I chuckle. The cookies are pretty darn good and my first instinct is to refuse. I barely know this man. He could be anyone, despite the firefighting high credentials and the ultra-kind eyes and the fact that he literally put out my car fire and maybe saved it to get fixed…
But Simone says, “No one looks like a serial killer, until they prove you wrong.”
Then I think about sitting in the room alone, staring at my phone, the high possibility of callingSimone to rehash the Derek situation and having her tell me he was never good enough for me and me dismissing her, when in my heart I know she doesn’t have any motive to lie. And I think about Bear, the oversized golden retriever who thinks he’s a lapdog. I consider Calder’s steady presence, the way he makes me laugh despite everything.
“What kind of chili?” I hear myself ask, the words coming out before my brain has time to catch up.
His smile is slow and genuine, transforming his whole face. “The kind with actual chunks of beefandbeans and enough spice to make you remember you’re alive.”
“And cinnamon rolls? What’s up with that?” I can feel my nose contort.
He laughs. “It’s a tradition in Nebraska where my grandparents lived. I promise, it’s the savory and the sweet combo that will blow your mind.”
Kinda like you…
“Okay,” I say, surprising myself. “But I’m not great company right now.”
“Lucky for you, Bear’s enough company for three people.” Calder checks his watch. “I’ll pick you up at six-thirty. Dress warm— my place is about ten minutes outside town, and the driveway’s a disaster in winter.”
He turns to leave but looks back. “Kendry, everything’s going to be okay. You know that, right?”
“I hope so.”
After he leaves, I sit on the edge of the bed, my heart doing complicated things in my chest. This is insane. I’m going to a stranger’s house for dinner less than twelve hours after Derek essentially erased me from his life.
But Calder doesn’t feel like a stranger. He feels like... possibilities. Like something new and unexpected breaking through the ice that formed around my heart. He’s warm and that might be what I need tonight.
I grab my phone and text Simone
Kendry: Stranded in Montana. Car died. Having dinner with a hot firefighter. Please alert authorities if I’m not heard from by tomorrow.
Her response is immediate
Simone: SCUSE ME?! WHAT?! Girl, details. I need them now.
I chuckle. She has enough personality for five people.
Kendry: Long story. Will call tomorrow. But if you don’t hear from me, his name is Calder Brennan and he has a dog named Bear.
Simone: Ken, this is either the best or worst decision you’ve ever made
Kendry: I know. I know. But he can’t be worse than Derek.
Simone: True that!
And I’m doing it anyway.
4
CALDER
My place is a log cabin that looks like it’s grown straight out of the mountain itself. Outside is Exposed log and river rock, nestled in a clearing surrounded by towering pines. Smoke curls from the chimney, and every window glows with warm light that spills gold onto the snow.
“This is where you live?” Kendry leans forward as the truck crunches up the driveway, taking in the whole scene. “This is like something from a holiday novel.”
“Built it myself, mostly. Well, me and my crew over the course of about three years. Still working on it —there’s always another project— but it’s home.”
Before she could respond,the front door bursts open and a massive golden blur comes bounding through the snow, barking with pure joy.
