She spotted a dining nook and doors out to a back patio.
It felt homey. Lived in. Caleb had mentioned the cabin came stocked with the basics—towels, sheets, cooking gear, plates and glasses—and he had only to bring his personal things. Somehow that made it feel more personal, not less.
Caleb came back in, kicked off his shoes and tossed his jacket over a chair. Then hesitated, like he wasn’t sure what came next. Like he was giving her a choice.
Mia solved that by stepping closer.
Their kiss wasn’t rushed. It was careful, exploratory. Yes, he’d kissed the dickens out of her the other night, but this was different, slower, sweeter. A more getting-to-know-you kind of kiss. His hands settled on her waist, pulling her closer. Hers slid into his hair, threading her fingers there naturally.
When they finally broke apart, both breathing a little harder, Caleb rested his forehead against hers. “We should probably slow down.”
“I don’t feel rushed.” She felt grounded. Certain.
“Good,” he murmured. “Because I’m trying very hard to do this right.”
She smiled. That mattered more than she let herself say. “Then why don’t you give me a tour and that glass of wine you promised?”
“There’s not much left to see,” he said lightly, nodding toward the hallway. “Just the bedroom and bath.”
Mia laughed. “Then I think I can manage.”
“Wine first.”
He poured them each a glass and put on a slow jazz, easy and familiar. The tour didn’t take much more than a minute. He had a king-size bed in the bedroom. A bath. Nothing flashy. She noted it all and reminded herself not to read ahead. Then they drifted back into the living room.
They spoke about their lives for a few minutes. He talked about how hard it was to visit his parents and have everyone think he was a hero. Her about leaving Haywood Lake and coming home to help her dad, starting over when she hadn’t planned to. It felt easy sharing, honest.
One of her favorite songs came on. Caleb set his glass down, stood and held out his hand. One hand settled at her waist, the other finding hers. They moved together easily. Just a gentle sway. Her cheek brushed his shoulder. His breath warmed her temple.
It felt natural.
They stayed like that until the song ended and another took its place.
Eventually, they sank onto the couch, her legs tucked beneath her, his arm draped along the back. Ranger padded back in and flopped at their feet with a satisfied huff.
Mia’s head found Caleb’s shoulder. His fingers threaded through hers.
Sleep came quietly, without ceremony.
Mia wokeup with the sunlight streaming through the windows. She stirred, realizing she was still curled against him, and held still, savoring the moment before it shifted.
Caleb moved, his voice rough with sleep. “Morning.”
“Morning.”
He studied her for a second, thumb brushing her knuckles. “You could stay tonight.” Then added, “Only if you want to.”
The words settled between them, unpressured. The idea made her giddy. And a little brave.
She glanced down at the little blue dress she was still wearing. “I should grab some clothes,” she said.
“Breakfast first?”
Mia laughed quietly. “Definitely breakfast first.”
They had coffee on the back patio, the woods silent except for birds calling to each other. A soft wind rustled the pine trees while Ranger ran around with his nose to the ground, fully invested in whatever small creature had captured his attention.
“It’s so peaceful out here,” she said.
