As he helped Victoria squeeze out of the back seat, I studied the lodge we were near. It was made of massive logs and looked like it might be quite old.
"It's a guest lodge. They have a lot of ski tourist business in the winter, and hiking business in the summer. During the slower seasons, they have events for the locals. There are quite a lot of cabins and things like that back in the forest," Alex explained. "I thought we could get dinner, and then listen to the music and dance if you wanted."
"Sure, that sounds great," I replied, letting Alex take my hand as we walked up the steps.
Victoria walked next to us, also studying the building.
"Victoria, Ash will join us shortly."
"Thanks, Alex." She grinned.
"Of course."
Alex's hand was warm in mine, and my stomach fluttered when my arm brushed against his. Victoria glanced at us and winked.
I tried to turn my very confused brain off. Was she telling me I should just date whoever I wanted to? Or was this even a date, considering she had arranged it? Victoria had stated it was only a date if I made it one. I just wasn't used to being surrounded by hot guys who all acted interested in me. Even Allan, the quietest in the group, gave off an interested vibe, if I was reading him right. I didn't even know what to make of Doc.
Finally, I glanced at Alex and decided that since I was here with him, I would try not to think about the other guys, though I suspected it would be difficult.
Alex held the door for us, and we stepped inside. The lodge smelled pleasantly of woodsmoke and pine, though both fireplaces were dark. Heavy iron chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling. The wooden floor creaked as we walked across it to the dining area. A few people milled about the entry area with the fireplaces. I suspected this was a popular area during the colder months.
I felt underdressed when we got to the dining room. White cloths covered the tables, and the table settings already had wine glasses as well as fluted water glasses. Fortunately, I noticed several other patrons dressed about like I was, and I forced myself to relax.
They sat us at a table for four, and before long, a familiar looking Viking walked into the dining area.
"Ahh, Ash."
"Oh, he's in some of our classes," Victoria said.
Alex nodded.
I looked at him, and for the first time, his husky-blue eyes focused back on me. He nodded slightly, though his smile looked superficial. He wore a blue dress shirt with long sleeves and a high collar, similar to Alex's, and his dress slacks matched, as well.
"Hello." He sat next to Victoria at the table but didn't say anything else.
"Hi. I hear you're my date for the night. Hope you don't mind," Victoria prompted.
Ash shook his head. "Of course not."
His voice was deep and rumbly. He didn't seem to have much of an accent. I wondered how he knew Alex.
Victoria carried the conversation through a few courses of dinner, talking about inconsequential things, classes or other things related to school mostly. After the events of the night before, neither of us wanted to mention anything even closely related to the supernatural, and she kept topics in a safe area.
Ash was pretty quiet. He studied both of us with a fairly neutral expression and mostly avoided looking at Alex, even though they sat across from each other. I thought that was strange, but wasn't sure how to comment on it without being weird.
The server cleared the last of our plates. "Anyone for dessert?"
I shook my head, unable to eat another bite. Especially if we did actually dance later. Country music filtered in from another room. I wasn't sure if it was a live band or not.
The others declined as well, and Alex paid the bill, waving us off when Victoria and I tried to chip in.
Alex slid his chair back and stood.
I scooted my chair back and Alex held out his hand to me. I slid my hand into his warm one and smiled when he did.
Ash watched for a moment, before offering Victoria his hand, as well. She accepted, a broad smile on her face. He tucked her arm under his and led the way through the dining area and into a large hall. A stage dominated one end of the room, and a band looked like they were setting up. In front of that was a large dance floor. A bar lined one wall with water jugs on one end, and tables were scattered throughout the room for people to rest or watch and drink.
We found a table and waited for the band to start.
Chapter 8
Sofia
"So how do you two know each other?" I asked once we had found a table to sit at while we waited.
Ash's gaze darted toward Alex, and then he quickly looked away, his expression darkening for the briefest of moments. If I hadn't been watching, I wouldn't have caught it.
"He's a friend of my family's, so we've known each other a long time. He occasionally comes and hangs out with me," Alex answered.
Ash nodded agreement. I could tell there was more to that story. I got the impression that Ash didn't exactly like Alex. He and Ed would get along great.
The band struck up a lively country song I knew, and I turned to see if anyone went out on the floor.
"Well, I appreciate you coming out tonight to keep me company," Victoria said.
"You are most welcome," Ash replied.
He sounded sincere, so at least he was enjoying himself at the moment.
"Would you care to dance?" He held his hand out, and Victoria took it.
I supposed someone had to be first out on the dance floor. I watched as a few other couples came out after Ash and Victoria.
He led her through the dance, and they managed to make it look like
