Love chasers

Running into men

2 months later

*Lena*

I can’t help but smile as my rented car glides to a stop in front of the Crystal Peak Alpine Resort in Aspen. It’s been a whirlwind of work these past few months, and this trip is my Christmas gift from Gramps, who knows exactly how much I love skiing. Teddy will be joining me after New Year’s, but I’m actually looking forward to a few days alone to recharge.

As soon as the engine purrs to silence, a valet appears, ready to whisk my car away, while a bellhop eagerly grabs my luggage. I slip them both a crisp fifty-dollar bill as a thank you, feeling a small sense of indulgence wash over me.

Stepping out, I take a moment to soak in the atmosphere. This place is relatively new… built since my last visit… and I can’t help but admire its modern yet cozy vibe. It feels like an updated version of a classic ski resort, complete with rustic wood accents and large windows that frame the stunning mountain views.

After checking in and receiving the key to my quaint little cabin, I decide to explore the main building. The lobby is bustling with guests and the air is warm and inviting. I notice a stylish restaurant, a well-equipped gym, and a stunning swimming pool that boasts a breathtaking view of the snow-clad mountains.

Just as I’m about to continue my exploration, a familiar voice cuts through the ambiance like a knife… James. My heart sinks. What on earth is he doing here? I have no desire to face him, and I frantically scan for a way out. The elevators are down the long hallway, and I can’t bear the thought of running into him, especially not now, when I’m supposed to be enjoying a peaceful getaway.

Just as I begin to lose hope, I catch a glimpse of James rounding a corner with a woman who giggles far too much for my liking. My heart races, and instinct kicks in. I dart toward the nearest door and pull it open, bursting inside without a second thought.

“Well, hello there,” a warm voice greets me, and I freeze, my cheeks instantly ablaze. Standing before me is a very tall man clad only in a towel. Great. I’ve walked straight into the men’s locker room.

“Whoops,” I stammer, mortified. “This is not what it looks like.”

He flashes a boyish grin that somehow manages to be both charming and disarming. “Okay then, what is it?”

I try to avert my gaze, but it’s a struggle. He’s well-built, with a broad chest adorned with a smattering of dark hair. A tattoo of a mother bearfiercelyprotecting her cubs sprawls across one side, while a half-sleeve on his right arm depicts a stormy sky, complete with clouds and lightning.

“You see,” I begin, flustered, “my ex-fiancé was unexpectedly in the hallway, and I had no idea he was here. I just didn’t want to run into him, so…”

“You decided to hide in the men’s locker room,” he finishes, an amused twinkle in his eye.

I shake my head, “Well, yes, but no. I was trying to escape, but I didn’t realize this was the men’s locker room when I ran in here… Sorry about that.”

“No harm done,” he replies with a casual shrug. “So, your ex was a jerk, I assume?”

“You have no idea,” I mutter, feeling a sense of camaraderie with this stranger.

He steps past me, and I catch a whiff of a clean, masculine scent that makes my heart race a little faster. He cracks the door open, peering out. “Hallway’s clear. The elevator is going up. I think you’re safe to go.”

“Thanks,” I reply, my heart still pounding from the unexpected encounter. “And thanks for being so… accommodating.”

“Happy to help, ma’am,” he grins. “Wouldn’t be a gentleman if I didn’t assist a damsel in distress.”

As he steps away from the door, I take a breath and move toward it. “I’ll let you get back to your… thing. Bye.”

“Bye, darling,” he winks, and I hurry out, my cheeks burning once again.

Walking down the hallway, I can’t help but reflect on my knack for walking into the wrong rooms. It’s almost impressive in a way. Lost in thought, I don’t notice James until I nearly collide with him.

“Look where you… Lena?” He stares at me, first surprise and then annoyance crossing his face. “What are you doing here?”

“Same as everyone else, I assume. Having a holiday, skiing, and trying to relax,” I say, keeping my voice even. The last thing I want is to share a resort with him. “I didn’t expect to run into you here.”

He raises an eyebrow, “Hmm, I figured you’d heard about my trip. The whole office was buzzing about it.”

Seriously? He thinks I'm stalking him? I’ve been far too busy trying to ignore him and anything related to him. “Nope, no idea.”

“Who is this honey bun?” A young blonde woman snuggles up to James, wrapping her arm around his waist, and I almost burst out laughing at the term ‘honey bun.’

James smiles down at her, a smile I remember all too well from when he used to look at me like that. Now, it feels more like a snake sizing up its prey. “This is Lena…”

“Your ex? What is she doing here?” The woman screeches, her incredulity palpable.

“That was exactly what I was asking,” James shoots back, his gaze fixed on me like I owe him an explanation.

*Zac*

From my perch in the lobby, I catch sight of the woman from before. She seems cornered, flanked by a sleek-looking guy and that young blonde. Damn it, her ex must have turned around; I can see it in his posture.

“You just accidentally happened to come to the same resort as your ex-fiancé?” the blonde smirks, her tone dripping with disbelief. “And all alone, it seems… Who comes here alone?”

It’s clear the damsel is in distress again, and for some inexplicable reason, I can’t let this slide. Both James and the blonde make my skin crawl, and I’m not about to stand idly by. So, I saunter over, casually wrapping my arm around her shoulder and planting a kiss on her cheek. “There you are, sweetheart… Who came alone?”

“She… She did,” the blonde stammers, pointing at the woman at my side, who is blinking up at me, an almost comical mixture of confusion and surprise on her face.

“No, she came with me,” I assert, extending my hand. “I’m Zac, nice to meet you.”

The blonde takes my hand, her expression a mix of irritation and disbelief. “I’m Amber, James’ new fiancée.”

“Oh, James,” I say, glancing at the woman beside me, scrambling for a name as I realize I don’t know it yet. “As in your ex, James?”

She nods, “The one and only.”

I extend my hand to James, shaking it firmly. “I gotta thank you, man, for letting this one go so I had a chance.”

He stares at me as if I’ve sprouted a second head. “So, you and Lena…?”

“Yeah, me and Lena,” I confirm, feeling a rush of relief when she doesn’t immediately protest.

“You’re not the only one who moved on,” she says, awkwardly patting my shoulder, and I can’t help but chuckle at her unexpected boldness.

Just then, a valet approaches. “Mr. Trewlove, your car.”

“Thanks,” I say, accepting the keys and discreetly slipping the valet a tip.

“Oh, you’re leaving?” Mr. Sleazy Ex inquires, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

“No, I just forgot something in my car that I really need. Silly me,” I say, leaning in to kiss Lena on the cheek. “See you in a moment, darling.”

Turning, I walk toward my car, my mind racing with possibilities. What have I gotten myself into with this unexpected entanglement?