She’d been letting her emotions lead her, and that was never good.
Whatever had been building between them—that pull, that dangerous warmth—it needed to stop.
She couldn’t afford to lose herself in Caleb again.
Not when so much was at stake.
Caleb cleared his throat. “I should probably let you get some sleep.”
“Yeah. Probably should. Me too.”
Their eyes met once more, and for a heartbeat, neither moved.
Then Caleb leaned back again. “Good night, Millie.”
“Good night.”
He stood and headed for his room, his footsteps measured and deliberate.
Millie stayed by the fire, listening to Sissy rummaging in the kitchen, trying to ignore the ache in her chest.
The moment was gone.
And she didn’t know whether to feel relieved or devastated.
chapter
thirty-eight
Ever since thealmost-kiss last night, Caleb had done his best to keep his distance from Millie.
It wasn’t easy.
This morning, every time he’d seen her across the room or caught a glimpse of her helping in the kitchen or heard her voice drifting from the common area, something in his chest tightened.
But she’d been avoiding him too.
Maybe that was for the best.
After breakfast, he’d thrown himself into work—checking the perimeter fence, reviewing security footage, coordinating with Max about supply runs. Anything to keep his mind occupied.
There had been no more incidents at the Cove. No strange sounds in the night. No suspicious activity on the cameras.
So far, the sheriff’s office didn’t have any updates. Sutherland had called earlier to say they were still processing evidence from the scene, still interviewing potential witnesses. Translation: They had nothing.
At the moment, Caleb stood in the barn, organizing tools that didn’t really need organizing, when his phone buzzed.
He pulled it out, half-expecting another non-update from Sutherland.
Instead, it was a text from Jake.
Checked out your guy. Garrick Anderson. Confirmed he’s in DC. Spotted him at the courthouse yesterday then at lunch at The Capital Grille. Want me to continue keeping tabs?
Caleb exhaled slowly, relief washing over him.
He typed back.
Appreciate it. Keep an eye on him for a few more days if you can. Let me know if he goes anywhere unexpected.
