Chapter 5
Todd
Savannah’s sitting in Colton’s bed, her arms crossed, one knee bouncing like she’s ready to launch out the door the instant she gets a chance. Her blonde hair’s still a little messy from sleep, but it suits her, softening the sharpness in her features. Not that the sharpness isn’t appealing—it is. To be honest, I might find it a bit too appealing for my own good.
“So”—I lean against the wall and shove my hands in my jeans pockets to keep from fidgeting—“what were you doing out there in the middle of nowhere?”
She glances up at me, and her eyes are like a forest pond—beautiful, green, and guarded. “Driving.”
I raise an eyebrow. “That much I figured.”
She shifts on the mattress, clenches the blankets, and pulls them higher toward her chin. “I was on my way to Northwick Cove.”
That throws me for a second. “You were coming here? On purpose?”
She rolls her eyes, the corner of her mouth twitching like she’s fighting a smile. “Yes, on purpose. I have a reservation at a bed-and-breakfast in town. Northwick Peace, I think?”
Diana, Mason, Jack, and Elliot’s place. I nod slowly, biting back a grin. I’m wondering how she will react to our infamous, local menage quartet. “Well, they’ll be glad to meet you. Diana’s a great cook, and the men... they’re pretty good at making sure guests feel welcome.”
She tilts her head, studying me like she’s trying to figure out what I’m not saying. I keep my face neutral. Let her find out about the menage on her own.
“What brings you to Maine?” I ask lightly.
“Vacation.”
“Vacation, huh? You don’t strike me as the typical tourist.”
“I don’t know about your typical.” She glances at the window and presses her lips into a thin line. “I just... needed a change of scenery.”
Her voice is flat, evasive, and I recognize a dodge when I hear one. She’s not ready to share, and I’m not about to push. Still, I can’t help but notice how she clutches the edge of the blanket draped over her lap, like she’s holding onto it for dear life.
“You like the cold, then?” I ask. Okay, yeah, I’m pushing.
She snorts softly and snaps her gaze back to me. “Not really. Florida doesn’t exactly prepare you for weather like this.”
“Not a fan of snow?”
“Not a fan of freezing my ass off,” she shoots back, her tone dry.
I chuckle, pushing off the wall. “Fair enough. So, you like hiking?”
“Not unless you count hiking to the nearest coffee shop.” The smallest hint of a smirk tugs at her lips.
Her sarcasm shouldn’t be endearing, but damn if it doesn’t make me want to know what’s underneath it. “Well, you’re in luck. We’ve got coffee downstairs. That hike shouldn’t be too strenuous for a Miami girl. But first”—I gesture toward the hallway—“let me show you the bathroom. Hot water should help you thaw out some more.”
She pushes back the blankets and stands, unfolding herself from the bed, and I must remind myself not to stare. She’s taller than I expected, maybe five-nine, with long legs and a body that looks strong but is soft in all the right places.
“This way.” I lead her down the hall, push open the bathroom door, and step aside to let her in. “Towels are on the rack. Take your time.”
“Thanks.” She leans against the doorframe, crossing her arms again. “And what happens after I’m thawed?”
“You’ll meet Colton,” I say, my lips twitching into a grin. “And you might even get a coffee out of it.”
She narrows her eyes playfully. “No yucky tea?”
“Don’t tell Mel,” I whisper, winking as I back away.
For the first time since we found her, she smiles. It’s small, almost hesitant, but it lights up her face in a way that catches me off guard. I clear my throat and head downstairs before I make a fool of myself.
Colton sits at the kitchen table when I get there. He crosses his arms and scowls the instant he spots me.
The coffee pot gurgles on the counter, filling the kitchen with the rich, bitter smell that makes mornings bearable.
“You look like you’ve been chewing on nails.” I place a frying pan on the stove and grab the oil.
When I glance at him, he glares at me. “We don’t know her.”
“She’s stranded, Colton. What were we supposed to do, leave her out there to freeze?” After getting a carton of eggs and the bacon from the freezer, I grab two bowls and start cracking six eggs.
“It’s not about that, and you know it! This is about you, and you following her around like a lovestruck teenager.” Despite his protests, he gets up and starts helping me with breakfast by popping slices of bread in the toaster. “She’s going to leave. Why are you getting your hopes up?”
“My hopes aren’t up,” I lie, pouring myself a mug of coffee.
Colton snorts. “Sure, they’re not. I’ve seen that look on your face before.”
I let the rich, dark aroma fill the silence between us. “And what look would that be, exactly?” I ask lightly. No sense letting him get under my skin.
Colton merely glares at the toaster like it’s personally offended him. I roll my eyes, grab his cup, and dump the tepid fluid into the sink before refilling it with fresh brew. I set it in front of him with a, “You’re welcome,” then start beating the eggs with vigor.
Without a word of thanks, he picks up the mug and takes a long sip. Typical.
“You’re picking a fight, but I’m not biting.” I toss the bacon in the hot pan and enjoys the sizzle. “Let’s talk about something that doesn’t make you sound like a grumpy old man.”
He shoots me a glare that could strip paint, but I barrel on. “Like the town, for instance. Or the Sea Spirit . Or the fact that she’s staying at Northwick Peace.”
That gets his attention. His brows pull together. “She’s staying there?”
I nod. “She’s got a reservation. Guess she doesn’t know who runs the place.”
Colton’s lips twitch, but it’s not a smile. “Well, that’ll be an interesting introduction.”
“Yeah.” I grin, despite myself. “I wonder how she’ll react when she finds out Diana, Mason, Jack, and Elliot all share the same bed.”
Colton grunts and takes another sip of coffee. “Probably the same way most people do.”
“Which is?”
“Shock. Confusion. She’ll be halfway out the door before Diana can offer her a biscuit.”
I laugh. “You’re underestimating Diana’s charm. That woman could talk a snowstorm into clearing up.”
Colton shakes his head and sets down his mug. “Doesn’t mean she’ll stick around. People like her don’t stay. You know that.”
“People like her?” My tone sharpens despite my best effort not to let Colton rile me. “Like people of the female gender?”
“She’s from the city.” He shrugs like it’s obvious. “She’s not cut out for this place. And she’s definitely not going to take one look at Diana and her husbands and think, ‘Oh, this is where I belong.’”
I bristle, leaning forward. “What’s your problem with them, anyway? They’re happy. They make it work.”
“I don’t have a problem with them,” he snaps, “but let’s not pretend it’s easy. People here tolerate it because it’s them, and people respect Jack, fear Mason, and no one can get mad at Elliot. But you’ve heard the whispers, same as I have.”
“And who cares about whispers?” I shoot back. “They’re living their lives, and happily, might I add. It’s not hurting anyone.”
He looks away, his jaw tight. “It’s not that simple.”
I study him for a moment, his usual gruffness edged with something darker. “Is this about Savannah, or is this about you?”
He straightens with a glare and narrows his eyes, like I’ve struck a nerve. “Don’t start.”
“Fine.” I raise my hands in mock surrender. “But for the record, I think she’s more open-minded than you’re giving her credit for.”
His snort is low and skeptical. “We’ll see.”
I open my mouth to argue, but the creak of the stairs saves me. I glance toward the sound and mutter, “So I guess it’s a myth that women take hours in the bathroom. Bro, you shower slower than she does, and you’re so fast you barely get wet.”
Colton scowls and lets out a moody grunt, before he turns his head toward the doorway as Savannah steps into the kitchen.
And holy hell.
Her hair’s still damp from the shower, curling slightly at the ends, and she’s wearing a flannel shirt over her snug jeans. It’s big and baggy, and the sleeves are rolled up, but damn if she doesn’t make it look good. My chest tightens, and my body stirs to life in a way that makes me adjust my stance.
Colton turns to the cupboard and holds up a mug. “Coffee?”
His shoulders are tight, and his movements are clipped, like her presence grates on him. Or maybe he’s trying too hard not to notice her at all. Hell, maybe he doesn’t find her attractive. Not likely, but the way he’s holding himself… it’s hard to tell.
“Please.” Savannah leans against the doorway, scanning the room before focusing on me. Her gaze sharpens slightly, like she knows I’ve been staring.
Colton pours a mug and holds it out to her. “Cream? Sugar?”
She wrinkles her nose. “Why would you dilute something perfect?”
I laugh, and even Colton’s lips twitch. She takes the mug, holding it with both hands, and takes a long sip, her eyes closing briefly like she’s savoring it. For the first time, she looks... relaxed. Comfortable, even.
“Thanks,” she says, quieter now. She takes another deep pull with closed eyes and hums. Her eyes snap open, and when her gaze connects with mine, it’s almost like a punch to the gut. “Please can you tell me how I get to the B&B? I don’t want to impose any longer.”
Did she overhear our argument?
Before Colton can say a word, I offer, “How about I’ll take you after breakfast.”
She meets my gaze, and for a moment, there’s something unreadable in her expression. Then she nods, and I pull out a chair from the breakfast table like the gentleman I’m not, trying to ignore the way my pulse kicks up at the thought of spending more time with her.