Page 9 of Pink and Country

“Call me in the morning or if you need anything tonight. Love you, Bubble Head.”

“Love you too, Saund. Tell Reed I’m sorry I interrupted whatever you guys were doing. I won’t bother you anymore tonight.” Oh God, please don’t let these images get etched into my brain.

Saunders moaned. Clearly for my sake.

“Take care, April. Don’t talk to strangers, and find some testosterone-induced lumberjack to keep you warm at night,” Reed said through the phone. I fought a smile. Saunders and Reed were family to me.

Once through the gate, three cabins appeared before my eyes. A three-story one so big it could be a mountain lodge, flanked by a small one on each side. Mine stood on the right side of the road, closer to the three-story log castle.

With a tight squeeze on the steering wheel, I parked next to the front porch and killed the engine. Back steeled and chin up, I climbed out of my car and reached the front steps. Even at this late hour, I could smell the lingering odor of barbecue in the air. I congratulated myself for packing warm clothes. The chilly winter air sent shivers down to my toes. With my suitcase and Bernice’s carrier beside me, I tried to unlock the door using my phone.

Nothing.

With fumbling fingers, I tried two more times.

Still nothing.

I rebooted my phone.

Nope.

My nipples puckered and threatened to drill holes through the fabric of my light cotton shirt. My jacket was somewhere in my messy car, but I refused to empty the trunk to find it at this late hour. Bernice meowed.

“Sorry, girl. I’m trying here. Stupid technology.”

After three more attempts, the green light of the door lock flashed in the dark.

Hallelujah.

I sucked in a quick breath and flicked the light switch. A dim light lit up the room.

Warmth spread through my body. I gaped. The interior of the cabin looked nothing like how I pictured it in my head. I freed my cat, who purred as she butted my legs. “Go explore, girl.”

With my arms hugging me—still freezing—I scanned the room, taking everything in, blinking to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Hardwood floors, wooden walls, wooden vault ceilings, wooden everything.

Anywhere else, it’d be too woodsy, but not here.

The cream sofa, kitchen cabinets, and rug made it looked classy. And inviting.

The soft aqua accessories gave the whole place a modern yet country charm vibe.

In the living room, there was a stone fireplace with a wooden mantel above. A black, rustic, wrought iron chandelier hung above the farmhouse dining table, big enough to seat eight people.

A faint odor of pine lingered in the air. It tingled my nostrils in the most delicious way. With a straight back and a hand pressed to my heart, I emptied my lungs.

Love at first sight.

Saunders was right. One month here would never be enough. I wanted to live in this cozy log cabin for the rest of my life. I felt at home immediately. A hammock chair hung in a corner, facing the floor-to-ceiling window, giving the impression it floated in the air. Without a doubt, I knew this would be my writing spot.

Like a kid, I hurried around the cabin, opening the door to every room, wanting to uncover all the secrets this place hid between its walls.

The master bedroom occupied the second floor, a mezzanine overlooking the living room downstairs. The shower alone was bigger than the entire bathroom in my apartment. It had soft gray tiles and a rain showerhead.

Flutters invaded my stomach. I jumped and landed on the mattress, on my front, arms spread, giggling. This was too good to be true.

The darkness outside engulfed me. Without any big city close by to light up the night sky, it was darker than anything I’d ever experienced. I couldn’t wait for the morning to come so I could admire the view. Saunders promised it’d be spectacular, and I believed her. After all, she sent me to heaven.

Back in the kitchen, I added water to the kettle and turned the stove on, in need of some herbal tea to warm me up.