“Yeah,” he said. “We all did.”
Silence settled, heavy but not uncomfortable.
“I wanted to thank you,” she said finally. “For today.”
His brows drew together. “For what?”
“For speaking up after the briefing. Some of the deputies didn’t like me questioning you—they took it personal.”
“They were out of line,” he said. “You asked what needed asking.”
Her mouth curved. “Still. It means something.”
A soft meow broke the quiet. A yellow tabby padded in, tail sky-high.
“Who’s this?”
“Tallulah. My cat. She stays with a friend when I’m out on long cases, but she’s mine.”
Scout crouched, scratching behind the cat’s ears. “She’s got taste.”
Tallulah purred, then climbed right into his lap like she’d known him forever.
Tessa laughed. “She doesn’t do that for anyone. Guess she likes you.”
He looked up, eyes glinting green in the lamplight. “Can’t blame her.”
It was the first time she’d seen him smile like that—unguarded, easy—and it did something low in her chest she refused to name.
A small Bluetooth speaker kicked on, Sam Cooke’sBring It On Home to Mehumming through the room.
Scout cocked his head. “Didn’t peg you for old-school soul.”
“My dad’s records,” she replied. “Couldn’t sleep without them as a kid.”
“Good man,” he said softly.
The music wove through the cabin. He nodded toward the stone hearth. “You should get a fire going. They’re saying snow by morning.”
“I was just thinking about that. My place in Asheville has a gas fireplace—push a button, instant warmth. This one’s only for show.”
He laughed.“No, it’s not for show.” He rose, brushing off his hands. “You’ve got wood on the porch?”
“Yes. There’s a stack out there.”
Before she could protest, he slipped out onto the deck.
Inside, she watched him cross the deck—broad-shouldered and sure-footed, all rugged competence she felt far too aware of right now.
When he returned, ice dusted his jacket and hair. He stacked wood at her feet, hand brushing hers—rough, cold. The touch lingered a moment too long.
She should have joked, made it an accident. But all she could do was memorize the feel—cold calluses, contained strength.
He nodded toward the hearth. “Ever build a proper fire?”
“I push a button, remember?”
He grinned. “Lesson time.”
