“The inn looks like itself again,” Victoria said.
The party tent was gone. The chairs were gone. Britta was gone, too, having caught a flight to California.
Victoria went inside with him to say hello. “Did Lexi and Austin make it to the airport this morning?”
It was the third or fourth time she’d asked someone about them.
Bob didn’t know that. He got to his feet. “They sure did. They should be gettingleidreal soon.”
Kendra shook her head. “You really think you’re funny, don’t you?”
Victoria gave Bob a smile. “It was a beautiful wedding. Thanks for having me as your guest. The Matchless is one of the most comfortable suites I’ve ever stayed in.”
“You’re welcome, honey. We’re just glad you’re going to be okay.” Bob gave her a hug, then turned to Eric. “What did you think? Is the bed comfortable?”
“Yeah, Bob, that bed is comfortable. I suppose I should thank you, too.”
“Nah, we’ll just send you a bill.”
Kendra gave Victoria a hug, too. “Don’t listen to him. He’s kidding.”
Eric loaded Victoria’s bags in his truck, then they headed off to his place, making light conversation. The closer they got to his cabin, the more nervous he felt. He wasn’t ashamed of how he lived. But somewhere in the past twenty-four hours, it had dawned on him that the woman he loved might as well be from a different planet. She had traveled the world, while he’d spent most of his life in Scarlet. She had a college degree, while he had a high school diploma. And then there was the bit about her being a millionaire.
What could a woman as sophisticated as Victoria possibly see in him? She would probably take one look at his cabin and realize she’d made a mistake.
Knock it off, dumbshit.
“Tell me about your house,” she said.
“It’s a cabin.”
“Cool.”
“I rent it from this couple that lives up the mountain. It sits on their property. It’s small, but I don’t need much space. Most of what I own is climbing gear. I spend a lot of time at the firehouse anyway.”
“I bet it’s cozy.”
He felt an irrational urge to laugh. “That it is.”
A familiar green Subaru came around the curve headed their way, Megs at the wheel, Sasha in the passenger seat, Ahearn following them in his white Jeep Cherokee. As they passed, Sasha stuck her entire upper body out the window and gave him a thumbs-up.
“Oh, hey, there’s Sasha.” Victoria waved.
Eric coughed. “I wonder what they were doing out this way.”
Five minutes later, he turned off onto the dirt road that led to his cabin, feeling terribly self-conscious. He could stand in front of her naked and feel completely at ease, but taking her to his home… He’d never brought any woman here.
“Oh, God! Is that it? It’s like a gingerbread cottage. I love it.”
“Yeah?” He let out a relieved breath and pulled into his driveway.
* * *
Vic waiteduntil Eric reached her door to climb out, protective hands helping to steady her as she stepped to the ground. “I’m okay, really—just a slight headache.”
“I’m not taking any chances.” He took her hand in his. “Let’s get you settled inside. Then I’ll come back for your bags.”
“Can’t I see the outside?”