I met his eyes. “Yeah.”
He studied me for a second, and it felt like he saw more than I wanted him to.
“That’s what’s up. You headed to the lodge?” he asked.
“Um… Yes.”
“I’ll walk you.”
My instinct saidI don't know you like that.But the way he said it shut down whatever excuse I had ready. I nodded. “Okay.” We walked side by side, quiet but not awkward. Something about him pulled at me without feeling forced. My body was aware of him in a way I couldn’t hide if I tried.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“Elise,” I said, remembering the fake name Bree booked under. “Yours?”
“Caleb,” he answered without hesitation.
Caleb.That name didn’t fit him worth a damn. Sounded like somebody’s nice neighbor, not this fine, dangerous-looking manstanding in front of me. But I tucked it away anyway, right next to that stare he gave me last night.
“You from around here?” he asked.
“Atlanta,” I said. “You?”
“Dallas.”
“Mmm.” I nodded. “You’re a long way from home.”
We reached the lodge and stepped inside. Warm air wrapped around me instantly, smelling like coffee, cinnamon, and whatever fresh pastries they had baking. A big Christmas tree sparkled in the corner; gold lights, silver ornaments and ribbon tucked in neat spirals. Not a combinationIwould’ve put together, but whoever decorated it knew what they were doing. It was simple, but it worked. My eyes drifted over the garland along the banisters and the wreaths above the fireplace—subtle, all matching the same color story. Someone definitely hired a professional. I caught myself evaluating it like I was on the clock and had to mentally tap out.Girl, you’re on vacation.
Couples chatted by the fireplace. A few people worked on laptops. Everything felt calm and easy in a way I wasn’t used to. We ended up near the hot drink station, and I grabbed a peppermint mocha. He leaned beside me, watching me take a sip like it was the most interesting thing in the room.
“You coming to that mixer tonight?” I asked.
He shrugged lightly. “Shit like that ain’t really my cup of tea. All this Christmasy shit.” He looked around at all the garland and lights. “Is too extra for me.”
“What? You don’t like the holidays?” I questioned
“Not at all.” He mumbled.
“You don’t like people either?” I teased.
“I like peace,” he said. Then his eyes dropped to my mouth for a second before meeting my eyes again. “But if you’re gonna be there, I might show up.”
My stomach flipped. My pulse did something I didn’t approve of.
“Oh, really?” I asked.
“Yeah,” he said quietly. “Really.”
Heat ran through me and I had to look away before my face betrayed me.
“Well… I should head back and change for the day.” I cleared my throat, trying to sound normal. “Thanks for walking me.”
He nodded once. “Anytime.”
I turned to leave, barely holding myself together from being so close to him.
“Elise.”
