Dinner had been great. He’d told me some private things about himself that put me at ease. It proved to me he wasn’t going to be the stiff and controlling alpha sort, or worse, standoffish.
We got back to the cabin pretty late. We’d stayed longer than planned, having cider in the big lobby by the fire. The couches there were the kind where you sink right in and never want to move again.
Still half-drunk as I walked beside him on the well-lit, shining path to our cabin, I had the sudden realization that I’d had fun. I didn’t feel like he was someone I’d been stuck with. It was more as if I’d been shown a pleasant surprise.
I could definitely see myself enjoying the next two weeks. But then again, there was the problem of my upcoming heat.
And we still had the sleeping arrangements to navigate tonight.
But the air was fresh and clear. Bright stars were out, along with a sliver moon. Our cabin greeted us like an ornament dropped in the snow. I couldn’t have asked for a prettier, more peaceful scene.
Before I could reach for mine, Dale had his phone out to unlock our door.
Warm air rushed out. We hurried in, hanging our parkas and scarves and looking about. The fire had gone out.
“I’ll build a new fire,” Dale said. “There’s plenty of wood.”
“Do you want coffee?” I asked. “There’s a coffee maker on the stand beside the bathroom.”
“Sure.”
“Decaf?” It was close to my usual bedtime after all. Although I did not have to get up early, so if I was up late, my body wouldn’t care.
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
He knelt by the fire, sweeping out ash and stacking more logs. I tried not to notice, but in that position his physique stood out. His sweater hem rode up, showing slim hips. With a long waist and legs which accounted for his height, I was drawn. I liked the tall alphas that were slim like that. They seemed to move with a grace that ignored gravity. Like they were floating above the ground a little. I had an older brother like that, and an uncle, and a past boyfriend from college, but that hadn’t ended well after he’d cheated on me.
As Dale sat back, looking for the long matches, I turned to my task. I found ceramic Santa-shaped mugs and got everything ready. It seemed to take me forever due to my own distraction, and perhaps too much cider.
When I brought the coffee over to the couch, Dale had the fire going strong. He was sitting on the couch with his feet up on the table. I handed him a Santa mug.
“Thanks.” He raised his eyebrows at the mug. “Very cute.”
“That’s what they left us by way of mugs.” I set down creamer and sugar.
He took some of both.
“It’s quiet around the place,” Dale observed. “I wonder if everyone finally got matched up.”
“Or left,” I offered.
“That would mean extra rooms. We’d have been notified.”
“True.” I crossed my legs and turned to look at him. “Are you really okay with this setup?”
He sipped his hot coffee. “It’s fine so far.”
“Yeah. I have to admit I’m not suffering. And this place is so beautiful.” I blew on my own coffee. Steam rose up. “Did you have plans for things to do?”
“Yeah.”
“Like what?” I asked.
“Like everything. And nothing.”
“I was going to veg in front of the TV.”
“And order room service?”
