Chapter 1 #5
Adrian was a carpenter by trade and educator by necessity.
“Yes… and no,” he answered, with a chuckle.
“I’m my own boss, Chesteria, which means if I want to disappear for a few days and drink hot cocoa with a beautiful-ass woman in the woods, then that’s exactly what I’ma do.
And whoever got a problem with it can build their own damn bookshelf.
” There was humor and pride in his tone, but also a hint of seriousness.
That made me chuckle.
He continued. “Seriously, though, I could really use a break from this handyman hustle, for real. The holiday season turns everyone into a DIY dreamer. Suddenly, all my clients want floating shelves, fixed doors, or custom wine racks before Christmas. I’ve been running around with a hammer in one hand and lesson plans in the other.
” He paused and added, “But a quiet weekend away with you? That might be the first time I sit still all month.”
My response was delayed; not because I didn’t want him there, but because I wasn’t sure I could handle the intimacy that might unravel between us. The thought both thrilled and terrified me.
Adrian sensed my hesitation; his tone shifted to one that was softer yet still firm.
“Look,” he said, drawing in a steady breath. “I get it. I might still feel like a stranger in some ways, especially outside city limits. Traveling together and sharing a space is not exactly small talk. I get that.”
He took a breath, then let his honesty bleed.
“But I need you to know how I really feel about you, Chesteria.”
Adrian didn’t pause for permission; he just dove in, his words tumbling out like a confession.
“I know it’s only been five months, but I’m feeling things for you I didn’t even feel in five years with my ex.
And it ain’t just about sex, even though that’s…
well, damn good.” He let out a low chuckle, then steered back to seriousness.
“But it’s more than that. It’s your presence, the way you move… the way you think.
I felt my heart tick louder in my chest.
He wasn’t finished.
“I know you were engaged, and even though you haven’t told me the whole story yet, I ain’t dumb either.
I can see it in the way you talk about men—or don’t talk at all—that you’ve been hurt.
I’m guessing that experience made you guarded…
maybe even a little jaded. I also notice how you flinch when I get too personal or do or say certain things.
I don’t know what happened with you and that nigga, but I’m not him.
” His tone sharpened. “And if he fumbled you, then he’s the kind of dumb that don’t deserve a helmet.
” Adrian exhaled slowly, then added, “I just wanna see you happy, Chesteria. I wanna be a man who adds to your peace, not threatens it. Let me be the one to help you heal. You ain’t gotta keep doing everything by yourself just to prove you don’t need nobody.
You ain’t weak for needing softness. If you’ll just give me a chance, I promise, I’ll make the time worth it. ”
Warmth bloomed low in my chest at his unexpected but welcomed honesty.
And then, as if summoned, Klarissa’s voice floated through my head to offer unsolicited guidance.
“Let somebody make you smile… even if it’s just for the weekend… even if it’s just a lil’ distraction.”
Maybe she was right; not so much about letting another man into my heart, but about letting somebody tag along.
I never took anyone to that cabin—ever—not even Klarissa, but that was by choice due to her busy schedule.
But somehow, her and Adrian had talked me into taking him…
and maybe that was the real danger. I was about to break a rule I swore I’d never break.
Maybe I was trippin’… or maybe I needed help carrying my bags in case some wolves popped out. Either way, it was happening.
“Alright… if you’re serious about coming, we leave tomorrow afternoon,” I said reluctantly, before I could talk myself out of it.
“Tomorrow afternoon? Cool,” he replied without hesitation.
“Believe it or not, I’ve never been to the mountains before.
Cabin trips ain’t exactly my lane, but for you, I’ll make an exception.
So tell me what I need to pack, research, and mentally prepare for so I don’t embarrass you in front of the forest.”
I chuckled at the thought. “Just bring warm clothes, sturdy boots, and a positive attitude. Oh, and when we get there, don’t touch anything that looks like it could bite back.”
“Say less. I’ma start practicing how to politely decline bear attacks now,” he joked, sounding way more excited than I expected. “Seriously, I’m looking forward to it.”
We spent the next few minutes sorting out details—the departure time, who was driving, grocery run plans, etc. When I finally hung up, I realized I was smiling.
They say if you wanna make God laugh, tell him your plans.
Moments earlier, I was hell-bent on going on that trip alone, but words have a way of changing a mood, cracking a door open, and making you consider things you swore you weren’t ready for.
Maybe I didn’t want to admit it to Adrian, but a tiny part of me hoped a weekend with him would peel back whatever I’d been ignoring and show me whether my heart was actually ready for another relationship… or still locked in the past.
In truth, I wasn’t even sure what I expected from the weekend.
Maybe we’d sleep in late and make breakfast in oversized sweatshirts…
maybe we’d go hiking… or just lie tangled up under throw blankets watching holiday movies we’d pretend to hate but secretly enjoy.
I could picture Adrian with his tools spread across the table, sleeves pushed up, and sawdust clinging to his shirt.
And maybe, just maybe, I’d decide we could finally be more than just friends. .. with benefits.