Falling for my boyfriend's Navy brother Chapter 146

The snow falls slow and lazy, like nature’s own confetti, catching the sunlight in tiny, glittering prisms. The air is crisp but not bitter, and for the first time in days, it feels like winter is trying to show off a softer side. The group stands in a loose cluster near the back door of the lodge, pulling on gloves, tightening scarves, and stomping feet to keep warm as Jenny holds up a laminated map. She looks like a camp counselor trying to herd a bunch of distracted kids.

“Alright, listen up!” she says, raising her voice over the chatter. “Few quick ground rules for the hike: Stay on the paths. Don’t bring food. Stick together. This is a forest, not a city park, alright? We’re in their territory.” She points at the trees, like the wolves and foxes might be waiting right there, listening to our plans.

A few people roll their eyes, but Jenny glares them into submission.

“I’m serious. There’s wildlife out here. Foxes, wolves, maybe a bear, though they’re probably still sleeping. Just... don’t be stupid, okay?”

Someone at the back snickers. “What are the odds we’ll run into a bear?”

Jenny’s eyes narrow. “Low, but not impossible. They don’t all hibernate. So, unless you want to end up a headline, stick to the paths.”

The laughter dies down. Jenny sighs, clearly pleased with herself. “Alright, let’s go. I’ll lead.”

People start moving, crunching through the snow, adjusting backpacks and beanies, and I sidestep a few clumsy shoves as I look for Tyler. I spot him a few steps away, his arm still slung over Zoe’s shoulder. My stomach twists, a knot of irritation tightening as I step closer, tapping his arm.

“Hey, you okay?” I ask, trying to sound casual.

He blinks at me, his eyes a little unfocused. “Huh? Yeah, I’m fine.”

I frown, my breath puffing out in a small white cloud. “Are you sure? You seem... off.”

He drops his arm from Zoe’s shoulders, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m fine, Penny. Relax.”

I open my mouth to push a little more, but he’s already turning away, muttering something to Zoe that makes her laugh. My stomach drops, the knot tightening.

“Penny,” a voice says behind me, low and urgent.

I turn to find Max pulling on his gloves, his jaw tight, his eyes a little too serious for a guy about to go on a hike. He steps closer, leaning in like he doesn’t want anyone else to hear.

“You shouldn’t be with him.”

I blink, thrown off by his tone. “What? What are you talking about?”

He glances at Tyler, who’s already striding toward the front of the group, his broad shoulders cutting through the sea of jackets and beanies. Max’s jaw tightens.

“Just... don’t. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

My heart skips a beat. “Max, what’s going on? Did something happen?”

He hesitates, running a hand through his hair, his breath coming out in quick, nervous puffs. “I’ll tell you later, okay? Just... don’t spend time with him today. Please.”

I want to press him, to demand an explanation, but before I can, the group starts moving, the noise of boots crunching through snow and excited voices cutting off our conversation. Max gives me one last look, something like regret flashing in his eyes, then he turns and disappears into the crowd.

I stand there for a second, my mind racing. What is he talking about? What does he mean by don’t spend time with Tyler? What the hell happened?

“Penny,” comes another deep, steady voice from behind me, and I whirl around, my pulse spiking.

Asher stands a few feet away, hands in his pockets, dark eyes steady on mine. His breath mists in the cold air, and his sharp jawline catches the dappled sunlight, making my stomach flip for entirely different reasons.

“This is the moment you’ve been waiting for,” he says, tilting his head a little.

“Huh?”

He steps closer, snow crunching beneath his boots, the warmth radiating off his body even through the cold air. He leans down a bit, his lips curving into a faint, teasing smirk. “Didn’t you tell me you wanted to find a snow bunny?”

I blink, a small laugh bubbling up before I can stop it.

“You remember that?” I ask, my heart doing that stupid fluttering thing again.

He shrugs, his eyes dropping to my lips for the briefest moment before meeting my gaze again. “I saw some tracks the other day. Followed them for a bit, but didn’t find the rabbit. Thought I’d try again.”

My chest feels too tight, my pulse too loud in my ears. He went looking for a snow bunny? For me?

I grin, leaning a little closer without meaning to. “Wait, were you planning on taking a picture of it or actually bringing it to me?”

He cocks an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth lifting a fraction more. “Depends. Would you rather a picture, or a live delivery?”

I laugh, shoving his shoulder lightly. “You’re not serious.”

He straightens, hands still in his pockets, but his eyes are warm, almost playful. “You don’t think I could catch one?”

“No,” I say, still grinning. “And if you somehow manage, I’m definitely not taking a wild animal home.”

He huffs a quiet laugh, the sound low and rough in his chest. “Fair enough.”

We fall into step beside each other as the group moves into the trees, the sun filtering down in golden streaks, the air filled with the crunch of snow and the distant echo of voices. I try to ignore the way my heart is racing, the way his shoulder brushes mine every few steps, the way I feel like I’m walking too close to the edge of a very dangerous, very exhilarating cliff.

*Live delivery.*

God help me.