CHAPTER 9

But then again, running away wouldn't solve anything. I'd been doing that all my life, hadn't I? Running away from the shadow of my father's reputation, from the truth about myself, from the fear of being judged.

Before I could form a response to Max, my phone buzzed again. Another text.

This time, it was from Syrus.

I quickly opened it, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"Hi beautiful, can we have a getaway weekend at my cabin? It'll be just us, away from everything."

Damn.

What do I do now?

My mind raced as I read and reread the message. I enjoyed both of their company for entirely different reasons. Syrus was charming, funny, and undeniably thoughtful, and spending a weekend at a luxurious cabin sounded like a dream. But then there was Max—distant and complicated, yes, but also the one who tugged at my heartstrings in a way I couldn't explain.

Hiking or a cozy cabin? Max or Syrus?

I sighed, feeling torn. But deep down, I knew. I had to pick Max. Not because a hiking trip sounded better—if I was being honest, it didn't—but because I couldn't let this opportunity slip through my fingers. I missed him too much, and there were too many unanswered questions.

Before I could overthink it, I texted Syrus back.

"Hi, Syrus. Thank you so much for the invite—it sounds amazing, truly—but unfortunately, I already have plans this weekend. I'm so sorry, but I hope we can plan something another time."

I hit send and immediately felt a pang of guilt. Anyone else would jump at the chance to spend a weekend with Syrus. Who says no to a billionaire offering a private cabin getaway?

But I had to follow my heart, even if it felt like a gamble.

I turned my attention back to Max's text and finally replied.

"Hi, Max. Hiking sounds great. What time should I be ready?"

As soon as I sent it, my heart thumped wildly in my chest. I felt a mix of anticipation and worry. Did I make the right choice? Would this weekend bring me closer to Max or leave me with even more questions?

Either way, there was no turning back now.

It felt like an eternity waiting for their responses.

Every passing second made my nerves worse. I couldn't stop overthinking everything.

How would Syrus take my decline? He wasn't the type of man to hear "no" very often, if at all. Especially not from someone like me. I hoped he wouldn't be upset or offended. The last thing I wanted was to disappoint him after all the kind things he had done for me.

And then there was Max. What if he sent that text to me by mistake? What if it was meant for someone else, and now I'd look ridiculous for saying yes?

The possibility made my chest tighten, and my palms were clammy with sweat. I felt like I couldn't breathe.

"Calm down," I muttered to myself, pacing back and forth in my living room. "It's just a couple of texts. Stop overreacting."

But my nerves didn't listen.

My phone buzzed.

I froze.

Heart pounding, I reached for it. My hand trembled as I opened the screen, and there it was—a reply from Max.

"Perfect. I'll pick you up at 8 a.m. Wear something comfortable, and don't forget your hiking boots. Looking forward to it."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. He wasn't pulling away anymore. He actually wanted to spend time with me.

And just as I started to feel a sense of relief, my phone buzzed again.

It was Syrus.

"I completely understand. Another time, then. Take care, beautiful."

His response was gracious, but I couldn't help but feel the weight of my decision. Syrus was always so kind and considerate, and yet I chose Max—the man who had been distant and confusing lately.

For a moment, I felt conflicted again, wondering if I made the right choice. But deep down, I knew. I needed answers from Max, and this hike might finally give me the opportunity to understand where we stood.

I just hoped my heart could handle whatever I discovered.

A firm knock at the door jolted me out of my thoughts. My heart skipped a beat as I rushed to open it.

There he was—Max, standing tall and confident, dressed in a casual yet rugged hiking outfit. He wore a fitted olive-green t-shirt that hugged his chest and shoulders just right, paired with khaki shorts that revealed his toned legs. A pair of sturdy hiking boots completed his look, along with a backpack slung over one shoulder. His hair looked effortlessly tousled, and the light stubble on his jawline added to his rugged charm.

I froze for a moment, taking him in, my eyes lingering just a little too long. How could someone look this good in hiking gear?

"Uh, hi," I managed to say, my voice a little breathless.

He tilted his head slightly, his hazel eyes warm but curious. "Hi. Is everything okay?"

Realizing I had been caught staring, I snapped out of my trance and stammered, "Oh! Yes, uh, everything's fine. It's just… those shorts really compliment your legs. You look good."

The words tumbled out before I could stop them, and I instantly regretted how awkward I sounded.

His lips curved into a small smile, and he chuckled softly. "Thank you. And you…" His gaze swept over me appreciatively. "…you look quite lovely yourself."

I glanced down at my outfit, suddenly feeling self-conscious. I had chosen a simple but flattering look: black leggings paired with a fitted, pastel blue tank top layered under a lightweight hoodie. My hiking boots were new, and I had tied my hair into a high ponytail. Functional, but I hoped I didn't look too plain next to him.

"Thanks," I murmured, feeling my cheeks heat up under his gaze. His tone was casual, pleasant, but there was no trace of the warmth or excitement I'd been hoping for. No sign of anger or explanation for why he had ghosted me after our date. It was maddening, yet I couldn't deny the butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

Before I could overthink it any further, Max stepped closer and wrapped me in a brief hug. It caught me off guard, his scent—a mix of fresh pine and something distinctly him—making my head spin.

"Let's go," he said, pulling back and giving me a friendly smile. "I don't want us to get there late."

I nodded, still feeling the warmth of his hug lingering on my skin. I turned to grab my bag, closed the door behind me, and followed him to his black jeep parked just outside.

The vehicle was spotless, sleek, and exuded the same quiet confidence that Max carried. He opened the passenger door for me, a gesture that made my heart skip a beat.

As I climbed in, I couldn't help but steal another glance at him. The way he moved with such ease and quiet authority was mesmerizing.

He slid into the driver's seat, his hands gripping the wheel as he started the engine. The sound of it roaring to life mirrored the anticipation buzzing in my chest.