“Well, I’m glad you’re here, and I hope you come often. Your smile lights up a room.” He grins.
I don’t know when I last smiled, but I do so now, feeling warm and fuzzy from his compliment.
“How about if I give you a tour of the property, show you what we’ve done so far.” He grabs my waist and lifts me off the stool to set me on my feet. His hands are so large that they almost span my entire torso.
I already know every inch of the construction. I’m aware that the brothers have built six cabins on the land. I even know who owns each one. I’m not sure what the main house is for, but now that I’m inside, I realize this giant room provides them with a place to eat and hang out. The other half is still under construction.
Adam quickly puts all the food away before nodding toward the back door.
I follow, trying to act like the adult I am. It’s hard to feel grown up next to him, partly because he’s so large. Plus, he’s eight years older than me. He probably still thinks of me as a child.
But then I recall the intensity in his gaze when he said he was most definitely aware I’m an adult.
It’s been years since I’ve thought about what I’m wearing. I get up every morning and put something on. That’s it. Why would I be concerned about how I look? No one except my dad sees me, and I don’t think he pays enough attention to notice. Honestly, I’d rather he didn’t notice me at all. The best days are the ones when he never acknowledges me.
Adam walks us out to the middle of the clearing in front of the main house and gestures in a circle, pointing out where everyone’s cabin is located. There are a dozen men working on several structures.
My breath hitches when Adam takes my hand in his. “Come.” His steps are so big and his legs so long that it’s hard to keep up with him. I have to skip to avoid my arm getting pulled because I don’t want him to release my hand. It feels so good in his.
I shouldn’t let such thoughts enter my mind. Daydreaming about Adam will get me nowhere. I used to think of him from time to time, but not in the way I’ve been letting him consume my thoughts lately.
I first spotted him on the property a few months ago. He was my favorite brother ten years ago, and now he’s my favorite man. I like to watch him work outside. Most days, he spends at least part of the time either overseeing construction, chopping wood, or helping tend the massive newly planted garden.
For months, I’ve been sneaking over here at least three times a week. I’m well aware of who each brother is. Even though I couldn’t tell them apart at the beginning, over time, hearing them call out to each other helped me memorize them.
Adam, I always knew. My crush on him is silly and irresponsible. If I don’t shake it off, and he finds out, he’s going to laugh at me. There’s no way he’ll ever look at me like I want him to. It will never happen. He’s just being kind to the silly kid who used to annoy him a decade ago.
When I realize where we’re headed, my heart rate picks up. Soon, we’re at his cabin, and he opens the door and guides me inside.
I haven’t been close enough to see the interiors of these cabins. I’m shocked that I’ve gotten away with snooping around for as long as I have, especially now that I know how diligent Asher is about patrolling the property.
Adam shuts the door. “It’s not much yet. I’ve been busy supervising the other building work, so I haven’t had a chance to turn this cabin into a home, but I have the basics.” He points around. “Couch, television, kitchen table, and chairs.”
He still has a firm grip on my hand and leads me toward the hallway. He pushes each door open. I’m surprised to see there are four bedrooms. Three of them are empty. The only one with furniture is the master. It’s filled with a giant bed, dresser, armoire, and nightstands.
Everything matches, and it takes my breath away. It’s so clean and tidy. The wood is dark and rugged. The bedding is a deep navy that’s almost black. There’s a matching navy rug on the hardwood floor.
He points across the room. “Bathroom, closet. The usual.” I also noticed a bathroom in the hallway. Two bathrooms in one cabin. Luxurious.
Adam leads me back into the open living space and over to the fridge. Without letting go of my hand, he opens it and grabs a small bottle of apple juice. Finally, he releases me to twist off the cap before handing it to me. “Drink, sweetheart.”
I accept it. I never said I was thirsty. This is the third drink I’ve had since he untied me in the kitchen about an hour ago. Does he think I’m parched?
I take a sip. It’s been years since I had apple juice. It’s so delicious. Sweet and tart. Divine.
I down about half of it, trying not to seem desperate.
Adam takes it from me, sets it on the counter, and then lifts me by the hips again to set my bottom on the counter next to the juice. He frames me with his hands on my biceps.
His gaze is penetrating and intense, making me breathe heavily. “You’re welcome here anytime, Rebekah. You don’t have to ask first. Come, stay as long as you’d like.”
“Okay,” I whisper. I have to lower my gaze so I don’t swoon. Is that a real thing? Swooning? If Adam had any idea what sorts of things I was thinking, he would take back his offer.
His lips are so full. I wonder what it would feel like to kiss them. What would his beard feel like against my neck? I want him to hold my hips like he did earlier. I like how his hands span my torso. They make me feel safe. Calmer than I should. I feel oddly cherished, even though I’m making that up in my head.
Needing to break the silence, I say the first thing that comes to mind. “Why do you have so many bedrooms?”
“For my kids. If that’s not enough, I can always add more.”
