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“My truck broke down near here last winter. Carter, the guy who owns the cabin, helped me out with spare parts. He was the first person I thought of when I needed somewhere safe for you because no one can connect us to him.”
I grab our bags and unlock the heavy wooden door. “Let's get inside. I'll handle the luggage.”
I do a quick walk around, verifying there’s no immediate threat. Inside, the cabin is sparsely furnished but cozy. A stone fireplace dominates the main room, flanked by a small kitchen and sitting area.
Gemma wanders around, peeking into the kitchen cabinets and bedroom. I watch her move gracefully, the firelight playing over her features. The knots in my back unravel slightly just seeing her relaxed exploration.
She comes to stand near me again, hands outstretched toward the warmth. “Thank you for bringing us here. I know you're trying to keep me safe.”
Her simple trust makes my chest ache. I vow silently to be worthy of it. “Make yourself at home. I'll bring in some more firewood.”
When I return, arms full of split logs, I light the fireplace while Gemma is rummaging through the kitchen.
“I found the pantry fully stocked,” she says. “How about I make us some dinner?”
“You don't have to do that.”
“I want to. It's the least I can do after you went through all this trouble.”
I know better than to argue with her. Once Gemma sets her mind on something, there's no changing it. I set about making the bed while Gemma manages to whip up a meal that smells like heaven.
“Thank you for this,” she says quietly as we sit down to eat. Her gaze holds mine, and there's a depth to it that makes my heart skip a beat.
“I'm glad you like it.” I hand her one of the beers and clink my bottle against hers. “To our hideaway.”
She laughs. “To our hideaway.”
We sip our beers in comfortable silence. The only sound is the occasional pop and hiss from the fire.
Gemma's voice startles me from my thoughts. “So, this is what quiet sounds like. I was beginning to think it was just a myth.”
I glance over to see her watching me, a hint of a smile on her lips.
“Welcome to reality—no honking cars, no sirens, just us.” I pause for dramatic effect. “And possibly bears.”
She lets out a surprised laugh, light and melodic. The sound warms me more than any fire could.
“Well, I guess I'll just have to stay close to you then.” She inches nearer on the sofa until our legs are touching. “You'll protect me from the big bad bears, right?”
Her bright blue eyes meet mine, still glinting with delight. But underneath, I sense a vulnerability. She needs reassurance that I'll keep her safe. From the animals, the isolation, and everything else.
“I promise, no bears are getting past me to get to you.” I inject a seriousness into my voice so she knows I mean it.
For the first time in weeks, the ever-present tension in my shoulders begins to uncoil. No one knows we're here together. Gemma looks utterly at peace, too, eyes half-closed as she soaks up the heat of the flames.
This place feels like a different world—one where it's just the two of us. No lurking danger or obligations. A cocoon where we can shut out everything beyond these walls, if only for a little while.
Gemma sighs softly. “I feel like I can breathe here, with you. Like maybe everything will be okay.”
“It will be,” I answer simply.
Her answering smile outshines the sun. This woman has become more than a job, more than a responsibility. She's etched herself under my skin, and there's no going back.
I'm unsure if she's entirely on board with my feelings yet, but at least she's not pushing me away or running in the opposite direction. My heart races as I put all my cards on the table, hoping she'll reciprocate my feelings.
I tilt her chin up so our eyes meet. “Promise we'll tell the world how we feel when all this is over.”
Gemma's blue eyes search mine. “You need to tell me first.”
