Isat down on it, sinking to the plush seat and glanced around.Thecabin had an open layout, and everything was tidy.Itwas so different from sharing a space with a child, who seemed to leave something on every surface or corner.Vastpicture windows didn’t reveal much outside in the dusky twilight other than the outlines of trees.Abasket with blankets stood near the sofa. “It’sso nice and cozy in here.”
Hebrought the beer into the kitchen, which was visible from whereIsat.Afterpulling out two pint glasses from the cabinet, he picked up an orange from a fruit bowl on the counter. “Wanta slice of orange in your beer?”
“Sure.”
Hepulled out a knife and cutting board and then chopped up a couple of slices.Afterplacing one onto the rim of my glass, he said, “Itadds to the flavor.”Hethen poured beer into each and walked over to hand me a glass.
Itook a sip. “It’sgood.”AlthoughIwasn’t typically a beer drinker and more often chose a cocktail or wine, the citrus tang and the ice-cold beer were refreshing.
Valenheaded back into the kitchen and returned with plates and napkins.Afterplacing them on the coffee table next to the beer, he said, “I’llget the fire started.Feelfree to grab a slice and start eating.”
“I’llwait for you.”
WhileValenbent down to the fireplace,Istole the opportunity to watch him unobserved.Hisprofile was defined with a strong nose and jawline, noticeable even with his beard.Ashe moved logs and lit the kindling, my gaze was drawn to his hands.Theywere large and capable.Ipictured them touching me later.
Mygaze traveled to a semi-open door thatIguessed might be his bedroom.Afterall,Iknew whyIcame here tonight, and it wasn’t only for pizza—but it did smell delicious.I’dspent last night fantasizing aboutValen, and while we spent the day together, the attraction grew.Notonly didIwant him, butIliked him.AlthoughIknew this would only be a weekend fling, a part of me lamented it.Therides up the chairlift were enjoyable with not one iota of the awkward moments from chairlift dating.
Soon, the sound of crackling fire filled the room.Valenstood and walked over to sit beside me on the sofa.
Ipulled out a slice of pizza, put it on the plate, and handed it to him. “Thiswas a great idea.”
“Betterthan dealing with crowds to get a table at a restaurant?” he asked.
“Muchbetter,”Iagreed. “Especiallyafter a long day of skiing.”Itook another slice and took a bite.Thewarm cheese stretched from my mouth, a burst of flavor.Thesauce complemented it, and the pizza was still warm. “Mmm, so good.”
Valenswallowed a huge bite before replying. “Can’tgo wrong with good pizza and beer.”Weate in comfortable silence while we savored the comfort of food and drink.Hefinished a slice in a few more bites and offered me another, whichIheld off on, before he helped himself to one more.Withhis size and shifter metabolism, he must have a massive appetite.
Istole another glance atValen’sprofile, admiring the play of the firelight on his chiseled features.
Heturned and caught me staring.Agrin curled at the corners of his lips. “What’son your mind?”
Ishrugged as heat rose in my face. “Justenjoying the moment.”
Hekept his gaze on me for a few heartbeats before replying, “Metoo.”
Myheart beat faster in response.Theintense heat in his eyes sparked warmth dancing over my forearms.
WhenIfinally glanced away,Iasked him about his cabin and living here in the mountains.Hepointed out some pieces of furniture he’d created either himself or with the help of others while we finished our pizza and beer.Thesky darkened outside the windows.
Afterwe cleaned up from dinner,Valenplayed music at a low volume.Irecognized theCars’ “Drive,” a songI’dalways liked.
Hegazed down at me. “I’mglad you’re here.”Henudged his head toward a glass door that appeared to lead out to a deck. “Comeoutside for a sec.”
Heoffered his hand, andItook it as he led me outside.Thecrisp, cool mountain air bit at my skin, andIshivered, regretting not grabbing my coat first.Hestepped behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, sharing his warmth.
“Lookup,” he bent down and whispered into my ear.
WhenIdid, my breath caught in my throat.Thestars were so bright and clear out here, it was likeIwas on a different planet.Therewere too many to even count.
“Whata view.Socrystal clear.”
Iturned and faced him, instantly drawn back to his intense eyes.Hisbreath was visible in the cool mountain night.Myheart pounded as the very air between us seemed to sparkle with heat.
Herubbed his thumb over my cheek. “Idon’t want you to leave tonight,Cassandra.”
Myheart galloped all the way up my throat. “Idon’t want to go.”
Hetrailed his fingers down my face, over my neck, and then onto my shoulder.Heatignited low in my core, making me forget the coolness of the night.Hebent down, lowering his face close to mine. “Thenstay.”
