Meant for You (7 page)

By day three, the walls were closing in. For all his lazing around, he hadn't once thought about where he wanted to go. For years Ethan went wherever Zach planned for them. Crap. He
was
a follower. Now, with the world at his feet, he could go anywhere and have three weeks to enjoy it without interruptions.

The task was easier said than done. For all of the exotic locations he researched, few spoke to him, and the ones that did made him want to take someone with him. Like Summer. Dammit.

No
, he chided himself for the hundredth time.
She's not for you. You need to move on and forget about her.
Forget about their night together and all the possibilities of a future together. It wasn't going to happen. Why? Because as much as it killed him to admit it, Ethan knew his friendship with Zach and all of the Montgomerys meant too much to him to risk on a relationship that might not work out. Could he possibly deal with all the aggravation her family was bound to put them through if they were to start dating?

The thought gave him a headache. Why her? Of all of the women he'd dated, hell, of all the women on the planet, why was Summer Montgomery the one woman he couldn't get out of his mind? Out of his system? The universe was definitely punishing him for something. There was no other explanation for this cruel twist of fate.

“Vacation,” he muttered to himself. “Find yourself a place to park your ass for a couple of weeks so you can go back to Portland with a clear head.” Fine words when he was all alone in his room, but how would they hold up in his real life? Could he possibly push all thoughts of Summer from his mind? “Only one way to find out.”

Ethan put his tablet on the table in his room and pulled up a map of the area. In all his travels, he'd never spent any time in Alaska, and the thought of hanging out there while Zach was on the climb seemed to make sense. There was plenty to do, plenty of activities that called to him, and none of them were far away. Plus, he could be there when Zach returned and hear all about the trip as they traveled home together.

It didn't take long to realize that he was sick and tired of his own company. With a muttered curse, Ethan grabbed his room key and decided to head down to the bar for a drink. Maybe he'd talk to the bartender and see if he had any suggestions for someplace to go where he could get in a little sightseeing while feeling like he was away from civilization for a bit.

The bar was fairly crowded and Ethan found himself a seat and ordered a beer. There was a couple sitting next to him and he smiled in their direction while trying not to listen in on their conversation.

“I just couldn't believe how many we saw!” the woman was gushing. “I mean, I thought we'd see maybe one or two whales, but never in my wildest imagination did I imagine seeing six whales in one outing!”

Her husband laughed. “Can we really be sure that it was six different whales? Maybe it was one who was just being a show-off.”

“Oh, Jim,” she laughed. “Don't ruin it.”

He laughed too. “I'm sorry. I know how much you enjoyed it. Personally, I had a great time fishing. I don't think I've ever experienced anything quite like it. We'll have to come back again.”

“Excuse me,” Ethan said, turning in their direction. “I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. I'm actually looking for someplace to do some fishing. Would you mind if I asked where you went?”

“Glacier Bay,” Jim said. “There's a great lodge there and a ton of outdoor activities. We went whale watching and fishing, kayaking and even took some sightseeing tours on an airplane. I'm telling you, it was the perfect getaway if you love the outdoors.”

“That I do,” Ethan said as his mind began to wander at all the possibilities. “Thank you. I'm going to look into that. Have a good evening.” Paying his tab, Ethan took his drink and went back up to his room to do a little research.

It didn't take long to pull up a Google search and discover that this was exactly the kind of place he was looking for. Actually, if Zach weren't such an adrenaline junkie, Ethan might even consider suggesting Glacier Bay as a potential place for their next getaway. Unfortunately, he had a feeling it would be a little too tame for Zach's standards.

But not Summer's.

Damn it. Why had he gone there? Why? Because in the last month, he had learned that Summer still enjoyed outdoor activities. Back when they were younger, her brothers never included her in the things they did—the sports, the camping, the fishing—but Summer had found her own outdoor fun in the form of biking and tennis, hiking and sailing. The men of the Montgomery family considered her choice of activities to be tame, but considering them now, Ethan had to admit they certainly held a lot of appeal.

“Okay, focus,” he admonished himself as he scanned the website. Glacier Bay. With a ton of activities and a lodge on-site, it would make for a great getaway that guaranteed he'd keep busy while getting to do the kind of outdoor activities he loved, without risking his life. And that was it in a nutshell—Ethan no longer felt the need to be so extreme. What was wrong with fishing? Kayaking? Or just plain hiking and enjoying nature? Why couldn't those activities be perfectly satisfying without the need to take everything to the next level of hair-raising?

With a renewed sense of self, Ethan made his reservations and began to pack. He booked a flight for early the next morning. Now all he had to do was get through the night without second-guessing himself again.

How hard could that be?

“I take it the hot springs weren't all they were cracked up to be?”

Summer glared at Gabriella on Monday morning as she made her way through the executive suites. “Why would you ask?”

“Because you don't look the least bit relaxed. Or rested. If anything, you look even tenser than you did when you left here on Thursday.”

With a sigh, Summer dropped her briefcase on the floor and pulled up a chair opposite Gabriella. “They really went.”

There was no need for clarification; Gabriella knew exactly what she meant and whom she was talking about. “They're probably getting ready to start even as we speak.”

Summer shook her head. “I can't think about it. It's bad enough that my brother seems to have a death wish, but did he have to drag Ethan along with him?”

A knowing smirk crossed Gabriella's lips.

“All I'm saying is, it's hard enough worrying about one family member. Now I have to worry about two.”

“Family member. Right.”

Her glare deepened. “Okay, so I don't technically think of Ethan as family, but I still worry.”

It was on the tip of Gabriella's tongue to say that she worried too, but she kept that to herself. “Well, if the hot springs didn't do anything for you, then there's only one thing left to do.”

“What's that?”

“We need to have a serious girls' trip of our own.”

Now it was Summer's turn to grin. “Hmm… I like the sound of that. What were you thinking? Massages? Manis? Pedis? Eating ice cream for dinner? Because let me tell you, I can completely get on board with that.”

Gabriella shook her head sadly. “Why do you dream so small?”

“What? What's wrong with a lazy weekend eating ice cream? If you're nice, I'll even get us cookie dough.”

Another sad shake. “I had something a little more…adventurous in mind.”

“Oh, no,” Summer said, shaking her own head. “I am leaving all of that adventurous crap to my brother. If you want to go mountain climbing or jump out of a plane, count me out.”

“Stop being so dramatic,” Gabriella said with a smile. “I'm talking about going someplace that's a little outdoorsy, something right up your alley.”

“I'm intrigued.”

Gabriella nodded. “Glacier Bay. We can leave Friday. I've got two weeks off thanks to your brother, and so do you.”

“Yeah, I just found out about that this morning,” Summer said with a lack of enthusiasm. “Rick gushed about what a great job I did on that project last week and then apologized that he didn't have anything more for me to do right now since this is a slow time of year.” She sighed. “I was just starting to get into the swing of things, and I'm already getting booted out.”

“You are totally looking at this the wrong way.”

“I'd bet good money that Zach put him up to it so that I can't do anything while he's gone.”

“Forget about your brother for a minute. You have just been handed vacation time without having to wait out your six months. Be happy! Be joyful! Put a smile on your face!”

Summer faked a smile. “There. Happy?”

“Honestly, there is something seriously lacking in the Montgomery genes,” Gabriella said with exasperation. “It's okay to have a little fun, Summer. You're allowed to enjoy yourself. Personally, I had planned on staying close to home and just getting some spring cleaning done, but this is much more appealing. What do you think?”

Summer took a minute to think about it. “Can we do that? I mean, it's kind of short notice.”

“Yep, I already checked.”

Summer looked at her oddly. “You already checked? But…why?”

A blush crept up Gabriella's cheeks. “I…I had done a lot of research to help Zach with his trip. The area, you know, Alaska, it was kind of intriguing. I had looked at Glacier Bay during my search because I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.”

“I don't think Glacier Bay is near Denali, is it?”

Gabriella shook her head. “It's not, but it's a relatively short plane ride.” She looked away uncomfortably. “Not…not that we'd have any reason to go to Denali. I mean, the guys are already gone, and they're not going to be back until after we're already back here safe and sound.”

“You're acting weird. Are you all right?”

“I'm fine.” She cleared her throat. “So what do you say? We can go, see what's so appealing about the great outdoors of Alaska, and maybe have a little something to talk to the guys about when they get back.”

Summer arched a brow at Gabriella. “Since when do you want to have something in common with Zach?”

Gabriella's blush deepened. “That's not what I meant,” she replied quickly. “Anyway, maybe we'll meet some nice guys who aren't into death-defying activities. Although I hear whale watching can really get your blood pumping.”

They both laughed.

“I'm serious, Summer. We can go and do some of the tours and hikes, and maybe you'll meet someone interesting.”

“Oh, I don't know, Gabs,” she began hesitantly. “I don't think I'm ready for that.”

“Don't be such a wuss. If you're not into hooking up with anyone, then we'll just go with the flow and maybe, just maybe, let hot men buy us drinks. A little harmless flirting. What do you say?”

It was very tempting. There would be plenty of distractions to keep her mind off Zach's climb and Ethan's…everything. Even if they were a short plane ride away. Summer still couldn't quite come to grips with the fact that she and Ethan had finally slept together and he had just walked away. Worse, he walked away and hopped a plane to take a dangerous trip with her brother. Talk about a double slap in the face.

“I can't,” she finally said solemnly. “I can't just pick up and leave. I've got Maylene to think about. She's just a puppy and…well…training isn't going as well as I had hoped.”

“Then it's lucky for you that I happen to know of a fabulous dog-sitter who excels in puppy training.”

“Seriously, is there anything you don't know?”

“Clearly I don't know how to make you just unclench and say yes to a damn vacation!” Gabriella said with a laugh. “Come on, Summer. Maylene will be fine. By the time you get back she'll be the perfect pet.”

“My impulsive nature is what keeps getting me into trouble. I'm trying to be reasonable and levelheaded here, and you're totally not helping me.”

“Being reasonable is overrated and, might I add, boring.”

“You know, you tend to put off a very reasonable and levelheaded vibe around the office. This is a completely different side to you.” She studied her friend for a moment. “I think I like this new you.”

“So?” Gabriella asked anxiously. “What do you say? I can handle all of the arrangements; all you have to do is pack and go.” She waited a moment before leaning forward in her seat. “Well?”

Summer's smile grew. “What do I say? Let's go watch some whales!”

* * *

Ethan couldn't understand what all the fuss was about. Twenty-four hours into his big Alaska adventure and he was bored. “There is seriously something wrong with me,” he mumbled as he strolled over to join the line of people getting ready to board the boat that was going to take them whale watching. He had decided to take the afternoon tour so that he could sleep in a little, and while he was refreshed, he still wasn't overly impressed with what was going on. “Definitely something wrong with me.”

More than one beautiful woman had shown interest in him in the last hour alone while he had been getting his ticket for the excursion, and although it should have been something that interested him, it didn't. He didn't want to be with another woman, not now. Maybe not ever. After having spent the night with Summer and making love to her, Ethan knew it would be hard to replace her with someone else. You just didn't find that kind of connection, that kind of chemistry, that often. If ever.

With a sigh, Ethan looked around at the people he was going to be spending the day with. It was amazing that in a room full of people, Ethan had never felt more alone. Everywhere he looked he thought he saw Summer. He knew that was impossible because she was back in Portland, working, taking care of her dog…having a life. Meanwhile, here he stood, nursing a cup of coffee while juggling his rain gear, binoculars, and a camera while imagining her laughter.

“Great, now I'm hearing things,” he mumbled and took the last sip of his coffee. When he heard the same laugh again, he stood up a little straighter and looked around. Not more than ten feet away from him stood a woman who could easily be Summer's twin. Her back was to him, and before he could catch a glimpse of her face, a voice came over the loudspeaker announcing that they were getting ready to board the boat.

Crap.

With no other choice, Ethan moved along with the group and couldn't help but get caught up in the excitement of those around him. This wasn't his usual activity, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to enjoy himself.

He just needed to put a little extra effort into it.

Working his way through the crowd, he found a position out on the deck. This particular boat only took about thirty passengers out at a time, so it wasn't particularly crowded, but it seemed like everyone was here with someone and he was the only person going solo.

Trying to push “One Is the Loneliest Number” from playing in his mind, Ethan focused on the water and doing his best to keep a somewhat positive attitude. He had four hours of whale watching ahead of him, so he needed to drum up some enthusiasm about it and tried not to imagine Zach pointing and laughing at him for doing something so tame.

An hour into the tour, Ethan was feeling the chill from the water and decided to go inside and grab another cup of coffee. So far there hadn't been much to see in the way of whales, but the scenery had been breathtaking. Closing the door to the deck behind him, he looked around and saw that the line for snacks and drinks was relatively short. There were only two women ahead of him and as he stepped closer, he heard that laugh again.

Summer's laugh.

He was slowly going insane. How could he possibly keep hearing her, picturing her wherever he went? Why was his mind playing tricks on him? Why was…? And then it hit him. His mind wasn't playing tricks on him. As he stepped closer, Ethan realized that the woman he heard laughing
was
Summer and that Gabriella was with her.

Unsure of what to do, he continued to stare. What the hell were the two of them doing in Alaska? Why weren't they back in Portland? He knew that Gabriella had to take her vacation time when Zach was on vacation, but why didn't Summer—or Gabriella—mention that they were coming to Glacier Bay? And to that end, why had they come all the way to Glacier Bay? This wasn't exactly the kind of vacation he would have imagined the two of them taking.

And why not? Summer was an athletic woman who enjoyed the outdoors. Ethan just had no idea Gabriella was the same way. She seemed more of the luxury spa variety. He had to wonder whose idea it was to come here. Had they gone to Denali first in hopes of trying to stop Zach again? Or him?

Only one way to find out.

No sooner had the thought entered his mind than two men approached Summer and Gabriella. He stood back and fumed silently as one of the guys said something that made Summer laugh. Hell no. There was no way he could stand by and watch her get hit on by some other guy. He was just about to make his move when the four of them took their drinks and walked back out on the deck.

“Can I help you?” the snack attendant asked, and Ethan was torn between grabbing the coffee he had come in for or chasing after Summer. “Sir?”

Quickly he ordered his drink and then went back out onto the deck. Everyone was
oohing
and
aahing
and it didn't take long for Ethan to realize that this was their first sighting of a humpback whale. It was really something to see, but Ethan only had eyes for Summer. He slowly approached where she and Gabriella were standing with their new friends. Gabriella spotted him first and he watched as she nudged Summer in his direction.

“Ethan?” Summer said, her eyes wide with surprise. “What are you doing here? Why aren't you on the climb with Zach?” She stopped speaking and quickly looked around. “Is he here too? Did you both decide not to go?”

That was it? That was all she had to say to him? His gaze bore into hers as he took in her sporty attire. She had on snug-fitting jeans, boots, a quilted vest, and some sort of colorful scarf that wrapped around her neck several times. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she had just a hint of lip gloss on.

“Ethan?” she asked again as he continued to stare.

“Did the climb get canceled because of the weather?” Gabriella said to fill the awkward silence.

Ethan wished they'd all just go away. Except for Summer. She was here. He was here. Clearly it was a sign that they were allowed to have more than one night, more than one stolen night. Finally he said, “No, Zach's not here. No, the climb didn't get canceled. I decided not to go.” He watched as Summer's eyes widened at his words. “I couldn't.” Then he watched as she swallowed and nervously looked from him to Gabriella and back again.

“Why are you here?” she asked quietly.

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“If you two will excuse us, we're going to watch the whales,” Gabriella said, walking over to the rail with her two new friends.

“I don't understand, Ethan,” Summer said. “Why didn't you go with Zach?”

He shrugged. “I don't think I ever really wanted to go on the climb. It wasn't until we got there that I realized how much I didn't want to.”

Disappointment swamped her. It wasn't because of her that he didn't go; it was something else. “Oh.”