Chapter 1

The first snow had just fallen in the mountains when Scarlett called, demanding that I hike up to the peak of Aspen to watch the snow with her.

By the time night fell, the gondolas had already stopped running. Carrying a heavy backpack of gear, I made it halfway up the trail on foot when her text flashed on my screen:

"Don't bother coming. Trevor and I are watching the sunrise together from the summit tomorrow morning."

Wolves howled in the distance. Freezing sweat clung to my back. Staring at the message, I typed just one word: "Okay."

The next morning, one of Scarlett’s colleagues sent me a photo.

In the picture, the molten gold of the sunrise swept across the sky, casting a warm glow over the pristine snow. Scarlett and Trevor were locked in each other’s arms in the middle of the crowd, looking every bit like the ultimate romantic couple.

My heart didn't even skip a beat. I replied calmly: "Wish you two the best."

Seconds later, Scarlett's calls bombarded my phone. She screamed through the speaker, demanding to know what I meant.

I answered in a flat voice, "It means goodbye."

Three days after that first snowfall, Scarlett’s haughty voice echoed over the phone.

"My vacation's over. Come pick me up."

Once upon a time, whatever she asked, I would jump to make it happen without a second thought.

Now, between folding the edges of my homemade meat pies, I casually replied, "Got it. Call yourself an Uber."

Forty minutes later, Scarlett stormed into the apartment bundled in a heavy winter coat, her face thunderous.

"Logan, what the hell is your problem? I'm out there freezing, and you're sitting here leisurely eating steak?"

I took my time chewing the bite of steak before looking up at her. "And your point is?"

Scarlett exploded. She ripped off her parka. "Stop eating! Take my coat and hang it out on the balcony to dry!"

"It snowed all week, and my clothes are soaked."

"Trevor and I slept in a tent. It was freezing and damp. I need a hot shower right now."

"I'll deal with your attitude after I wash up!"

With that, she threw the damp coat right onto my lap, ran a hand through her hair, and headed toward the bathroom.

I stayed completely calm. "I don't have time. Hang it up yourself later."

"Also, grab your dry laundry off the balcony while you're at it."

Scarlett froze, spinning around to glare at me with pure fury.

"Logan! I am seriously angry with you!"

"It was the first snowfall! All I wanted was to enjoy the view—what's so wrong with that?!"

"It's not like I didn't invite you! You're the one who walked too damn slow!"

"Did you honestly expect me to stand in the freezing wind with you, babysitting that pathetic little BBQ cart of yours?!"

"How can you be this selfish?"

I took a deep breath, finished the last bite of my steak, and walked right past her to the sink to wash my plate.

Scarlett blocked my path, a sneer twisting her lips.

"Don't tell me you're jealous because Trevor had his arms around me in that photo?"

"Everyone around us was cheering and daring us to do it! I only agreed because of the peer pressure!"

"It was just a harmless joke."

"Trevor sent it to you just to show you that we have nothing to hide!"

"You're not a teenager anymore, Logan. When are you going to stop acting so childish?"

I gave a dry smile and said nothing.

Nothing to hide. What a great joke.

Trevor, who went up a snowy mountain without packing a single scrap of gear, wasn't childish.

Yet I, who hiked up a dangerous mountain in the pitch black with fifty pounds of supplies, braving wolves just because she asked, was "childish" in her eyes.

I pushed gently past her, finished rinsing my plate, and said, "Think whatever you want. I'm not hanging your laundry."

I walked to the front door, slipping on my boots to leave.

Scarlett watched me in surprise. Usually, whenever this happened, I would yell, plead, or beg for answers.

My quiet calm threw her off completely.

Frowning, she hesitated for a second. Just as I put my hand on the doorknob, she threw her arms around my neck and planted a kiss on my cheek.

"There. Happy now? You got what you wanted."

She gave a smug, triumphant smile, convinced she had me wrapped around her little finger again.

Without thinking, I rubbed my cheek with the back of my hand, a wave of disgust rolling through my stomach.

In the past, no matter how desperately I begged, Scarlett never gave me a kiss.

Now, as a cover for her little adventure with Trevor, she kissed me like she was tossing a bone to a stray dog.

Three days in a cold tent together. Who knew what they had already done?

It made me sick.

Scarlett’s eyes widened, pointing an accusing finger at my face.

"Logan, what are you doing?"

"I kissed you, and you're wiping your face? Like I'm gross? What is that supposed to mean?!"

My gaze went dead cold. "Nothing. Just felt dirty."

I turned the handle and stepped out. Scarlett followed, practically spitting fire.

"Logan! You explain yourself right now! What do you mean by that?!"

"Who is dirty?!"

I answered flatly, "I am, okay? I'm dirty."

"Now, I have to open my food cart. Can you stop blocking my way?"

Scarlett’s expression softened slightly, adopting a patronizing tone. "Fine. It's freezing outside. I'll drive you."

The car she drove was a gift from me. I was still paying off the monthly loan on it.

Yet she rarely let me sit inside.

Her excuse? I always smelled like grill smoke and cooking grease, and I'd ruin her pristine leather interior.

So, no matter how hard it poured or snowed, I always rode my beat-up electric scooter to work alone.

Now, driven by cheating guilt, she was actually offering me a ride in "her" beloved car.

How pathetic.

I was about to decline, but she snatched the keys to my scooter right out of my hand, giving me a defiant look.

Exhausted by her childish games, I gave up and agreed.