The Bucket List Boyfriend (Boston Love #3)

Chapter 5

Maya

AFTER FIVE hours in the car, I’m ready to stretch my legs so I’m very relieved to finally see a sign for Bluebird Cottage.

We turn onto a long private road surrounded by trees. The inn is nestled in a forest preserve in the High Peaks Wilderness.

If the scenery looks this beautiful now, it must look spectacular in the fall with the changing colors of the leaves.

When we reach the end of the driveway, I’m speechless.

“Wow.” Even Max is impressed.

At the end of the winding, tree-lined driveway, the trees give way to a vast open space and Bluebird Cottage emerges like a hidden gem in the heart of the High Peaks Wilderness.

Although it’s larger than what I would call a “cottage,” it’s still delightfully quaint.

The two-story inn’s weathered shingles and white trim make it look like it came straight out of a Hallmark movie—complete with rose bushes in full bloom.

The owners clearly have greener fingers than I do, because it’s not just the roses that are impressive. The house is surrounded by a vibrant garden, bursting with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers.

But that’s not what has me speechless. The true magic lies just beyond the cottage—where the land gently slopes to reveal a breathtaking view. There, shimmering in the background, is a pristine lake, its surface a mirror reflecting the majestic peaks of the Adirondack Mountains.

I’m so glad I left the choice up to Max. He knocked this one out of the park.

“See Max? This is why I leave all the planning to you,” I say as he pulls the car into a parking spot for guests.

Max reaches to the backseat and pulls out a folder. When I see him fan it open, I realize it’s one of those expandable ones with different compartments.

And it’s packed with papers.

“We need all those papers for one little hiking trip?” I raise a brow and purse my lips to stop myself from smiling.

“Of course not.” Max ignores my teasing. “This is for all ten of the activities on our bucket list.”

He looks very pleased with himself.

If there’s one thing I learned about Max when we were growing up, it’s that he likes everything to be in order. It gives him a sense of control. I’m no therapist, but I have a theory as to why that is.

“Of course you’ve already planned everything down to the last detail.” I laugh. “I guess I should be thankful that at least one of us is organized.”

The truth is that I’m not disorganized. I was once head of the high school student body. I organized pep rallies, community outreaches, the fall festival, and talent shows. Now I organize the lives of the rich and famous. Well, their public relations at least, but I always have a lot going on, so to Max, I must look like I’m trying to herd cats.

Max pulls out a paper that I assume contains our booking details and looks over it briefly, probably memorizing all the details.

“Come on. Let’s get checked in. The owners are Mabel and Henry Pickles,” he informs me just before he exits the car.

I scramble out, the gravel crunching beneath my feet as I try to catch up to him. His long strides seem to eat up the space along the pathway that leads to the front door.

“Mabel and Henry Pickles? Did you just make that up?” I whisper, just in case the owners are within hearing range.

With Max, you just never know. Although his brothers might argue otherwise, he actually has a great sense of humor. It’s just that it’s very dry so I never know whether he’s joking or not.

In response to my question, he slows his stride enough to shove the piece of paper under my nose.

Well, who would have thought? This place really is owned by the Pickles.

Before I get the chance to make any further comment the door swings open and a short, round lady with a shock of white hair and kind eyes steps onto the wraparound porch.

“Hello my dears. You must be Max and Maya.”

“Hi. Yes.”

Max puts out his hand to shake hers, but she thwarts his very formal introduction by enveloping his hand in both of hers and patting him gently.

“Welcome to Bluebird Cottage. I’m Mabel Pickles, and this here is my husband, Henry.”

Henry, who’s not much taller than his wife, has followed Mabel out of the door and is beaming at us.

He stretches out his hand to shake ours, and gives a polite nod of the head in greeting, giving us a peek of the shining bald patch on the top.

His hair obviously migrated south because he’s got a full, bushy gray beard. He looks like a bald Santa.

“Welcome, welcome.” His deep rumbling voice is exactly as I imagine Santa sounds.

“We’re so delighted you chose our little inn,” Mabel says. “You must be exhausted after that long drive. Would you like to come inside for some coffee and cookies before we get you checked in properly?”

Henry, cupping a hand to his ear, catches only part of the conversation.

“What was that, dear?”

“Coffee and cookies, Henry,” Mabel enunciates slowly and loudly.

She ushers us inside with a wave of her hand.

“Don’t mind Henry. Deaf as a doorpost, that one,” she tells us.

“More toast?” Henry sounds a bit bewildered.

“See what I mean?” She rolls her eyes goodnaturedly. “You just settle yourselves here in our cozy den; I’ll bring a tray through for you.”

There is an eclectic mix of furniture in the room, along with some bookshelves that house some practically antique-looking books.

The hodge-podge of furniture somehow works, creating a homey, welcoming feel. It’s also surprisingly light.

I’d love to have a good nose around the rest of the place.

While we have coffee and cookies, served on very delicate looking china, Mabel regales us with the history of Bluebird Cottage.

“This inn has been in my family for generations, you know. My great-grandparents built it back in 1890, and it’s been a labor of love ever since. They started with just four rooms and the carriage house—”

Henry’s brow furrows.

“Four brooms? Who needs that many? You only need one, Mabel.”

Max and I exchange amused glances as Mabel chuckles and waves him off.

“No, rooms, Henry. Rooms .” Mabel practically shouts the words in his direction. “Four rooms. And now we’ve got ten! Anyway, it was originally a family home—of course families were larger back then—but over the years it became the cozy inn that you see today.”

“Nosy kin? Yes, Mabel’s family really are nosy. Her sister is always up in everybody’s business. A real busybody, that one.”

Poor old Henry really needs a hearing aid.

I stifle a giggle as Max tries to keep a straight face.

Mabel laughs and stands up. “Come on. Let’s get you dears checked in before this old coot drives us all crazy.”

When we’ve collected our overnight bags from the car with Henry’s assistance, we make our way back inside to the wooden check-in counter in the spacious entry that functions as a lobby.

Mabel chatters away while she’s finding the room key, sorting through stacks of papers on her desk, and writing in her ledger.

No computer in sight. I’m surprised Max hasn’t broken out in hives at the lack of technology.

“So how long have you dears been courting?”

Max gives me a startled look, clearly caught off guard by Mabel’s question.

Seeing that look makes me just want to tease him, so before he can respond, I link my arm through his and turn my mischievous smile in Mabel’s direction.

“A year, Mabel. We’ve been dating for a year. But we were best friends before that. We’ve known each other since we were kids.”

At least part of my story is true.

Max looks like he’s about to pass out.

“Best friends? Oh how lovely, dear! Best friends make the best couples, you know. Why, back in my day, Henry and I started as best friends too. Isn’t that right, Henry?”

Henry, who’s been puttering around by the lobby area, perks up, catching the last part of her sentence.

“What’s that, Mabel? Did you say they’re best men too? Who’s getting married?”

“No, Henry, I said best friends! Not best men. Although, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a wedding down the road! I can sense these things.”

She gives a little chuckle and Max turns beet red. He still hasn’t said a word.

While Mabel has her back turned, I wink at him before plowing on with my tall tale.

“You may be right, Mabel. I mean, who could resist such a handsome, charming, clever guy?” I put my hand on his chest. “Doesn’t he look just like Clark Kent?”

She adjusts her glasses and gives Max a once-over.

“Yes, he does look rather like Superman, doesn’t he?” She frowns at the ledger in front of her. “Now, I just want to check…I’ve got you booked in two separate rooms, just as you requested. Is that right?”

She sounds unsure.

My tall tale is starting to fall apart, and a quick glance at Max informs me that he’s still sporting a deer-in-the-headlights look, so he’s not going to be any help in this conversation.

I have to think on my feet.

Quick, Maya! Think of something!

“I’m old-fashioned, Mabel.” I lean forward, resting my free arm on the counter, and give her a cheeky grin. “The amusement park doesn’t open until the tickets are paid for, if you know what I mean.”

A glance out of the corner of my eye tells me Max is getting redder by the minute.

Sweet old Mabel pats my hand that’s resting on the check-in counter.

“Very sensible my dear. I wish more young folk thought that way. Nowadays everybody is giving the milk away for free. Just better not take too long to get a ring on that finger. You hear that, Max?” She turns her sweet weathered face in his direction. “Otherwise you’re sure to have some burning loins. She’s a beauty.”

I burst out laughing at Mabel’s directness, and Max starts having a coughing fit. She’s really shocked him.

And it’s all my fault for wanting to tease him a little.

He may not appreciate her candor, but she chuckles heartily at herself before touching her hair coyly and adding, “I know my Henry couldn’t keep his hands off me back when we were young.”

She finally hands us the keys.

“There you go. Henry will show you the way. Enjoy your stay. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to holler.”

Max can’t get out of the lobby area fast enough.

“You’re doing great, Max! I didn’t know you had it in you,” I say, glancing back at him.

For the past two hours we’ve been hiking on a trail that is a winding ribbon of dirt and rocks, leading us deeper into the High Peaks Wilderness.

One of the reasons Max chose Bluebird Cottage is that this intermediate hiking trail was close by.

It may not be a difficult trail, but it’s a very long one that loops around one of the many mountains.

“Yeah. Who knew there was more to me than spreadsheets and algorithms? I’ll be an outdoor expert in no time.”

Max sounds genuinely surprised that he’s managing so well. Aside from a little bit of huffing and puffing, he’s being a champ. He’s even remembered to film us for a lot of the hike.

I’m not about to bring up the fact that every time he hears leaves rustle he thinks it’s a bear. It would ruin the moment.

But I’m not above a little teasing.

“I thought your idea of an outdoor adventure was walking from the server room at your office to the coffee shop across the road?” I slow my pace slightly to let Max catch up.

Max grins, wiping sweat from his brow and trying to look as though he’s not dying for a break.

“I figured it was time to branch out. How hard can it be to walk in the woods for a few hours?”

I’m equal parts amused and concerned by his bravado. I hope he’s not pushing himself too hard because he’s trying to keep up with me.

Max is blessed with a naturally athletic build. I think it’s part of the reason he was never teased at school. Well, that and the fact that he was just a genuinely nice guy to everybody.

Of course, it didn’t hurt that both of his older brothers were part of the popular crowd.

Although I know he works out, it’s usually just in his home gym with some weights and a treadmill. He’s not used to walking long distances on uneven terrain.

I go hiking fairly regularly with Axel and even my legs are starting to burn a bit. I can only imagine what Max’s legs feel like.

“You know, you don’t have to impress me, right? We’re just out here to have fun.”

A flash of something I can’t quite put my finger on crosses Max’s face. His jaw clenches a bit and he swallows, before schooling his expression into something more neutral.

“Don’t worry. I’ll let you know if I need to take a break.”

As Max pulls out his phone to start recording again, I catch a movement out of the corner of my eye.

“Oh look! A snake. Isn’t it cute?”

I crouch down and pick up the little guy, letting him slither through my fingers and Max lets out a yelp.

“Maya!” Max’s voice cracks in a way that would make a prepubescent boy proud. “What are you doing? Put it down!”

Turning to face him, I see he looks like he’s about to have a heart attack…although thankfully he’s still recording because this little danger noodle really is the cutest and I’ll want to look at this footage again. I don’t think Max has even registered the fact that he’s still holding his phone up.

He’s too busy looking at me in horror.

“Relax Max.” I hold out the snake to him but he takes a step back. “It’s just a harmless little garter snake. At least, I think it’s a garter.”

“You think? Maya! You think ?” He raises his eyes to the heavens like he’s praying for strength. “Think doesn’t cut it when we’re talking about dangerous creatures.”

“Dangerous creatures? Pfft. This little guy is precious.”

“Please put it down before I have to call emergency services.”

I sigh and bend back down to release the little guy and when I stand up I see Max has pocketed his phone again.

“See? No emergency services required.”

“Maya, why do you do that?”

“Do what? Pick up snakes? Because they’re adorable of course!”

“No. I mean, I worry about you being reckless. You weren’t one hundred percent sure it was a garter snake, so why take the risk?” he asks as we resume walking.

“But it wasn’t really a risk. I mean, I know enough about the venomous snakes in the northeast that I know it wasn’t any of those. I knew for certain it wasn’t venomous, I just wasn’t sure what type of harmless snake it was. I love snakes. They’re so misunderstood.”

“I know you love snakes.” Max sounds resigned to the fact. “I haven’t forgotten that you snuck one into your bedroom when you were eight because you wanted to keep it as a pet. And the maid found it when she was cleaning in your room and screamed so loudly your parents thought somebody was being attacked.”

I laugh. “Oh yes! Roger the ratsnake. Poor Maria thought it was a black mamba. I tried to explain that you don’t even get those here, but I think she was too hysterical to care. That incident gave her and my dad a few gray hairs.”

“Yeah, well you’re going to give me gray hairs if you keep this up.”

He looks genuinely concerned about this.

“I think you need to frame this differently Max. Maybe it’s good for you. Like exposure therapy. Maybe it’ll help you loosen up a bit.”

“I don’t want exposure therapy to snakes. Or bears for that matter. Or any creatures other than birds and squirrels, really. Just so you know, if we run into anything bigger than a squirrel, I’m using you as a human shield.”

“Deal,” I say, laughing. “But only because I know you’d never actually let anything happen to me.”

Max shoots me a mock glare, but the truth is, he wouldn’t. Even if it means facing down the most terrifying of creatures—snakes or, heaven forbid, bears.

“Well, I don’t want to test that theory so we’d better not come across anything bigger. Are you sure I packed the bear spray?”

That makes me chuckle. I’m not about to tell him I don’t think that spray even works.

“Yes, Max. You’ve asked me that three times. And we’ve already stopped once to double check that it’s in your backpack.”

I shake my head as we round a bend and I lose my train of thought as I’m blown away by the spectacular view from a rocky outcrop.

We’re pretty high up here and the world below unfurls like a vast, untouched canvas. It’s a tapestry of forest, lakes, and hills for as far as the eye can see.

“Woah.”

Max takes off the large backpack that contains our water and a map, a first aid kit, the infamous bear spray, and who knows what else.

He sits down on the large smooth rock that I would imagine is a popular photo spot. He rubs his shoulder, which makes me think he’s probably been more uncomfortable than he let on.

Like a true gentleman, Max insisted on carrying everything, even though he’s making it much harder for himself.

I plonk myself next to him, grateful for the break because I’m hot and thirsty.

The view from here is magnificent.

With the safety police sitting next to me, I don’t venture too close to the edge, even though the rock creates a nice overhang.

I’m tempted to lean over the edge because Max really does need to learn to loosen up a bit. But considering his heart rate and blood pressure are already up from the snake incident, I don’t want to push my luck. Then I’ll be the one calling emergency services because he’s had a heart attack.

No, we need to do this loosening up in baby steps.

I motion to the view with the water bottle I’m drinking from.

“It’s pretty amazing. It reminds me of Shenandoah National Park. Mary’s Rock. Although this is a slightly flatter version.”

Max grunts a response, probably too tired to form a coherent thought.

Axel would love it, but I don’t add that.

Max is unfailingly polite to Axel but I get the impression he doesn’t particularly like the guy. He talks to Axel, and asks him polite questions, but he always has his guard up. Kind of like the Luke situation.

Every time I bring him up, Max starts fiddling with his glasses and clams right up.

I used to think adjusting his glasses was just a nervous gesture, but I’ve realized it’s more than that. He does it whenever he’s uncomfortable.

Once I asked Max if he disliked Axel for any reason and he replied, “He’s a nice guy,” and then very quickly changed the subject.

Sometimes I think I know Max so well, and other times I think I don’t know him at all. Sometimes what’s going on in his head is a mystery.

Shaking my head, I try to clear it of these thoughts and be in the moment. I take a deep breath in and stretch my legs out and enjoy the sun on my bare skin.

If I wasn’t enjoying the view so much I could easily fall asleep here, basking in the sun.

Although the sun is shining, it’s not unbearably hot.

The air up here is crisp and clean, carrying with it the earthy scent of moss and pine needles, and the only sounds are the distant calls of birds and the soft whisper of the wind as it dances through the trees. It’s a view that takes your breath away.

And I get to enjoy it with my best friend. Life doesn’t get better than this.

“It’s so beautiful, isn’t it?” I say with a sigh.

“The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Max replies.

The strange catch in Max’s voice makes me turn my head to find his eyes on me.

His face is close enough that I can see the tiny gold flecks in his brown eyes.

I’ve sat this close to him before. I’ve seen his eyes a million times before, so why am I only really noticing the flecks in them now and the way the light catches them? They’re…beautiful.

The fact that I think that startles me a bit.

I lick my lips and Max’s eyes dart to my mouth.

He reaches for my face and I hold my breath. Just when I think he’s going to touch me, he plucks something out of my hair.

“Twig,” he says, and flicks it away, never taking his eyes off my face.

And the way he’s looking at me right now—I have to suppress a shiver.

“You…You feeling okay, Max?”

He gives me a small smile.

“Actually, I’ve never been better,” he says before facing the view again and taking a long swig from his own water bottle.

And for some reason I don’t want to examine too closely, I’m mesmerized by the sight of his Adam’s apple moving as he swallows. There’s something kind of sexy about it.

Oh good gracious. What is wrong with me? I should be asking myself if I feel okay.

I’m starting to think somebody’s neck is sexy?

And not just any somebody. Max! My best friend.

Sure, I’ve always known he was a very good-looking guy. It’s just objective truth.

And a secret I plan to take to the grave (outside of Sophie of course) is that I had a massive crush on him in high school.

But, that was years ago, when I was a hormonal teenager, and this is just…my Max.

“Come on.” Max stands up and reaches a hand out to pull me up. “Let’s get going.”

When he pulls me up I notice how his shirt stretches tightly over his defined biceps. When did Max get biceps like that?

And why am I thinking about Max’s biceps?

I try to shake the thoughts from my head as he pulls me up.

It’s not that I really find him sexy.

No. I can acknowledge that he’s physically attractive, but that doesn’t mean I actually like him.

It’s just that I’m not used to seeing him in this outdoor environment. It’s unfamiliar. That’s all. There’s nothing more to it.

What Mabel said earlier probably just got into my head. Tomorrow everything will feel normal again. I’m just hot and tired, and I’m not myself. No wonder my brain is playing tricks on me.

It must be too much sun.

Yes, that’s definitely the reason.