Love chasers

Meet the gang

*Lena*

The shower is like stepping into a warm embrace, and I let out a sigh of bliss as the water cascades over me. The steam envelops my body, chasing away the chill that clung to me from the snow and the panic. I close my eyes, savoring the sensation, letting the heat seep into my bones, this is just what I needed.

The cabin is luxurious… far beyond what I expected. The tiles are smooth and warm under my feet, and the scent of sandalwood fills the air, calming my racing heart. I wonder if Zac owns this place, does having a YouTube channel pay that well?

I scrub my skin, feeling the warmth revive me, washing away the remnants of fear and adrenaline. I can’t help but marvel at the rich details around me… the polished wood, the intricate designs of the fixtures. This place feels like a retreat, a sanctuary far removed from the outside world. I turn to let the water hit my back, allowing it to flow down my spine, and for a few moments, I forget about the little girl and the avalanche, lost in the simple pleasure of being warm.

When I finally step out, I wrap myself in a plush towel and pad into the adjoining bedroom, my heart fluttering at the sight before me. Laid out on the bed are a set of sport underwear, a pair of soft yoga pants, and a cozy knitted sweater, all brand new and inviting. My heart swells with gratitude as I quickly change, slipping into the comfortable fabric that feels like a hug on my skin, the clothes might be simple but it is quality.

I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror… my hair is damp and wild, and the color has returned to my cheeks. I look more like myself now, and it’s a relief.

Taking a deep breath, I step out of the bedroom, ready to face the others in the cabin. But as I walk out, I nearly collide with a tall blonde guy who’s just rounded the corner. He grins at me, his blue eyes sparkling with warmth. “Whoa, sorry about that! You must be Lena,” he says, extending his hand. “I’m Soren. The others are in the living room.”

“Nice to meet you,” I reply, shaking his hand. There’s something easy about him, a welcoming energy that puts me at ease.

“C’mon, let me show you the way,” he says, and I follow him through the cozy hallway, my heart racing with anticipation and a hint of nerves.

As we approach the living room, the rich scent of tea and cookies wafts through the air, and I can hear the soft murmur of voices. I step inside, and my breath catches at the scene before me. Zac sits on a plush armchair, looking relaxed in sweatpants and a hoodie, his hair still damp from the shower. Relief washes over me seeing him here, it would be a bit too awkward elseway.

Across from him, a young man is hunched over a laptop, fingers flying over the keys, and beside him, a sprite-like woman with a pixie cut is busying herself at the counter, preparing tea. And then there’s her… the stunning brunette lounging on the couch, her dark hair cascading in waves, exuding a confidence that makes my stomach drop.

Zac spots me and rises, his expression shifting to one of concern. He strides over to me, his brow furrowed. “Hey, are you okay?” The softness in his voice makes my heart flutter.

“Yeah, I’m good,” I reply, my cheeks warming slightly under his gaze. “The shower was exactly what I needed.”

He nods, visibly relieved, and then turns to the others, gesturing toward the young man. “This is Skip,” he introduces. “He’s the tech wizard of the group. And that’s Jules,” he says, nodding toward the pixie-haired girl. “She makes the best tea, trust me.”

“Nice to meet you!” Jules says, her bright smile infectious as she pours a cup and gestures for me if I want some, I nod, returning her smile.

Zac walks over to the brunette on the couch, “Sweetheart, this is Lena. I told you about her.”

My heart plummets at the word ‘sweetheart.’ I take a step forward, my hand outstretched, but uncertainty lingers in my chest. Is Zandra his girlfriend? His partner? The way he said it felt intimate, and the thought sends a rush of insecurity through me for some reason.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” I say, forcing a smile as I shake her hand.

“Likewise!” she replies warmly, her eyes sparkling with kindness. “I am Zandra, this knucklehead's baby sister.”

I feel the heat rise in my cheeks, oh his sister, now I see the resemblance.

“I hear you two almost got caught up in the avalanche.” She says. “I told Zac he should not go up there, but he can’t help himself.”

“He saved me,” I say looking up at Zac. “And two little kids too.”

“I just did what anyone would do,” He says, and to my surprise I see that his cheeks has gone pink. “And you helped me, a lot.”

I shrug, “I did not really do that much.”

“Don’t downplay it,” Zandra insists, her voice gentle but firm. “Zac says you really showed courage out there.”

“Yeah, seriously,” Skip pipes in, glancing up from his laptop. “Zac’s could use sharing the spotlight with someone else for once. You should be proud.”

My heart swells at the unexpected compliments, and I can’t help but feel a sense of belonging in this moment. “Thank you,” I manage to say, my voice softer now.

Zac steps closer, his expression both warm and slightly amused. “I’m glad you’re okay, Lena,” he says, his voice low and earnest. “And I happily share my spotlight… not that there will be any, Skip and his camera were missing.”

“Luckily others were there,” Skip says with a grin. “Your rides down the mountain are already trending, and I am getting tagged in so many clips of the rescue."

“Come on, let’s get you a cup of tea,” Jules offers, breaking the tension. I nod, following her to the counter as Zac returns to his chair, a smile still lingering on his face.

As I stand there, surrounded by these people, basically strangers, I can’t help but feel that maybe I found some new friends.