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Kari and Emma; their kids are wonderful. In fact, my number two girl, right after you, lives there.”
    She raised an eyebrow. “Oh is that so?”
    He laughed, thrilled that she was jealous. “Her name is Helene and she’s four. She’s Andreas and Kari’s daughter, the oldest. She and her siblings are like my own children, I’ve been so involved in their upbringing.” He kissed her nose. “So? What do you say? You can give my mobile number and the number at the lodge to Harrison so he won’t worry about you.” He wanted to show her his life, where her life would be.
    She inhaled and blew the air out. “I really want to agree, Laurent, but I just met you. This is just too fast. I’m sorry.”
    He sighed but shook his head. “Don’t apologize. Of course I want you to come and visit but we can take it at your speed. I know this seems fast and scary, all I can do is tell you my intentions and back them up with my actions. We can do the trip to the lodge another time. You just say when and we’ll do it. For now why don’t I make you breakfast?”
    “You’re not mad?”
    He pulled her to sit beside him. “I respect you. I realize this seems very fast to you. I’m not angry that you’re taking things slow. How could I be mad at you for that?” He kissed her nose and suddenly she knew her choice.
    “Okay. Let’s do it. I’ve lived here a year and haven’t been to the Cascades at all yet.”
    “Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel pressured or rushed. I want you to feel comfortable and enjoy yourself. Like I said, I’d love for you to stay over for a few days but I’ll bring you back tonight. It’s all totally up to you.”
    If she’d had any remaining doubts about going his reaction cleared them up. He didn’t try to pressure her. Still, she knew it was insanity, going up to the mountains with a man she’d just met. Harrison would freak. She couldn’t explain it but it felt right and safe and she’d lived for so long making the careful choice, never doing anything impulsive or even fun, that she wanted to be just a bit wild.
    “Yes. I’m sure. Since I’ve been here I’ve worked and painted and that’s about it. Going up to the mountains sounds like fun.”
    “You lead an awfully serious life for someone so young. Listen, why don’t you shower? I’ll call up to the lodge and tell them to expect you. Your toothbrush is the red one. If you’re comfortable with it there are clothes hanging in the closet that should fit you. My friend, sort of a brother to me, he and his wife are clothing designers. They own a shop just up the street. Anyway I was passing through and said hello and he sent some stuff home with me. He loves to give people clothes. The lingerie is something I happened across and thought of you.”
    She blushed. “Well, wow, um, thanks. And tell your friend I said thank you as well, it’s very nice of him.” She got up and he flopped on his back, grinning as he watched her walk into the bathroom before shutting the door behind her.
    He leaned over to grab the phone and call the lodge.
    “Hello, Anna. Is Andreas around?”
    “Yes, hang on a second.”
    A few moments passed. In the bathroom, the water ran as Rain brushed her teeth. The domesticity of the moment spread warmth through his chest.
    “How’d your date go?” Andreas asked and Laurent heard the smile in his friend’s voice.
    “It went very well indeed. Listen, I’ve invited her up to the lodge for the afternoon and possibly a few days. Can you keep the activity away from the house, please?”
    “Ah, of course. It’s just the regulars this weekend. I’ll make sure Anna takes care of your room and plans a nice welcome dinner for Rain tonight. Kari will be over the moon about this.”
    “She’s a painter so she’s bringing her supplies. I told her she could paint wherever she wanted. And she’s only agreed to come up for the day. I’d like her to stay over of course but I want to leave it up to her. So