Chapter 5
Luke
We enter the cabin, and she disappears into the bedroom. I hear the shower turn on, and I will my hard-on away. I picture everything that is happening behind that door, and boy, do I want it in real time.
I stare just a little too long at her every time she’s around.
She doesn’t really fit. You can tell she belongs in the city, sitting at cafés, shopping in bookstores, writing her stories, and calling people out on their bullshit.
It’s funny how she can say three words, and it instantly makes me feel a certain way.
She makes me want to argue with her, and at the same time, throw her down and have my way with her.
And yet…
Despite all that, she seems like she’s taken to mountain life in a short amount of time.
She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, and though she wasn’t happy hearing about the storm, she didn’t sulk and cry like a little girl.
She just got to work. I know it’s only been a few hours, and the novelty will wear off, but could she fit here?
Could she fit with me?
Could I even let her in?
I hear the door creak open, and she comes out wearing that damn fucking tank top and short shorts. I huff a laugh to myself and take back every word. She doesn’t get it.
“Something funny?”
“Mm,” I grunt and bend down in front of the fire. “Just remembering your face.”
When she’s silent, I turn around to see her with her middle finger in the air. “Next time, remember this.”
I bark a laugh and again, the sound takes me by surprise. I clear my throat. “It’s going to get cold, you should put on some real clothes.”
She does a twirl. “I’m fine.”
Yes, the fuck you are.
“If you’re so worried about me, go make me something hot, mountain man,” she presses with sarcasm.
I shake my head and brush past her. “Already one step ahead,” I say as the kettle begins to whistle.
I pour us some tea and bring both mugs in where she’s settled in front of the fireplace.
The wind is really blowing now, and the rain hits the roof and windows in an angry pattern.
Those beautiful leaves that city folk come to stare at are being ripped from the trees by the wind.
It doesn’t faze me, but I notice she seems on edge.
Whether it’s from the storm or just me being in her space, I don’t know.
Quinn leans back against the couch, watching the flames, that damn almost-see-through tank top back in place. “So, are you staying the night or should I pull a Coyote Ugly at two in the morning?”
I snicker. “I think we both know no one is chewing their arm off to get away from me.” The words are out before I can think about them yet again, and it reminds me it’s been some time since I’ve had banter with someone like this. It feels too easy, and fun, and that puts me back on guard.
“Luke! Did you just make a joke?”
“No joke. Just truth.”
Jesus, who am I right now? Am I flirting?
“Yeah, you do kinda fit the cliché of romance novels, don’t you?”
I furrow my brows at her. “I do?”
She waves her hand around. “Oh, please. Don’t act so modest. You’re hot. And I bet you look hotter when you chop wood.”
I shake my head at her. “I look nothing but a sweaty mess when I chop wood.”
“Sounds like a perfect storyline to me.”
“Storyline?”
She nods her head. “I’m a romance writer—if I’m allowed to call myself that anymore. I’ve had nothing but loser boyfriends, and the last one cheated on me. So, I’m just waiting for my romance card to be revoked.”
I scoff, leaning back on one arm and stretching my legs in front of me. “Well, I already know he was a complete asshole.”
Her eyes widen, and then she raises a brow and points at me, and I know I’m in for it. “Did you just defend me?”
Her sarcastic tone makes me smile, even though I try to hide it. I shrug. “I mean, maybe you are a mouthy brat, but if I was the guy with you on my arm? I wouldn’t be out looking for something else.”
She wears a smug grin, and I know I just showed my hand a little. “Well, Luke, you surprise me.”
I gulp down the last of my tea before getting up and throwing another log on the fire.
“To answer your question, yes, I’m staying here tonight.
Don’t worry. I’ll sleep out here, and you can shut the door on the bedroom.
But this storm could turn into something more, and it wouldn't feel right for me to leave you alone.”
She watches me move around the cabin. I can feel her eyes on me without looking at her.
“Thank you,” she says so quietly I almost miss it. “I’m out of my comfort zone if you haven’t noticed, so though I’m welcoming the change, change is also scary.”