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“Goodnight.” She smiles, causing my heart to race. Without wanting to make a big to-do, I head back toward my cabin, but I don’t make it three feet before Jessica’s words stop me.
“Oh no.” She whines. “Oh no, oh no, oh no…the keys” Her palms bat against her hips. “They were in my pocket.”
“Did you put them in your bag?”
“I don’t think so.” She throws her backpack off her shoulder and hurriedly unzips each pocket, frantically digging inside, but still comes up short. “Fuck me,” Jessica whines, cradling her head in her hands. “I must’ve dropped them on the trail. Or when I fell.”
“Can you call the owner? I’m sure they have a spare set.” Her eyes widen, hopeful. I want to take her in my arms and soothe her, tell her everything’s going to be alright. Jessica whips out her phone, scrolling down until she finds the number. After a few seconds she hangs up. “I’m going to try again.”
And she does. Three more times. Finally, I can’t take it anymore.
“Listen, the mosquitoes are about to get really bad. We can wait this out at my place.” Her brows knit together, causing me to backpedal. “If you want.” The fear in her eyes breaks my heart, but I completely understand where she’s coming from. I hold up my ax. “Or I could break the door down, but I don’t think you’d get your deposit back.”
This causes a little laugh to escape her lips. The tension between us eases. “How far away is it? My feet are killing me.”
“Not far.” Jessica sighs, scoops up her backpack, and heads back down the steps. Looks like we’re going to my place.
ChapterThree
Jessica
I don’t knowwhat I was picturing Luke’s place to look like, but this isn’t it. The cozy lakefront cabin is built entirely out of wood and stone. From what I can tell in the dark, it blends perfectly with the surrounding natural landscape. There’s even an oversized front porch with two rocking chairs, perfect for enjoying the view of the lake.
This is more like what I expected my own rental cabin to be like. “What an adorable place.”
“Thanks.” Luke unlocks the front door. He may be a man of few words, but damn! His looks sure make up for it. His shoulders are as broad as a superhero's. I’ve never seen a man his size in real life. Technically, I should probably be more frightened than I am, but something about his calm demeanor puts me at ease. It’s a far cry from when I first saw him as an ax-wielding threat.
Inside is just as cozy. Wood paneling lines the walls and ceilings, giving the place a warm, natural feel. Large windows provide a beautiful view of the lake, complete with a giant fireplace as a centerpiece, creating both warmth and ambiance.
It’s a perfect photo opp.
“Make yourself at home.” Luke’s deep voice echoes through the room as he heads toward the firewood pile in the corner of the living room.
Now it’s my turn to be a woman of few words. “Thanks.” I grab a seat on the oversized sofa and pull my phone out, attempting to contact the Airbnb owner once more. Again, I’m greeted by a voicemail. I set the phone down on the coffee table.
“No luck?” Luke peers over his massive shoulder. I shake my head. “I’m sure they’ll get back to you soon.” A fire roars before us in record time. Luke stands and removes his flannel, leaving him in a white t-shirt and perfectly fitted jeans. My jaw nearly hits the ground at his sculpted torso pressed against the thin, white cotton.
Naughty thoughts fly through my head. How a man this size could easily overpower me. How Iwanthim to overpower me. I conjure images of pulling that t-shirt over his head and running my fingers up and down his strong, corded upper body.
“Are you hungry?”
“Hmm?”
“Food.” His intense stare causes guilt to swirl in my guts. I was basically eye-fucking him. “Have you eaten?”
On cue, my stomach growls. “No sense in trying to deny it now, huh?”
“You’ve been betrayed.” He huffs out what almost constitutes a laugh. “I’ve got chicken or steak.”
“Oh, you don’t have to go to all that trouble.”
“I have to eat too.” He snaps.
“Oh.” I hope I haven’t offended him. It suddenly feels like I’m invading his space. “Truth is that I’m a vegetarian.”
“A what?”
“I don’t eat meat.”
