Love Grows in Alaska (The Washington Triplets) by Michelle Lynn

Marisa?” He closes the distance like he always does with me, breaking the barrier of personal space. “I thought—” We get interrupted by a group of four boisterous girls.
    “Hi, we’re here for the tour,” the one blonde, with enough eye make-up you’d think she was a Vegas showgirl, announces. The four of them practically bounce on their toes in their skin tight spandex pants and tight fitted t-shirts with vests over them. Clearly having something I don’t, the body to make a man fall to his knees, automatically becoming devoted to them.
    “Um … hi.” Zach’s head turns to look at them and then back to me. His eyes are torn; he’s the guide and needs to excuse himself from me to introduce himself. “Hold tight,” he tells the group and backs me up around the corner, away from everyone. “I’m not sure why you’re upset, but I have to start the tour. We can talk about this at dinner.” He grabs my hand and entwines our fingers, clasping them together. That damn spark is still there, zinging me to the core. “Okay?” He patiently waits, even with everyone’s distraught behavior of having to wait and I nod. He tosses his head over his shoulder to make sure no one can see us and then bends down to kiss me. After the briefest brushing along my lips, he pulls back. “Is it crazy that I missed you in only a few short hours?” I melt, literally puddle with his words. I’m starting to think with these over romantic things he’s saying, there was some mix-up to why I awoke in a hotel room this morning alone, but I’m not ready to completely let go of my concerns.
    I don’t respond and he fixates on me before reluctantly retreating back to the group. “Hi, everyone. I’m Zach Greer and I’ll be your tour guide today. Let’s make some quick introductions.” When I appear around the corner, Libby leaves Wes’s side and comes to mine, linking her arm with mine in solidarity, as though telling Zach, don’t mess with my girl. Amazing how certain people just click and that was Libby and I. I had her back last night and she’s paying me back this morning.
    “What’s this about?” she whispers and I raise my shoulders up and down. “I’m thinking whatever you thought this morning, isn’t true.” When I turn to dispute, she’s wearing a smug smile. I hope to hell she’s correct, that there is a misunderstanding somewhere, and I can chalk this up to Nate’s demise in my esteem to never be the girl a guy sleeps with, choosing her over any other girl past, present, or future. The fact these thoughts are scanning through my mind shows me those doubts of myself are occupying way too much of my self-worth.
    “I don’t know what to think anymore.” It’s the truth. I have no idea what Zach Greer’s agenda is with me, but one thing for sure is I can’t just be his plaything, because the man has already pulled more out of me than anyone else. I’m positive if I continue to give him access he’ll ruin me and I can’t afford that in my life right now on top of my father’s wedding.
    I hear a clearing of someone’s throat and look up to find everyone staring at me. “Marisa Washington.” I introduce myself and Zach slyly winks my way before starting the tour. He leads the way and the four girls swarm behind him on his heels while Libby and I take the rear. He pays no attention to them, pointing out different vegetation and landmarks, as I take up the rear, biting every nail off my hand. Trying to keep my distance because there’s no way I can be that near to him without cozying up to his body, even with how angry I am right now. It’s like I’m his puppet and he’s the master pulling all of the strings. My body runs rampantly out of control when it comes to Zach. Seeing these four young girls fawn over him is not helping me fight the untruths about myself constantly filling my brain.
    We begin climbing the mountain with the masses, staying in a line together. Libby begins revealing too much