Tristan froze, too shocked to react.
Time stalled for several long, ticking seconds.
Cade stood abruptly, causing the kitchen chair to scrape against the floor and nearly topple over. He strode from the cabin, mumbling something about checking the perimeter.
Tristan stared after him, his body tingling all over, not from embarrassment, but from the knowledge he had been seen, and what? Wanted?
A shiver racked his body at the thought.
He was no stranger to hookups. He knew he wasn't ugly, but he had never drawn that much interest at clubs and had never felt all that attractive. Mostly, he felt like a convenience when no better prospects were around. People never perceived him as special, never regarded him with deep interest or desire.
With burning need.
Had he only imagined that look? Was it just wishful thinking?
Feeling off-balance and more than a little curious about the encounter, Tristan dressed quickly and stepped outside as the sun dipped low in the sky, cooling the air. He considered going back for the hoodie but decided against it. Cade stood about ten yards from the cabin, his eyes focused on the woods.
"What are you doing?" Tristan asked as he reached Cade's side.
"Checking the perimeter," he answered as he continued to scan the clearing.
Tristan glanced around but saw nothing but trees. "We're in the middle of nowhere. Why do you need to check the perimeter?"
"For threats," Cade said curtly before walking toward the tree line.
"What kind of threats?" Tristan said, hurrying to catch up.
"I don't know. Threats."
"Like bears?"
"Fuck, I hope not."
"No one's going to attack us from the woods, are they?"
"Unlikely. The closest neighbor is a mile away."
"So, what are we looking for then? Rabid squirrels?"
That got Cade's attention. "Can that happen?" He looked horrified, and Tristan almost felt bad for the joke.
Almost.
"Oh, yeah. They go crazy, launching themselves at people's faces and scratching at their eyes with their claws. Most people get rabies from squirrels. I learned that in college."
Cade gaped at him, then looked around anxiously for any of the killer rodents.
Tristan burst out laughing.
Cade slowly turned his head back to Tristan and glowered. "You're hilarious," he snarked, then continued striding around the clearing, maybe on the lookout for bloodthirsty bunnies or ferocious foxes.
Tristan giggled sporadically as he trailed along behind the other man, struggling to keep up with his long strides. The area was quiet, with only scattered bird songs and the gentle rustling of the fall leaves in the breeze.
"See anything threatening?"
"No."
"So the perimeter is secure?"
