. "It was the only cabin available," he said.
"Right." She rolled her eyes. "I'm sure."
"I'm gonna take a shower." His eyes darkened. "But I'm afraid I'll be lonely."
"Oh no." She gave him a mocking frown and took another step toward him. "Well, would you like some company, then?"
He gave her another wicked grin, and she laughed.
"Go start the water. This place is probably pretty old so the heater might take a minute," she said, and he nodded before disappearing into the bathroom.
Quickly, she peeled away her damp clothes and then lugged her suitcase onto the bed. She wasn't sure she'd need any of this—she didn't plan on dressing for a solid 24 hours—but just in case, she pulled her white satin robe from the contents.
"Almost ready," Ian called, and Zoe smirked to herself.
Ian was with her. She and Ian were a pair.
God only knew what Quinn would think of that, especially after all Zoe's years of disapproval. No doubt she'd have a hearty little "I told you so" ready for her, but Zoe couldn't bring herself to care much about that either.
Ian made her feel like nobody had ever made her feel before, like she was special and important and unique. As if, so long as he was around, someone would always be there supporting her, helping her.
Something buzzed on the table across the room, and Zoe made for it before realizing that the flashing screen belonged to Ian's phone and not her own. Stopping short, she started to enter the bathroom but then doubled back.
She'd seen her name.
On the screen in bold, black letters.
Glancing into the bathroom, she clicked the master control on the phone and it blinked on again.
The text was marked "unknown" and it simply said, "Did you tell Zoe yet?"
Zoe held it, blinking down at the screen. Tell her what? Was he keeping something from her already? And if he was…
But she didn't have to worry about that for long. The phone buzzed as she held it, and "unknown" said, "I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help. I just don't want her to worry."
Her heart thunked into her stomach.
Ian had been lying to her, leading her on. This whole time, maybe.
He knew where Quinn was, had seen how concerned she was, and he hadn't told her? Had just let her worried mind swim with possibilities?