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If I have even the slightest chance of winning Kirsten’s heart, I need to be mindful of every step forward. I may want to dive headfirst into uncharted waters without a life preserver, but that doesn’t mean she feels the same. Our years of childhood friendship are unparalleled to her years of flirting and familiarity with Travis. Both hold significance, but one has been more front of mind in the present.
Inserting myself into her life, rekindling the bond we shared for so many years, letting her know I will be there for her through thick and thin… this is how I win her heart.
Like a good friend, I squash my emotions and focus on something else. The cabin.
Black stains the wood framing the windows, the front deck, and the plank stairs leading to the front door. Several weeks’ worth of firewood is stacked beneath the deck, while two black basket chairs and a tree stump table sit on the right side of the deck. Snow dusts the black metal roof and blankets the forest floor between the cabin and a stone fire pit.
This place would be a great escape any time of the year. If only we were here for pleasure and not to hide.
A large German Shepherd rounds the tailgate of Travis’s truck, a black vest wrapped around its torso. Dark eyes size me up as a black nose sniffs the air.
“Rechts,” Travis orders, voice thick with authority. The dog sidles up to Travis but doesn’t take its eyes off me. “Sitz.” Without hesitation, the dog sits tall. Travis levels me with his gaze. “This is my dog, Pepper. She’s also a K-9 officer.” He drops the tailgate of his truck. “Don’t take this personally, but please don’t feed or pet or tend to her unless asked.”
I nod in agreement. “Got it.”
Travis may not be my favorite person, but I respect his and Pepper’s roles and bond. Last thing I need is an open wound in the middle of nowhere.
He hefts bags over his shoulder and starts for the cabin. “Komm.”
Pepper rises off her haunches and follows Travis immediately.
Kirsten and I trail behind, taking in the scenery and our temporary home for the next several days. I gesture toward the stairs and let her lead the way to the front door. After a quick stomp of our boots on the door mat, we enter the spacious cabin. Travis drops the bags just inside the door and jogs back outside.
Bright and open and airy. My eyes scan every surface. The spacious living room with a wood stove fireplace. The quaint kitchen with a slender breakfast bar and two stools. A short hall with what I assume to be a bathroom on one side and storage on the other. My eyes drift up, following a spiral metal staircase that leads to a loft. With only one bed.
Worst of all, it’s completely exposed to the living area below.
“Fuck…”
TWENTY-SEVEN
KIRSTEN
Beautiful as this cabin is,being secluded here with Travis and Ben is a recipe for disaster.
During the drive, Travis said we were headed to one of the rental cabins his family owns. With the holidays fast approaching, many of the rentals in town are unoccupied. Seeing as I have no desire to rent a place in the town I live in, the only rentals I’ve seen are those owned by Delilah’s family. She visits one in particular solely because it’s her favorite spot to disconnect from the world.
The Emerson cabin looks nothing like the Fox rental, which has more of a beachy, cottagecore vibe. Both grab your attention and speak to how different the founding families are in Stone Bay. Both make you never want to leave.
I follow Ben’s line of sight, take in the loft, and understand why he muttered a curse seconds ago.
One bed. No door or wall to close it off from the rest of the cabin. Zero privacy.
Great.
My stomach cramps as I survey the rest of the cabin. The only other place to sleep is a couch in the main room, which is aesthetically pleasing but small with stiff cushions, and the hardwood floor.
From the outside, the cabin appears much bigger. The vast windows and colossal roof give the illusion of a grander space. For one or two people, the cabin is perfect and intimate. For the three of us…
Stepping farther into the room, I inspect the kitchen. Butcher block sits on pewter base cabinets with more space than expected in such a small room. Live edge wood creates a partition between the living and kitchen rooms and is a perfect spot to sit and eat. Near the corner is a single-basin sink and dish rack tucked in the recess. To the right is the narrowest gas oven range I’ve ever seen and a fridge big enough to hold basic necessities.
Back in the living room, I glance up the stairwell at the only bed. Though it may have been a challenge, the loft could have been made into a full second floor with additional sleeping space. Yes, it would have darkened the space a little. Nothing strategically placed lights and softer paint couldn’t fix.
All I’m certain of is if the guys refuse to get along, I will be the only one in the loft. Well, me and Trixie.
Unraveling the blanket from my chest, I set it and Trixie on the couch. “Check out our little cabin in the woods, Trixie girl.” I pet her soft fur and she mewls.
Pepper’s eyes dart to the blanket, but she stays in her spot on the area rug a foot away, tail wagging with what I hope is excitement.
