“I love it,” Caleb replied. “It reminds me of Vermont. The city isn’t far, but right here you feel like you’re the only ones around.”
They finished their toast and eggs. Caleb stood and gathered the plates. “Come on. I’d say get dressed but…” His gaze swept over her, openly appreciative.
Mia laughed. “Yeah, it’s time to change.”
He paused. “Will you stay the night?”
“Yes, I’ll bring an overnight bag with me.”
“Will your dad be okay?” he asked.
She nodded. “Roy’s around, and there’s a part-time health aide. Plus, he’s getting better.” She wouldn’t say yes if she was worried about him.
“Good,” he said. “I thought it would be fun to try Cypress Swamp Brewery, that is, if you’re still up for it.”
“I am.”
She paused, then leaned in to kiss him once more. Slow. Sweet. Promising.
“We’re never going to get out of here if you don’t stop doing that,” he murmured.
It didn’t takeher long to say hi to her dad. He looked up from his chair with a knowing smile, asked if she had had a good time, the twinkle in his eye impossible to miss. She laughed, kissed his cheek and then hurried upstairs to change and pack an overnight bag.
An overnight bag.
The thought sent a flutter straight through her chest.I’m staying the night.With Caleb. In his cabin.
Her pulse kicked up. Whatever this was between them, it wasn’t casual. And she didn’t think he was a one-and-done kind of guy. Neither was she.
This was a step forward. A big one. One she wasn’t afraid of.
They’d been circling each other for months, careful, cautious, pretending they weren’t heading here. And now, finally, they were. The realization made her breath catch, her cheeks warm. She splashed cool water on her face, steadying herself before heading back downstairs.
Caleb was in the living room with her dad, telling her father about a protection job he’d just finished, calm and confident, like he belonged there.
Like he belonged in her world.
And maybe, if she was honest, he already did.
CHAPTER 29
They wereon their way to Caleb’s cabin after a fun afternoon at Cypress Swamp Brewery. Clay Hawkins, the brewer and owner, had been there to introduce them to two new brews. He was also from Vermont, up past Stowe, and he and Caleb had bonded instantly over small towns, snowstorms that lasted forever and the satisfaction of building something with your own two hands.
Citrus and hops with just a hint of yeast lingered in the air inside the old citrus packing shed. The wide doors were rolled open, letting sunlight spill across the polished floor and across the rows of large stainless tanks. Clay had shown them around, their footsteps mixing with the clink of glasses and low murmur of conversation drifting in from the tasting area.
No food was served there, but food trucks lined the parking lot, sending up competing scents of grilled meat, citrusy marinades and fried dough. They’d eaten at one of the picnic tables, flights of beer lined up between them, soaking up the sunshine and easy afternoon.
“That was fun,” Caleb said as he pulled onto the road. “I really like Clay. He told me he used to be a mechanical engineer.Gave up the rat race to move here and get married. Has a couple of kids.”
Mia smiled. She knew the two of them would get along.
The drive took them past Fat Jack’s Roadhouse, and memories of dancing with Caleb flashed through her mind. The easy laughter. His hands on her hips. The way he pulled her closer, how he looked at her like he already knew. And now, just a couple of weeks later, not only were they heading back to his place, but they were going to have sex. Her pulse kicked up, heat curling low in her belly.
Caleb had been eyeing her the whole time they were out. He’d kissed her several times, slow and unhurried, like he was pacing himself and left her wanting more.
Finally, they arrived back at his cabin. He grabbed her overnight bag from the back seat, opened her door, and they stepped inside. Mia took a deep breath. The cabin was the same, but the air between them felt different. Charged with anticipation and barely contained heat. Ranger came over and nudged her leg. She bent to rub his head, then he went back to his spot by the door, settling with a low huff.
He closed the door behind them and turned, his gaze steady. “Okay?”
