“Yep.”
“Where’s your house?”
“Right there.” He points ahead, and as we round a bend, his home appears. It’s not large, more of a rustic logcabin nestled in a clearing, surrounded by lush greenery. The wooden structure seems to grow from the forest floor.
It may not be luxurious, but there’s an undeniable magic to it.
“It’s just us here. The nearest town is miles away. You’ll be completely safe,” Ryder assures me, his hand finding mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
I nod, my eyes still drinking in the sight. “The house looks amazing.”
Ryder chuckles, the sound rumbling through the car. “Now you’re just flattering me. It’s nowhere near the standards you’re used to.”
“I may come from money, but I don’t need much to be happy. Wealth was never my end goal. If it was, I wouldn’t have started my company and worked my ass off.”
He brings my hand to his lips, placing a kiss on my knuckles that sends electricity coursing through me. “I know, babe. That’s what I love about you.”
My heart skips a beat. I know he didn’t mean it that way, that it’s just an expression, but God, for a moment, I imagined him saying he loves me.
I think I’ve been in love with him for a while now. And I know it’s the stupidest thing I could have done, considering he’s made it clear multiple times thathe can’t give me anything more, that he’ll leave the moment the mission is over, and I’ll never see him again. But I can’t help it.
I’m in love with him.
I want to scream the words but now isn’t the time. Maybe it never will be.
He parks the car, and I step out, stretching my limbs. The scent here is intoxicating—damp earth, fresh pine, pure nature. It’s a stark contrast to the city’s pollution and noise.
I move to the trunk, but Ryder’s already unloading my suitcases. When I try to take one, he stops me, his hand warm on my arm. “I’ve got it.” He hands me the key, a simple brass thing that looks as old as the cabin itself. “Make yourself at home.”
I dash to the door, excitement bubbling up inside me. As I switch on the lights, I survey the cabin’s interior.
It’s exactly as I imagined. Minimalist, masculine. A large dark leather couch faces a TV screen that seems at odds with the rustic surroundings. I spot two doors leading to other rooms but ignore them for now. To the left is a stone fireplace with photos arranged above it on the rough-hewn mantle. I approach and pick up one frame.
Ryder enters, carrying my suitcases with ease and the groceries we picked up on the way.
“Is this your mom?” I show him the photo of a smiling woman with Ryder’s eyes.
He nods, taking the luggage into the room.
“Who are these people?” I call out, picking up the second photo. It shows Ryder in uniform, standing next to some other men.
Ryder returns, coming to stand beside me. “That’s me and the team.”
“And who’s this?”
“That’s Zane.”
“Zane? Your boss?” I examine the photo again. “I didn’t picture him like this.”
“How did you picture him?”
“Older. But he’s handsome.” He looks like an action movie star, all chiseled jaw and intense eyes.
Ryder scowls, his grip on me tightening. “He’s only a few years older than me.”
I smile and wrap my arms around him, pressing my body against his solid frame. “Are you jealous because I said he’s handsome? That’s adorable.”
Ryder places his hand over his heart, feigning injury. “Ouch, that hurt. You called someone else handsome and called me adorable. Double whammy.”
