Page 24 of Wild Lies

Waving a dismissive arm, Liz replies, “Oh, hush, child. You know I have a good read on people, and he’s a good one. He’s good for you. Hell, you’re practically glowing.”

The compliment fills me with pride, my chest expanding as I grin down at Chloe, who sits up and lightly smacks me on the chest. “Don’t let what she says go to your head, handsome.”

I chuckle, pulling her back toward me and squeezing her.

Doris arrives with two large plates in her hands, and I reluctantly release Chloe so she can sit up.

“Scrambled eggs and a side of bacon for you, Kade. Maple pancakes and bacon for you, love.” She places the dishes in front of us, wiping a hand on her apron before turning to Liz, pulling out a notebook and pencil. “What can I get you?”

Liz places her order, before turning her focus back to Chloe and me as Doris leaves. “So, what are you two lovebirds up to today, besides avoiding the wedding party?”

I look over at Chloe, waiting for her to finish her mouthful of pancakes. There’s no way I’m putting my foot in it again with the lies.

She sets her fork down, dabbing at her mouth with a paper napkin as she swallows. “Kade was talking about going for a hike this afternoon. You’re more than welcome to join us…”

Liz nods animatedly, her bangles jangling as she shuffles in her seat, a grin on her face. “Yes. Yes. I will be there. Your mother wanted me to do afternoon tea with her, and I couldn’t think of an excuse. This is perfect.”

I dip my chin, tipping an imaginary hat as I reply, “Glad we could be of service, ma’am.” She arches a single brow and it’s enough to correct myself. “Sorry. Liz.”

“You’ve got him well trained, Chlo,” Liz remarks, picking up the menu again and scanning through the side that lists the pies.

Chloe and I share a look, and I give her knee a reassuring squeeze as I bite back my grin. What difference is faking it for another hour or two going to make?

15

CHLOE

Hiking in the middle of the summer through the Montana wilderness is as close to idyllic as you can get. Even if I’m a sweaty mess, with my hair stuck to my forehead and a light sheen covering my body.

It’s all worth it though, because I get to watch Kade navigate the terrain with practiced ease, take pictures of the scenery as we go and catch up with Aunt Liz. More than once, Kade has turned around and caught me staring, but he’s unfazed—like he’s used to me looking at him like that. I’m not at all sorry for it, especially when he gets a knowing smirk on his face and carries on as if he wants me to keep looking.

We left the diner a few hours ago. Kade drove me and Aunt Liz back over to the ranch, waited for me as I collected my camera and a couple of bottles of water and Aunt Liv got changed. With the promise of a cool creek and views that rival those at the ranch, we set off.

I’ll go as far as to say that this is as close to a perfect day as you can get.

“It’s so lovely that your boyfriend lives in the town Rachel got married in,” Liz comments.

My eyes blow wide as panic rushes through me. Oh God. I hadn’t thought that far ahead in our lies. Sensing my alarm, Kade slows down his pace, taking hold of my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

“It was honestly a coincidence. Chloe and I met online, and we’ve had a few trips out to see each other since.”

He throws an arm around my shoulder, and I look up at him. My eyes flutter closed when he dips to dust his lips over mine. He pulls back a fraction and that charged energy swirls between us again.

“You two are just so cute. Mark my words, wedding bells will be ringing for you soon,” Aunt Liz says in a sing-song tone.

The corner of Kade’s mouth kicks up before he gives me another quick peck, as if he couldn’t help himself. With a last lingering stare, he sets back off up the trail.

“It won’t be long until we reach the creek,” Kade calls as he leads the way.

“How soon is soon?” Aunt Liz asks, fanning herself with a brochure she picked up in the ranch lobby.

Kade looks over his shoulder at us before looking up the trail and then back to us. “Maybe twenty to thirty minutes.”

Aunt Liz rests against a rock, her cheeks pink from the heat. “And how far is it to the car park?”

Kade rolls his lips together as he ambles back to where Aunt Liz and I have stopped. “About ten to twenty minutes.”

Nodding, Aunt Liz looks longingly back in the direction we came.