Chapter 2
Abel
This is a bad idea. The moment I opened the door and caught this beauty on her knees, I knew it deep down that just talking to her would be asking for trouble.
Now she’s hugging my fireplace, soaking up all the heat it has to give. Just seeing her shiver makes me want to hunt down every blanket in my home just to keep her teeth from chattering. Instead, I’m standing around like a fool, drinking her appearance in like I’m dehydrated as hell.
She’s young, somewhere in her twenties, if I have to put a number on it. Too young for a man my age to be staring, but I can’t help it.
It’s hard not to notice the way her jeans are clinging to her thighs, or how her shirt isn’t trying to hide her curves. Still damp, I can see the perfect outline of her body beneath. Every second I look her way, I find myself feeling like I’m losing control of the situation.
Ever since she stepped inside my home, looking so out of place compared to the dark colors surrounding her, I’ve made the smart decision to keep a distance away from her. As much as I can in such a small space.
“So…” Turning on her heel, she gives her back the chance to soak in some of the heat. “What kind of rules are we talking about here, Abel?”
I should set one about her using my name so freely. Every time it slips past her lips, I can feel my jeans growing tighter. At the rate I’m spiraling, she’s going to want to take the risk of going back down the mountain to get away from me.
“I like my silence. I’d rather it not be disturbed.” Finding the words, I sink down on my couch, the same place I’d been before I heard her arrival. “Not saying you can’t make a peep, but—”
“I get what you’re saying. Lucky for both of us, quiet is just what I came here for.” Giving me a cheeky smile, she shifts around like she can’t stand still for long. “What else is there?”
She wants a whole list, now? I’m barely able to keep up with my thoughts as it is. Some of the rules are obvious, but I can’t find it in me to speak them out loud.
No crying. No smiling at me like you are right now. No tempting me by getting close enough for me to reach out and touch you.
“Uh, clean up after yourself. Don’t have sticky fingers. The usual stuff.” Tearing my eyes away from her, I’m back on my feet. Now it feels like I can’t stay still. “I’m not exactly used to having company over. Even my brother… He only comes by enough times to make sure I’m still breathing.”
Telling her things that I’m sure she doesn’t care about, I still feel her eyes pointed in my direction.
Maybe she does care a little. Just enough to keep me talking.
It feels like I’m hearing my voice more than I ever have.
Instead of mine, I’d rather hear hers. Even if I like my quiet, there’s something about her voice that I find soothing.
“So, what’s your story? What brought you out here?
” Moving toward her, I tell myself that it’s just to poke at the fire, and not to get closer to her.
Not to soak in her heat instead of what’s rolling off of the flames.
“What are you running away from?” Hearing her sputter, my mouth quirks up.
“No one comes up here just to see the trees, Tatum.”
She purses her lips together, debating whether to tell me the truth or not. Her cheeks glow pink against the reflection of the fire. Unsure if she’s aware of it or not, she wears her thoughts on her face.
“Is it really that obvious? I, um, ran from Lincoln Heights.” She watches me jab at the flames licking at my wrists and nudges a little closer to me and the fire. “Life’s been a little hard. It seems I’m experiencing a series of unfortunate events.”
Opening up to me with ease, she gives me a little insight into how I’ve never known of her existence to begin with.
Going from explaining that she’d gotten laid off from one cubicle job to chasing after others with similar experiences, it’s finally taken a toll on her.
She’s teetering over the edge of giving up entirely.
Apparently, this trip was what would help her take a step back. If it weren’t my cabin used to scam her, but someone else who would’ve turned her away, would she have jumped?
“I just wanted an escape before I went and tried to look for something else. It was an impulse decision if you can’t tell.
I should’ve looked into it a little more.
” Letting out a tense laugh, she squeaks when my hand finds her shoulder.
I don’t mean to touch her, but it just happens.
Instead of pulling away, she leans into it.
“Well, I can’t say that I make great company, but at least I can give you an altered version of your escape, I hope?”
The smile she sends my way is the kind that could bring any man to his knees. Somehow, I stop myself from swaying. Instead, I catch myself drowning in eyes the color of the ocean. Underneath the surface, I can see the waves crashing.
The exhausted look behind her gaze is one that’s all too familiar. I recognize it well enough. It’s what made me retreat to the mountains to find something I love and stick with it.
Even if it’s only for a short time, maybe I can give Tatum some relief. Maybe I can wish this rain would never stop falling.
Catching myself spiraling, I clear my throat and pull my hand back. Giving up on the fire and rubbing the back of my neck, I shift my attention to the kitchen. “Have you eaten?”
When she shakes her head, I fight the urge to curse. As far as I can tell, the only thing she’s brought with her is clothes. Knowing she hardly came prepared, I keep my hands to my side instead of pinching her elbow and dragging her to the table so I can feed her.
“Let me throw something together. Why don’t you get comfortable?” Turning away from her, I can’t help but make it sound more like a demand than a suggestion.
All I know is that if she follows me and keeps the space between us limited, I’m going to do something stupid. Something I won’t be able to take back.
At her nod, and the hope that she’ll cling to the fire a little longer to avoid any sickness, I’m off to get some food started.
* * *
Tatum doesn’t take long to start relaxing for this short vacation.
After helping herself to the bath and soaking up every ounce of hot water she could get her hands on, it feels like an eternity before she steps out in a set of silky pajamas that automatically makes my mouth water and my cock swell painfully against my thigh.
Once the smell of cocoa butter hits my nose, I know I’m done for.
It takes all the strength I have not to let out a groan when she comes straight for me, settling on the other side of my sofa.
The only thing separating us is a single cushion.
Hardly far enough to avoid my hand if I tried to reach over and touch her.
Expecting her to comment on the silence surrounding us, maybe even complain about the lack of things I have to do when trapped inside, I catch myself glancing over in her direction to see she’s got her eyes closed and a gentle smile on her face.
She’s just like me, enjoying the tranquility that comes with all of this silence. At this point, I’m thinking she’s enjoying it even more than I am.
Makes me wonder what would happen if I asked her to stay a little longer than a couple of days. What if I solved all of her problems by asking her to stay forever? She won’t have to worry about job layoffs, then.
Stop thinking crazy, Abel. She’s looking for comfort, not a permanent change of lifestyle
My gaze flickers down her small button nose before reaching her lips. They’re full and look so soft.
Something in my chest stirs around, and I’m forced to tear my eyes away. What was I doing before she came in here? Besides mindlessly watching the fire crackle and pop while pretending I didn’t hear every splash and sigh that came through the cracks of the bathroom door.
“I was thinking about going on a hike tomorrow. If the mud isn’t quicksand, I mean.” Opening her eyes, she turns and puts all of her attention on me. “What’s the chance of me getting lost?”
As she’s speaking the words, I’m already imagining it. Her wandering off path, or slipping on a wet patch of grass and hurting herself. All by her lonesome, she wouldn’t have anyone there at her side to help her out.
I shouldn’t be feeling as bothered by it as much as I am.
“The trails are marked with paint and ribbons, but people get lost all of the time. Unless you prepare well, anything could happen out there. Throw in the dangerous animals and whatever other threats reside… I think you’re better off staying right here.”
Right where I can see her to make sure she’s safe. In my cabin, nothing can happen to her.
“Or…” She scooches closer to me, now covering half of the cushion between us. “We could go together. Why not show me some cool hangout spots? Or, a pond or something. I bought a bathing suit. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve gone swimming?”
She’s radiating with excitement, and here I am, fighting my hardest to hold in a groan at the thought of her wearing a bathing suit. Even when I’m purposely not trying, she continues to weasel herself into my head. Now I’m thinking about bare skin and curves for days.
The way my cock twitches against my thigh, it responds to the images in my head enough to make me shift how I’m sitting to bring less attention to myself.
Only a few hours spent with a woman, a gorgeous one at that, and I can’t act right.
“I can think of a few spots…” As bad of an idea as it is, the words slip out. “But it’s a lengthy walk. A couple of miles at least. That won’t be too much?”
Turning to look at her, I realize just how close she is. Leaning my way, she’s containing her smile by biting down on that plump bottom lip.
Christ. She’s been smiling nonstop now, appearing to be a different person from the one I found on my doorstep.
It’s taking strength not to reach up and push some of her raven-colored hair behind her ear. While I can fight that urge, I can’t help but drown in those ocean eyes. They look far brighter when filled with sunshine than with a storm.
“I think I could handle it.” Unaware of the disaster happening in my head, she pauses as she catches herself. “You really wouldn’t mind? I don’t want to take you away from home, but I really want to see what this mountain has to offer.”
If she likes what she sees, will she be more obliged to stick around if the opportunity comes? If not here with me, could she move to Willowbrook Ridge? While I may not leave my cabin much, I’d be more willing to drift toward town if it meant getting the chance to bump into her.
“I don’t mind one bit.” Throat tight, my voice sounds unfamiliar. Strange. “I’ll keep you safe. Just don’t do anything reckless and make me regret it, okay?”
Nodding, she fills me with both relief and longing when she pulls back. “I have something to look forward to, then.” Pulling away entirely, a yawn passes her lips before she stretches.
That silk doesn’t even try to cling, automatically lifting with her arms. Beneath the hem, I see a sliver of skin. Barely an inch, but it’s enough to inflict damage.
You’re not some young, virgin. Stop getting worked up.
However, no matter how many demands I throw at myself, it doesn’t make a difference. My attention is shot.
“I think I’ll call it early then. If I want to keep up with you, I’m better off getting my rest.” Leaving the couch, she aims another one of those curves in my direction. “Goodnight, Abel.”
“Goodnight.” Rasping the word, I’m left choking on a lump lodged in the middle of my throat as she spins on her heel.
Disappearing, I’m left alone in a room that feels too hot with an erection hard as granite. If this is how it feels after one simple conversation, how in the hell am I going to survive sharing the same space as her for more than a couple of days?
Leaning forward and sighing into my hands, I’m ready to call it a night, too.
Except, I won’t be getting much rest tonight. Not when I’m going to have the sound of my name rolling off her tongue playing on repeat in my head.