Jess chokes on her sip. “That’s the hottest thing I’ve ever heard.”
“Right?!”
“And then he texted you? Show me.”
I screenshot and send it. She reads, eyes widening. “Katy. He’s hooked. Totally hooked. The man who probably hasn’t datedsince flip phones, and he’s texting you to have sweet dreams. That’s code for ‘I can’t stop thinking about you.’”
I feel my cheeks heat. “I texted him good morning this morning.”
Jess cackles. “Oh, he’s done for. You’re his sunshine now. Breaking through all that grump. What’s next? You gonna see him again?”
Before I can answer, my phone buzzes with a new text. I glance down.
Nathan:Morning, sunshine. Glad you’re smiling. I’m still thinking about last night, too. You free tonight? Dinner at my place?
My mouth drops open.
“Katy? Earth to Katy. What’s happening?”
“He just invited me to dinner at his cabin tonight.”
Jess screams so loud that I have to turn the volume down. “Yes! Yes! Oh my God, go! What are you wearing? The green sweater. Definitely the green. It makes your curves pop. And wear the good underwear. Just in case.”
“Jess!”
“What? A girl’s gotta be prepared. This is it. You’re gonna get ravished by the mountain man.”
I laugh, but my stomach flutters at the thought. “I hope so. I’ve been dying to know what his kiss feels like. All night, it’s all I could think about.”
She waggles her eyebrows. “Report back tomorrow. Every detail. And Katy? Be yourself. He likes you. The real you. Loud laugh and all.”
“I will. Thanks for the ambush, by the way. Best worst idea ever.”
“You’re welcome. Now go shave your legs or whatever. Love you!”
“Love you too.”
We hang up, and I sit there staring at Nathan’s text, heart racing. Dinner. At his place. Alone.
Me:Yes! I’d love to. What time? And what can I bring?
Nathan:Six. Just yourself. That’s enough.
I press a hand to my chest, trying to calm the butterflies.
I spend the morning floating. I shower with my fancy vanilla body wash, shave everything just in case, and fix my curls until they’re bouncy and shiny. I try on three outfits before settling on the green sweater, dark jeans, and the ankle boots that make me feel sexy without trying too hard. A swipe of pink gloss. Hoop earrings. The pendant necklace that always makes me feel confident.
By 5:45, I’m in the SUV, GPS set to the address he texted, heart pounding. The road narrows, pines closing in, snow dusting the branches like powdered sugar. Then the cabin appears—log walls, wide porch, warm golden light spilling from every window, smoke curling from the chimney. A dog bounds off the steps the second I park, tail wagging furiously.
Nathan steps out behind him, in dark jeans and a black thermal that clings to every line of muscle, sleeves rolled to his elbows, hair slightly tousled, as if he just ran his hands through it. He looks nervous and so damn gorgeous.
“Hey,” he says, voice low and warm as I step out of the car.
“Hey.” I smile so wide it hurts. “This place is beautiful.”
“Glad you think so.” He meets me halfway, takes my hand, and squeezes. “Come inside. It’s cold.”
Inside smells like garlic, rosemary, fresh bread, and woodsmoke. The main room is cozy: a stone fireplace crackling,a worn leather couch, and a workbench in the corner with half-finished carvings. Bear greets me properly now, nudging my hand with his wet nose, tail thumping.
