Ranger didn’t look upset. Instead, it looked like he gave her the canine equivalent of a grin and left the room.
“He’s probably going to be scarred for life,” she said.
“I doubt it. He’s probably had his share of women.”
Mia laughed and moved to the edge of the bed. “How about I make some coffee after I shower? We can sit outside and drink it.”
“Great idea.”
It didn’t take her long to shower and start the coffee. She heard the bathroom door open. Searching the pantry, she found a box of cookies and put them on a plate with the coffee. Found a dog bone for Ranger. Put everything on a platter and carried it to the back patio.
Caleb had two outdoor chairs and a small table out there. She put the platter down and sat. Ranger raced off toward the woods. She leaned back in the chair. It was peaceful out here. The breezewas warm, the birds were chirping in the trees, and sunlight filtered through the leaves.
“Hey.”
Caleb padded outside barefoot, dressed in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Mia stared. Was there anything sexier than that? “You found the cookies. I forgot I had them.” He sat next to her.
“It’s so nice out here,” she said. “The trees, the quiet, the greenery.”
He nodded. “I’m grateful that the Brotherhood has these cabins. They’re all far enough away from each other to have privacy.”
“Do you ever plan to find another place? One of your own.”
“One of these days. I wanted to be settled here before I did anything.”
Mia nodded, but his words lingered. Settled. It sounded solid but also vague. She couldn’t help wondering what that meant for him. For them. Whether she fit anywhere in that picture or if she was just passing through this part of his life. She wasn’t staying with her dad forever. One day she’d have her own place again. The question was whether their paths were destined to end up together or if this was just a temporary road.
Pshaw. She wasn’t going to overthink this. They just started dating. She really liked him, and she knew he liked her. Neither of them was a love ’em and leave ’em type.
“How about a walk around?” Caleb asked. “There’s a path and stretch of woods behind us that the Brotherhood owns. It’s easy and pleasant. Then I’ll grill something for dinner and…”
“And?” she prompted.
He grinned, eyes warm, full of promise, and nodded. “And…”
CHAPTER 30
Monday morning arrived far too early,but Mia woke with a sense of momentum she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Caleb dropped her off just after seven, the truck idling softly as he leaned over to kiss her goodbye. The kiss wasn’t rushed or hungry. It lingered, slow and breath-stealing, the kind that stayed with her long after he pulled away.
“Text me later,” he said.
“I will.”
The farmhouse was quiet when she slipped inside. Her dad was still asleep, and she was grateful for the silence. Her body still felt loose and warm, and she let herself linger in the afterglow of a post-sex-marathon high. They had made love several times during the evening into the night and very early this morning while it was still dark outside.
She made coffee. The familiar gurgle of the machine was oddly comforting. Inhaled the rich aroma filling the kitchen as she poured herself a cup and wrapped both hands around the mug.
For a few seconds, she let herself breathe.
Then reality snuck in soon enough.
Today mattered.
This was the first time she was using the event barn for an actual tasting. Small, yes, but just as important. A chance to get a feel for what worked or didn’t. A test run. Proof that this wasn’t just a dream she’d talked herself into believing.
And Martha Langford was supposed to call about menu choices for her daughter’s wedding.
