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Underneath the mounted heads lies a fireplace — we’ll definitely be utilizing that tonight. I feel Joey wrap his arms around me from behind. “When I found out this cabin had a fireplace, I made sure I got all of the ingredients for us to make s’mores.”
“Mmm, yummy. What else did we bring with us?” My voice is sultry as I look up at him.
“A bunch of snacks, but also all the fixings to make my famous chicken parmesan. I also brought all the ingredients we need to make those Long Island Iced Teas you love so much.” He plants a kiss on my forehead. “I just want you to relax and forget about all of your worries this weekend.”
Chapter 48
I’m doing everything in my power to keep Kelsey distracted from the shit show that’s happening back at home. I’d contemplated whether I should tell her about the tracking device and Grant’s career intentions, but she needed to know. I truly cannot wait until all of this drama is over.
“You want to go explore the cabin? I read on the listing there’s a hot tub on the back deck.” I mutter into her ear.
“Ohhh, say no more. I know where I’m going to be the whole weekend,” she chuckles.
I let out my own laugh in response. “Don’t be too sure about that just yet — wait until you see the bedroom. Come on.” I grab our bags and lead her upstairs.
As I open the door to the master bedroom, I hear Kelsey gasp behind me. I’m not sure if she’s reacting to the room itself, or to the vase of white orchids I’d asked the owner of the cabin to put on the dresser before we arrived. I get my answer when she seemingly floats across the room to the dresser to inhale the sweet scent of the flowers. I’ve never been one for buying flowers for a woman, but just seeing the way Kelsey reacts to receiving them makes me want to get them for her weekly. Maybe I’ll research how to grow our own, so that she’ll constantly be enveloped by their beauty, like I’m surrounded by hers.
I set our suitcases on the bed and let my eyes drift around the room, taking in my surroundings. I loved this cabin from the second I looked at it online. Now that I’ve seen it in person, I realize that the photos don’t do it justice. The high ceilings in the room make it feel more spacious, while still maintaining the intimate vibe I was aiming for. The bedframe of the king-sized bed looks like it was handmade by a woodworker — there are intricate floral designs on each post. I can feel how much love and effort the person put into the project.
“Joey Brooks, you sure know how to spoil a girl.” Kelsey’s soft voice breaks me from my observations. She walks back to me, wrapping her arms around my neck and looking up at me. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”
“Well, you waited eighteen years for my stupid ass to make a move, for one thing,” I chuckle. “But you’re also the total package — everything I’ve ever wanted.”
My hands cup her cheeks and I pull her into me. My lips graze hers slightly before she kisses me hard. “Thank you for bringing me here,” she sighs as our lips part.
“Anything for you, Kels.” I kiss her forehead once more. “I’m going to go grab the groceries from the car and get them put away. Why don’t you go turn on the hot tub? We can soak for a little bit before dinner.”
“Sounds perfect.” She smiles up at me. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Angel.”
Kelsey follows me out of the bedroom and down the stairs, separating from me when we reach the common area. I steal one last glance at her before she exits the sliding patio doors. God, the way her red hair falls perfectly over her shoulders, and the way her green eyes shine when they gaze at me takes my breath away.
Something feels off when I head out the front door, but I don’t see or hear anything out of the ordinary. I think about how Kelsey kept incessantly looking behind us on our way up here, worried that we were being followed. I thought she was being paranoid, but now I’m not so sure.
When I walk around my truck, I expect to find Grant — or someone — standing on the other side, but there is no one there. God, I feel like I’m in a horror movie or something. I thought I had been keeping it together pretty decently for Kelsey, but it turns out I’m just as anxious as she is about this whole thing.
After I lug the cooler out of the bed of my truck and put everything in the fridge, I head back out to grab the bags of snacks and alcohol. I stop dead in my tracks on the porch when I see Grant leaning against my truck like he owns it.
“I’m giving you exactly three seconds to get out of here before I call the cops. You’re violating the restraining order right now, in case you didn’t realize that.”
He snaps quickly and points his finger at me like I’ve just brought up a great point. “Funny you should mention that. That order only applies in the state of Illinois, and we’re not in Illinois… are we?” Grant’s smug expression has my blood boiling. “So… where is she?”
“None of your fucking business.” I cross my arms, my gaze not leaving his. “I can promise you that if you’re looking for a fight, you’re way out of your league.”
His eyes darken at my challenge. “Oh, I think you underestimate me, Brooks.”
He’s taunting me — he wants me to make the first move so he can counter it and get the upper hand. I’ll admit I’m a hothead, but I’m not an idiot when it comes to fighting. I never take the first swing, but I sure as fuck won’t back down once that first punch is thrown.
“Well, what are you waiting for, Grant? I’m right here.” My arms are outstretched at my sides, waiting for him to come at me.
Chapter 49
The hot tub has been heating up for about ten minutes, so I dip my hand in to check the temperature — it’s absolutely perfect. I peer through the patio doors, looking for Joey, but he’s nowhere to be found. Huh, maybe he’s still unloading the groceries.
It’s not until I go inside and see the front door wide open that dread washes over me. Joey is standing there with his arms out to the sides. When I peer out beyond Joey’s outstretched body, I see him — Grant.
My breathing immediately shallows and my heart starts to race. I rapidly squeeze my eyes shut and open them again, hoping that this is all just a figment of my imagination and that he’s not actually standing here. It’s not — my fear that we were being followed was a reality.
