“Why do I have a feeling you’re about to tell me some pretty horrific stories?” I grunt.
“I’ll leave that to your friends. They sent me to find you.”
Friends?
I don’t know anyone here.
“They’re not my friends, I don’t even know them ...”
“Well, better get to know them, you’ve got a month of time to spend with them.”
I grunt and take a few wobbly steps as he tries to lead me toward what appears to be some cabins in the distance.
“You’re a mom?” he asks me as we slowly walk.
Obviously, dude. I didn’t come here to pretend to be one. That shit takes strength, a strength you don’t have by pretending. Moms are warriors, and I feel like his question is more a judgement than anything.
“Why do I feel like you’re judging me?”
He snorts. “Not judgin’ you. I’m just askin’ a question.”
“Yes, I’m a mom. My, ah, ex sent me on this retreat. Apparently, I needed it. I call bullshit, he just wanted time with our son.”
“How old is your son?”
“He’s seven.”
“Nice.”
“I didn’t even ask your name,” I mumble. “Sorry. What’s your name, cowboy?”
He stops, dead in his track and his voice comes out like a whip. “Call me cowboy again and the only name you’ll remember is the holy lord as I tan your fuckin’ ass.”
I pause and look up at him, a sly grin on my face. “Hit a nerve, did I?”
His face is stony. I lose the grin.
“Fine, I won’t call you cowboy again. Give me a name and I might have something better to call you, yes?”
“Lorenzo, you can call me Enzo. But we’ve been through this already, Juniper.”
Oh crap.
I don’t even want to know what I may, or may not, have said to this man.
“So, we’re well acquainted then?”
“Not so much, but you sure made a strong first impression.”
God.
I don’t even want to know.
“I’m not even going to ask what I have said or done while under the influence. You can keep that in your book of secrets, yes?”
“Noted.”
We reach the cabin, and I look up, admiring the quaint beauty of it. It sits in a line with some others, backed by mountains and trees. It is beautifully made, with exceptional wooden craftmanship that is to be admired. It looks cozy and comfortable, and I can’t wait to get inside and find the bed.
“This is something,” I murmur, stumbling a little as we go up the front stairs.
We reach the patio and the door swings open and out pops the bubbliest, bounciest, brightest woman I’ve ever seen in my life. She looks like a little pixie, with short dark hair, striking green eyes, a tiny build, and the biggest smile I’ve ever seen in my life. She is incredibly alert for the time of the night we’re currently in, and she looks like she is about to hug me, which is terrifying.
“There you are, Juney,” she cries, “Gosh, I was so worried about you.”
I’m sorry, Juney?
Juney?
Who the hell is this woman?
I stare at her.
She rushes forward, throwing her arms around me.
I knew it. I knew she was going to hug me.
“Oh, thank you so much, Lorenzo. What a strong and capable man you are. I was so worried about her. You’re really a lifesaver.”
Enzo releases me, but I latch on, hanging onto his arm before turning and whisper hissing, “Who is this woman? You can’t leave me here.”
He smirks. “This is your cabin mate, Faye.”
Cabin mate?
As in ... we’re staying together for a whole month?
No.
I thought we would be on our own.
No.
Help.
“Come on, silly,” Faye cries, tugging my arm. “We’ll get you some tea and put you to bed. We’ve had a big day. My gosh, I haven’t had so much fun in so long. This is going to be great. Bring her in, Enzo.”
I look up at Enzo, still clinging to his arm. “You cannot send me inside with her. There must be another cabin? Somewhere? Anywhere?”
He grins, and oh boy, he really is something else. Under the porch light, I can see him so much clearer. There is something so incredibly masculine about his features, and don’t get me started on his incredible looks. Long dark hair that curls at the base of his neck, olive skin, a body covered in tattoos, muscles that seem to have no end, and that scar in his eyebrow that goes down to his top lip makes him look dangerous.
I like my men dangerous.
And it has always gotten me into trouble.
“You two were bondin’ great earlier.”
“Listen, Enzo, I don’t know if you care, but let me tell you a little something about myself. I don’t do people. I only came on this retreat because I had to. I’m awkward, anti-social, and I don’t do bubbly. She’s terrifying, you can’t leave me here.”
“Come on, Juney. I’ve got your tea ready!” Faye calls.