3. Ava
Ava
Warmth wraps around me like the coziest blanket in the entire library romance section.
I blink slowly into the soft morning light filtering through the cabin windows.
My cheek presses against something solid and warm.
Not a pillow. Definitely not a pillow. A heartbeat thuds steady and strong beneath my ear.
Oh my goodness. I’m curled up against Jax Hartman like a sleepy kitten who has claimed her favorite mountain.
Heat floods my cheeks as the memories rush back.
The attack at my apartment. Bullets and shattered glass.
Jax scooping me up like I weighed nothing and carrying me to safety while returning fire like some action hero from my secret late night reads.
And then last night. His arms around me on this very bed.
His low voice murmuring that he had me. I must have fallen asleep like that.
Clinging to a US Marshal who smells like pine and pure delicious danger.
I stay perfectly still for another second. Just breathing him in. My inner narrator is already drafting chapter titles like Snuggled by the Grumpy Protector and Waking Up in Marshal Daddy's Arms. Not helpful right now Ava. Focus on not drooling on his shirt.
The scent of something amazing drifts from the small kitchen area. Buttery. Sweet. With a hint of vanilla. My stomach gives an enthusiastic growl that betrays me completely. Waffles. Actual waffles. In the middle of a blizzard hideout. Is this man trying to ruin me for all other breakfasts?
I sit up slowly. The heavy quilt pools around my waist. My fuzzy socks have stayed on somehow.
Small victories. Jax stands at the kitchen counter with his back to me.
Those broad shoulders stretch his dark thermal shirt in ways that should be illegal in all fifty states.
Muscles flex as he works the waffle iron.
His dark hair is slightly tousled from sleep or lack of it.
He looks capable and focused and so ridiculously attractive that my brain short circuits.
"Good morning," I squeak. My voice comes out softer and breathier than I planned.
I tug my oversized cardigan tighter around myself like it might hide how fast my heart races.
"I... um... did I sleep on you all night? Because that would be mortifying and also kind of amazing and I’m so sorry if I stole all the blankets or elbowed you or anything. "
Jax turns. Those intense eyes lock onto mine and something warm sparks in them. His jaw softens just a fraction. Not quite a smile. More like the promise of one. "Morning. You needed the rest. And I didn’t mind one bit."
He didn’t mind. My stomach does another happy flip that’s got nothing to do with hunger.
I slide off the bed and pad across the wooden floor in my fuzzy socks.
The cabin feels different in daylight. Cozy and rustic with the wood stove crackling gently and snow piled high against the windows.
Safe. Even with cartel bad guys probably still out there somewhere.
The waffle iron hisses as Jax lifts the lid.
Golden perfect waffles steam up at me. My mouth waters instantly.
"You made waffles? In a remote mountain safe house?
Are you secretly a breakfast wizard? Because I love waffles.
Like... unreasonably so. I have a whole ranking system for them at home.
Crispy edges. Fluffy inside. Real maple syrup if possible. These look championship level."
A low chuckle rumbles from his chest. The sound vibrates through me in the best way. "I love ‘em too. Learned to make them during long stakeouts. Keeps the energy up when you’re waiting for trouble." He plates two and slides them toward me across the counter. "Sit. Eat. Syrup’s on the table."
I hop onto the stool. My legs swing a little because they don’t quite reach the floor. Jax watches me with this intense protective gaze that makes me feel seen. Really seen. Not just the librarian who witnessed a cartel deal. But me. Ava who organizes books by mood.
I drizzle syrup over the waffles. The first bite is pure heaven. Warm. Sweet. Perfectly cooked. A happy little moan escapes me before I can stop it. "Oh wow. These are incredible. You’re now officially my favorite US Marshal. Not that I’ve met many. But still. Top of the list."
His eyes darken as he watches me eat. He leans against the counter. Arms crossed over that powerful chest. "Good. I plan on staying there." The possessiveness in his voice sends heat curling low in my belly. I duck my head and take another bite to hide my blush.
We eat in companionable silence for a few minutes.
Every time our eyes meet that spark jumps higher.
I steal glances at him between bites. The way his hands look so strong yet gentle with the coffee mug.
The scar on his jaw that I want to trace with my finger.
The way he keeps positioning himself between me and the door like he’s ready for anything.
This connection feels instant. Like we’ve known each other longer than one terrifying day. Like my heart already recognizes his as the one that’ll keep it safe.
After a while I set my fork down. My fingers twist in my cardigan sleeves. "So... what do we have planned today Marshal Hartman? Snowshoeing? Board games? Witness protection charades? I’m surprisingly good at dramatic readings of ingredient labels if we get bored."
Jax sets his plate aside. He crosses the space between us in two powerful strides and stops right in front of my stool.
Towering. Solid. His hand comes up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.
The touch is gentle but his eyes burn with a feral intensity I can’t ignore.
"Keeping you alive, Ava. That’s the plan.
Every minute of every day until this threat is over. "
The words settle over me like a warm blanket and a thrilling promise all at once. My breath catches. "Keeping me alive," I repeat softly. My voice goes all shy and whispery. "I like the sound of that. Especially when you say it like that. All growly and protective. It makes me feel... safe."
His thumb brushes my cheek. Just once. But it leaves a trail of heat. "Good. Because you are safe with me."
I bite my lip. Shyness wars with the growing warmth between us. My brain supplies an entire montage of us sharing this cabin. Stolen glances. Heated touches. Slow burn turning into something scorching. But the sensible librarian part reminds me there are dangerous men out there who want me gone.
Still. With Jax looking at me like I’m the hottest woman he’s ever protected I can’t help the hopeful sparkle that bubbles up.
"Thank you for the waffles. And for last night.
And for... everything. I know this is your job but it feels like more already.
Is that weird? Probably weird. I read too many books. "
"Not weird." His voice drops lower. Rougher. "This stopped feeling like just a job the second I saw you in that library. Now eat another waffle. You’re going to need your strength. I’m checking the perimeter but I’ll be close."
He leans in. For a heartbeat I think he might kiss me.
My eyes flutter half closed. Instead his lips brush my forehead in a protective promise that makes my toes curl in my fuzzy socks.
Then he steps back. Grabs his jacket. And heads for the door with that powerful stride that screams alpha protector.
I watch him go. Heart racing. Cheeks warm. Already counting the minutes until he comes back inside to this little world that’s just us. One cabin. One bed. And a connection that feels like it was written in the stars. Or at least in one of my favorite romance novels.
I finish my waffles with a dreamy little sigh. Life threatening cartel drama aside. Waking up to Jax Hartman making breakfast might be the best plot twist ever.