My body is already moving on its own. Feeling like my luck may be turning around, I try not to get ahead of myself too much.
Not knowing anything about Abel or the rules he may have, my breath of fresh air could turn sour at any minute. I’ve got to keep my guard up a little, right?
2
Abel
This is a bad idea. The moment I opened the door and caught this beauty on her knees, I knew it deep down that just talking to her would be asking for trouble.
Now she’s hugging my fireplace, soaking up all the heat it has to give. Just seeing her shiver makes me want to hunt down every blanket in my home just to keep her teeth from chattering. Instead, I’m standing around like a fool, drinking her appearance in like I’m dehydrated as hell.
She’s young, somewhere in her twenties, if I have to put a number on it. Too young for a man my age to be staring, but I can’t help it.
It’s hard not to notice the way her jeans are clinging to her thighs, or how her shirt isn’t trying to hide her curves. Still damp, I can see the perfect outline of her body beneath. Every second I look her way, I find myself feeling like I’m losing control of the situation.
Ever since she stepped inside my home, looking so out of place compared to the dark colors surrounding her, I’ve made the smart decision to keep a distance away from her. As much as I can in such a small space.
“So…” Turning on her heel, she gives her back the chance to soak in some of the heat. “What kind of rules are we talking about here, Abel?”
I should set one about her using my name so freely. Every time it slips past her lips, I can feel my jeans growing tighter. At the rate I’m spiraling, she’s going to want to take the risk of going back down the mountain to get away from me.
“I like my silence. I’d rather it not be disturbed.” Finding the words, I sink down on my couch, the same place I’d been before I heard her arrival. “Not saying you can’t make a peep, but—”
“I get what you’re saying. Lucky for both of us, quiet is just what I came here for.” Giving me a cheeky smile, she shifts around like she can’t stand still for long. “What else is there?”
She wants a whole list, now? I’m barely able to keep up with my thoughts as it is. Some of the rules are obvious, but I can’t find it in me to speak them out loud.
No crying. No smiling at me like you are right now. No tempting me by getting close enough for me to reach out and touch you.
“Uh, clean up after yourself. Don’t have sticky fingers. The usual stuff.” Tearing my eyes away from her, I’m back on my feet. Now it feels likeIcan’t stay still. “I’m not exactly used to having company over. Even my brother… He only comes by enough times to make sure I’m still breathing.”
Telling her things that I’m sure she doesn’t care about, I still feel her eyes pointed in my direction. Maybe she does care a little. Just enough to keep me talking. It feels like I’m hearing my voice more than I ever have. Instead of mine, I’d rather hearhers. Even if I like my quiet, there’s something about her voice that I find soothing.
“So, what’s your story? What brought you out here?” Moving toward her, I tell myself that it’s just to poke at the fire, and not to get closer to her. Not to soak in her heat instead of what’s rolling off of the flames. “What are you running away from?” Hearing her sputter, my mouth quirks up. “No one comes up here just to see the trees, Tatum.”
She purses her lips together, debating whether to tell me the truth or not. Her cheeks glow pink against the reflection of the fire. Unsure if she’s aware of it or not, she wears her thoughts on her face.
“Is it really that obvious? I, um, ran from Lincoln Heights.” She watches me jab at the flames licking at my wrists and nudges a little closer to me and the fire. “Life’s been a little hard. It seems I’m experiencing a series of unfortunate events.”
Opening up to me with ease, she gives me a little insight into how I’ve never known of her existence to begin with. Going from explaining that she’d gotten laid off from one cubicle job to chasing after others with similar experiences, it’s finally taken a toll on her. She’s teetering over the edge of giving up entirely.
Apparently, this trip was what would help her take a step back. If it weren’t my cabin used to scam her, but someone else who would’ve turned her away, would she have jumped?
“I just wanted an escape before I went and tried to look for something else. It was an impulse decision if you can’t tell. I should’ve looked into it a little more.” Letting out a tense laugh, she squeaks when my hand finds her shoulder. I don’t mean to touch her, but it just happens. Instead of pulling away, she leans into it.
“Well, I can’t say that I make great company, but at least I can give you an altered version of your escape, I hope?”
The smile she sends my way is the kind that could bring any man to his knees. Somehow, I stop myself from swaying. Instead, I catch myself drowning in eyes the color of the ocean. Underneath the surface, I can see the waves crashing.
The exhausted look behind her gaze is one that’s all too familiar. I recognize it well enough. It’s what made me retreat to the mountains to find something I love and stick with it.
Even if it’s only for a short time, maybe I can give Tatum some relief. Maybe I can wish this rain would never stop falling.
Catching myself spiraling, I clear my throat and pull my hand back. Giving up on the fire and rubbing the back of my neck, I shift my attention to the kitchen. “Have you eaten?”
When she shakes her head, I fight the urge to curse. As far as I can tell, the only thing she’s brought with her is clothes. Knowing she hardly came prepared, I keep my hands to my side instead of pinching her elbow and dragging her to the table so I can feed her.
“Let me throw something together. Why don’t you get comfortable?” Turning away from her, I can’t help but make it sound more like a demand than a suggestion.
