Page 22 of Stuck with My Bossy Protector

“Yes,” I nod.

“Did he know you were coming?”

I roll my eyes. “Yes.”

“We have to get in the cabin, Mia. One way or another.”

I understand what he is saying. “Do it.”

He tries to break through the door, but the heavy wood doesn’t give. It doesn’t help that Noah is freezing and clumsy from exposure. He looks around. “I’ll break a window.”

“But that’ll just let the cold air in.”

He gives me a dry look. I realize how stupid that sounded. I’m worried about a broken window or offending my friend by breaking into his cabin. We will die if he doesn’t get us inside.

“Sorry,” I mutter.

He walks around the cabin. There are only a couple of windows. “I can’t jump up there,” Noah said. “My body is not working correctly. I’ll break it and boost you in. Okay?”

I don’t have a better option. I nod. I watch him grab a tree branch and smack it against the window. I can see how weak he is. The cold is taking its toll.

Glass shatters. The wind drowns out the noise, but I still flinch. Noah’s face hardens as he discards the branch. “Quickly, Mia,” he urges.

I nod, swallowing my fear. Cold bites at my fingers as I grip the edge of the broken window, shards of glass biting into my gloves. Gritting my teeth against the pain, I hoist myself up with his hands on my ass, pushing me through the opening, doing my best to avoid getting cut by the remaining shards of glass.

Once inside, I land on the cabin floor with a grunt. Noah’s muffled voice comes from outside: “You okay?”

“I’m good. Hold on.”

I find my way to the door and unlock it. I pull it open, letting Noah inside. I grab my camera bag and quickly close the door.

The inside is cold and dark, but it’s shelter. It’s safety. We shake off the snow and look around. It’s not exactly the cozy image I had in mind.

“Let’s get a fire going,” Noah says, sliding his backpack off. I watch as he pulls out a flashlight. Thankfully, there is wood neatly stacked against the wall.

I watch him, feeling the cold air coming through the broken window. It doesn’t take him long to get a fire started.

“Take off your coat and gloves,” he says. “And your boots. You’ve got to get warm.”

I nod and do as he says.

“I’ll take care of that window.”

I know I should help, but my brain seems to be frozen. The adrenaline I felt minutes ago is gone. I am cold—and worn out.

The breeze is suddenly gone.

My gaze is focused on the flames that are now crackling merrily. The light from the fire dances on the walls, casting a comforting glow. I stand close to the woodstove, holding my hands out to the warmth, feeling the heat slowly thaw my frozen fingers. I haven’t moved to take off my boots. I know I should, but I can’t seem to make my body obey.

Noah comes back and stirs the fire, adding another log.

“We did it,” he says, a hint of amazement in his voice. “We actually made it.”

I nod, still in a bit of shock. “Thank you,” I say, looking at him. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

He smiles, and the softness in his eyes makes me feel safe. “We’re a team,” he says simply. “And we’re going to be okay.”

Chapter ten

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