The rest of the cottage felt lived in—warm lighting, a well-used kitchen, family photos, comfortable furniture arranged for long conversations. Nick and David’s influence, most likely.
This room was different. Stripped down. Functional.
Zach’s space inside the brothers’ shared home.
And now she was sleeping in it. She took a breath… and inhaled Zach's woodsy scent which pervaded the room.
“Yeah, I think I will be,” Emma mumbled. “But it’s not only his house. It’s his bed. They don’t have a guest room.”
Silence greeted her.
“Alone, Lena! He’s sleeping on the sofa.”
“Well, that sucks. Maybe you should invest in some actual pajamas. Something lacy.”
“Lena!”
Her best friend’s laughter rang in her ear as she ended the call.
Emma sat back down on the bed, shaking her head. Lena’s teasing had done its job—the tight knot of anxiety in her chest loosened, just a little.
She pulled her duffel toward her and started unpacking. It felt presumptuous to put her things in Zach’s space. But he’d insisted, and she was too tired to argue with a man who treated stubbornness like an Olympic sport.
His bathroom was as spartan as his bedroom. Toothbrush, razor, soap.
When she emerged, she found Nick in the kitchen making tea.
“Chamomile?” he offered, holding up a mug. “Fair warning: Zach doesn’t keep much in the way of comfort items, but I had the kitchen stocked when I arrived. There’s a bit of everything.”
“Thank you.” Emma accepted the mug gratefully, wrapping her hands around its warmth. “This is all very surreal.”
“Welcome to life with Zach.” He leaned against the counter, his posture relaxed in a way Zach’s never was. “He means well. He’s just constitutionally incapable of expressing it.”
“I’ve noticed.” She sipped her tea. “Is he always like this?”
“Intense? Overprotective? Allergic to feelings?” Nick smirked. “Yeah. He’s also the most loyal person you’ll ever meet. When Zach commits to protecting someone, he doesn’t half-ass it.”
“I’m getting that impression.”
“And Emma—you may think I’m biased, but know this: no one can protect you better than Zach. No one. He’ll keep you safe.”
The front door opened, and Zach materialized from the darkness. His gaze went immediately to Emma, scanning her with that same thorough assessment before shifting back to Nick.
“Perimeter’s clear,” he said. “Motion sensors active. Cameras online.”
“See?” Nick grinned at Emma. “Paranoid.”
“Vigilant,” Emma corrected with a smile, echoing Lena’s joke.
Nick laughed and checked his watch. “Speaking of security, David is installing some new upgrade he dreamed up. I have to go supervise so he doesn’t electrocute himself.”
Emma followed him toward the front door. “Tell him I said good luck.”
“I’ll tell him you volunteered to help.”
“Nick!”
“Kidding.” He opened the door and paused, his expression softening. “You’ll be safe here. Remember what I said earlier—this cottage isn’t work. If Zach starts acting like your boss, feel free to remind him you're off duty.”
