Her stomach rumbled on cue. “Good timing.”
She tried to remember if she’d eaten anything all day. She hadn’t.
They settled onto the sofa, her legs tucked beneath her, his arm draped easily over her shoulder. His weight was solid. Anchoring. Like she didn’t have to hold herself up for a while. It felt good—snuggling, talking, not having to hold herself together. He told her about his protection duty, which was mostly boring but satisfying and was exactly how he liked it, and the long drive back. How he missed her.
She told him about karaoke and confirmed the rumors about Joy being off-key were absolutely true.
Caleb laughed, pressing a kiss to her temple.
For the first time all day, Mia relaxed. No way was she bringing all her negative energy here. Tonight was about laughter, good food and feeling sexy and worthwhile.
The doorbell rang, and Caleb got up. The food arrived. The cabin filled with the scent of coconut milk, garlic and warm spice. She stood and brought plates over to the coffee table, while he set the bags down.
Mia dipped her spoon into the curry and moaned. It was rich and creamy, heat blooming slowly instead of burning, the brightness of lime cutting through the richness. How could one dish taste indulgent and comforting at the same time? The warmth spread through her, settling her shoulders, quieting her thoughts and grounding her in the moment.
The wine disappeared slowly as conversation tapered off. The takeout containers cleared from the table.
They moved toward the bedroom without talking much. No rush. No need.
Caleb shut the door behind them and pulled her close. Kissing him felt easy, familiar. When they finally tumbled into bed, there was no pressure. Just want.
Later, tangled together beneath the covers, Mia rested her cheek against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing. His hand traced lazy circles on her back, steadying her.
This was what she needed. Comfort.
She drifted off thinking she might actually sleep through the night.
She didn’t.
The phone rang somewhere in the dark.
Caleb was instantly moving before the second ring. Mia woke, disoriented.
“Jennings,” he said.
A pause.
Then, “Slow down. Say that again.”
Mia’s stomach dropped. The room felt suddenly too small.
Caleb swung his legs over the side of the bed. “When?”
Another pause. He turned to Mia, who was now sitting up.
“We’ll be there in ten.”
He ended the call and stood.
“What is it?” she asked, though she knew the answer wouldn’t be good.
“That was my friend with the fire department,” he said. His voice was steady, but his body was already moving. “There’s been a fire. At the event barn.” The words landed heavy.
For a second, she couldn’t speak. “Dad?”
“He’s okay. It’s a small fire, but they contained it.”
She shoved the covers back and stood. “I’m coming.”
