His boss, on the other hand, seems to really care about my family’s name. Viktor’s been sending me emails asking about what my specific interests are in Kyla, if anyone else in my family wants to join a program, and even if I’ll pose for some pictures with him that he can use in their marketing. Despite that sounding like literal torture, I agreed because I don’t want to disappoint Cody or create any issues with his boss when I’m hoping to spend more time with him in Linna.
Finally, we land and I’ve never been happier to deplane. I was surprised to find out there’s a small international airport close to Linna with flights directly from Chicago and other major cities. Cody explained that it was one of the reasons Viktor chose Linna for their headquarters, which makes sense.
I rush to get my checked bag, which is already there because this place is so tiny, and when I pass the security checkpoint, my giant smile might rival Cody’s. I spot him waiting for me with a pick-up sign that just has a poorly drawn cartoon cat on it in black marker, and I can’t help but laugh.
The second he sees me, he drops the sign and breaks out into a full-blown sprint. I barely have time to drop my bags in anticipation before he launches himself at me.
He wraps his legs around my waist like he isn’t a giant who probably has fifty-plus pounds on me. My lifting time in the gym has clearly paid off, though, because I’m able to catch and hold him as he squeezes me with his entire body.
He cradles my face in his hands and leans in for a surprisingly sweet kiss. I wasn’t sure how he’d react to seeing me again, but this is way better than anything I’d pictured.
Clearly, Cody isn’t worried about PDA. I wasn’t sure how accepting Montana would be of same-sex relationships, but when we finally pull apart, and Cody hops down to take my hand with one of his and my bag with his other, the only looks I notice are smirks at our over-the-top display.
“Hi,” he finally says, and I chuckle.
“That’s the only way I want to be greeted from now on,” I tease, and he blushes. I fucking love making him blush. I follow it up with a wink, watching his cheeks darken further.
“Sorry if that was a little obnoxious. I’m just so excited to see you,” he explains, sounding shy.
I don’t want him to ever feel like he needs to hold back around me. “Cody, I love how excited you get about things. There’s never a need to apologize to me about something making you happy,” I reassure him and lean in for a quick kiss on his cheek.
“Okay,” he agrees with a huge grin.
“So, what's the plan for today?” I ask as we finally head outside.
“We’ll stop by my house first to drop off your stuff, and then Viktor wants to show you around headquarters. We’ll probably be there for most of the day.” He sounds excited, so I attempt to squash down my disappointment that his answer wasn’thang out at my house naked. “Then we’ll do dinner at the Old Mill,” he continues. I’m assuming that’s a restaurant, so I nod, giving him a smile. I like that he wants me to like his city as much as he does.
During the drive through town, he catches me up on his morning and points out different things about the area as we pass.
Linna is a small city of just over ten thousand people, nestled beneath a stunning mountain. Cody explains how the town was first established during the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the 1800s. Over time, factories employed most of the locals, but as younger generations moved away and technology reduced the need for workers, the population began to dwindle. With the factories gone and the airport at risk of closing, the town was full of empty, abandoned homes.
“Viktor had a dream one night about building a state-of-the-art campus for the company headquarters beneath a beautiful mountain right next to an airport so that everyone had easy access,” Cody says with a sense of wonder. “He wants everyone here to always have a reason to look up and remember to keep striving for their next peak.”
Does Cody actually believe this guy had some divine vision?More likely, it was a strategic land grab—cheap property with convenient access. Viktor clearly has a flair for dramatics, and Cody is so trusting and positive that he probably buys into the whole story.
“When they started building the campus, it created a lot of local job opportunities for the people who were still in the area. Viktor offered them free Kyla programs so they’d know more about the company that was moving in. Most of them still participate in courses today.”
Awesome,a whole city full of people drinking the Kool-Aid.I shake off that disturbing thought. I’m sure it’s not like that.
Obviously, Cody is into it too, so they’re not all bad. But the emails I’ve been exchanging with Viktor, combined with the weird vibes I got during the classes Cody didn’t teach in Florida, have me wary of this place.
Cody being genuinely happy all of the time is adorable and refreshing, but a place whereeveryoneis like that seems unrealistic.
As we drive, he points out the high school, grocery store, police department, post office, and fire station, naming all his friends who work there. It’s like he knows everyone. Growing up in Chicago, I can’t imagine knowing anyone everywhere I go, but I guess that’s normal in small towns.
We pass a neighborhood of very cookie-cutter McMansions with a sign advertising available lots. I’m surprised to see so many new homes, honestly. I wonder how many people have moved here just for Kyla.
We drive through the quaint downtown that looks straight out of a made-for-TV movie. Old buildings with small stores and businesses line both sides of the main street, with people walking around enjoying the weather. Every single one waves as we pass, and Cody continues naming people and pointing out his favorite places.
Then we pull onto a side street not far from downtown, and it’s full of older-looking homes. They’re all well-maintained with a lot of character and charm. I’d definitely rather live in one of these than the new builds.
Cody pulls into the driveway of a beautiful white Victorian farmhouse with a wraparound porch, complete with a swing. It’s the quintessential American dream home and fits him perfectly.
“I’m surprised you don’t have a dog. This yard would be great for one,” I say, looking around the spacious grass enclosed by a white picket fence.
“I’d love a dog,” he says, a little sadly. “But I travel so much, it wouldn’t be fair to them.”
I want to tell him I’ll get a dog for him. I’ll let it live with me, and he can see it whenever we’re together. I want to tell him I’ll do anything not to hear that sadness in his voice again. But I know I’m getting ahead of myself.
