She wasn’t just restless, he realized.
She was unraveling.
He exhaled slowly, knowing he’d regret this. “Fine. But you stay within arm’s reach of me the entire time. No wandering off. No exceptions.”
Relief flooded her expression. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet.” He picked up his bowl again, his appetite suddenly gone. “I might have just made a very poor choice.”
“Understood.”
Naomi glanced between them, her expression unreadable, but she didn’t say anything.
Caleb took a bite of soup, barely tasting it.
He hoped to God he wasn’t making a mistake.
The moment Millie stepped outside, breath filled her lungs a little more easily.
The air felt crisp and cool. Leaves in shades of burnt orange, deep red, and golden yellow carpeted the trail ahead of them, crunching softly beneath her boots.
In other words, it was the perfect autumn day.
She’d worn a puffy jacket with a teal knit hat, and the clothing kept her just warm enough. She only wished she was coming out here for some real fun. However, she’d take whatever excuses she could get. At least she was outside.
As they walked, Hamilton trotted alongside Caleb, his tail wagging. Biscuit pulled on his leash, his ears perked and alert.
Everything felt perfect . . . except for the tension humming between her and Caleb like a taut wire.
They hadn’t spoken since their almost kiss—and there was clearly a lot to talk about. But neither of them were ready to discuss those things. Maybe because of their current roles.
She was here looking for shelter. He was here to provide that shelter.
The power dynamic was off.
Or maybe it was because their almost kiss had been a mistake. Maybe Caleb regretted the near miss and wanted to keep his distance.
Still, she needed to talk aboutsomething.
Millie kept her eyes on the trail as she hunted for a safe subject, her hands tucked into her jacket pockets.
“I found some promising grants today.” She finally broke the silence between. “There’s one from a woman named Charlie Soldier. Her dad was a professional football player—Benjamin Soldier, I think? Anyway, she’s a philanthropist now. Lives in Arizona. She gives to causes like Refuge Cove all the time.”
Caleb adjusted the strap of the bag slung over his shoulder, filled with trail cameras and mounting equipment. “That’s great. Sounds like it would be a good fit.”
“I think so too. It’s really admirable what she’s doing.”
“Naomi will be thrilled.”
“Yeah. I think we have a good shot at it.”
They walked in silence, the only sounds the crunch of leaves and the dogs snuffling through the underbrush.
Millie tilted her head back, letting the sunlight filter onto her face through the canopy above. The trees were stunning this time of year. She’d forgotten how much she missed this—the simplicity of being outside, surrounded by beauty.
She and Caleb used to hike together all the time when they were dating. Short hikes at local parks. Day hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway. They’d pack sandwiches and water bottles, and Caleb would always carry the heavier pack without complaint.
Those had been good days.
