Page 23 of Her Grumpy Lumberjack

11

SIENNA

I wend my way through the trees, a spring in my step as I head toward my cabin to see Chase. I’m still giddy from yesterday. There’s a delicious ache between my thighs, reminding me of all the dirty things we did together by the fire.

I can’t wait to do them all again.

Sex with Chase was magical, and falling asleep in his arms made me feel closer to him than ever. But it was more than just physical; it was the best night of my life. I’ve never felt so happy, and now I’m starting to question my plans to return to Denver tomorrow. I want more time with Chase. Heck, I want all the time in the world with him, and now that my cabin is getting close to completion, I have an excuse to stay longer.

I know it’s more complicated than that. I have a job to think about—a life back in Denver. But right now, I’m drunk on my sexy lumberjack and happy to let my fantasies about the future run wild. Butterflies are fluttering through me, and my heart starts to thump with anticipation as I get closer to my cabin, desperate to see Chase.

As I approach, I hear voices: Chase and another man. They’re blocked by the cabin, standing on the other side, but I can hear their conversation as it drifts toward me through the trees.

“—tell her. She needs to know how you feel,” says the unfamiliar voice.

I freeze, listening.

Are they talking about me?

There’s silence for a few moments, and I strain my ears, hardly daring to breathe.

Then I hear the unmistakable rumble of Chase’s voice.

“Sienna doesn’t belong here with me.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut, sucking the breath from my lungs. I stand there, waiting for him to say something else, but at that moment, Moose appears from behind the cabin, yapping when he sees me.

Crap.

I don’t want to be caught eavesdropping, especially not after what I just heard. With a hollow pain in my chest, I turn on my heel and race back toward Chase’s cabin, stumbling through the front door. I feel numb as I collapse onto the couch and tuck my knees up to my chin, trying to swallow down the emotion clogging my throat.

I can’t get the words out of my head.

“Sienna doesn’t belong here with me.”

I feel like somebody is trying to claw my heart out of my chest. It hurts so much more than it should. Chase made it clear from the start that he wanted me out of his forest, and I was stupid to think he’d changed his mind. This whole idea was a crazy mistake. Megan was right—I don’t know what I was thinking coming out here. I never should have left Denver.

With a sniff, I rub my stinging eyes, trying to get my emotions under control.

It doesn’t change anything, I tell myself. This was always meant to be a temporary trip. Four days, that’s what I told Megan. So, what difference does it make if I leave today instead? It’s only a day early, and Chase obviously doesn’t want me here.

With a shuddering breath, I get off the couch and start to pack my things, dragging my suitcase into the living room and grabbing my duffle bag just as Chase strides through the front door, his jaw set. He looks surprised to see me awake, and his attention snaps to my luggage. A deep crease appears between his brows as he looks at it.

“I’m going to head back to the city,” I say, my voice wobbly.

He looks at me, his frown deepening. “I thought you were leaving tomorrow?”

I can’t meet his gaze so I stare down at my feet. “It’s a long drive, so I figured I better go now.”

There’s silence for a few moments.

“When are you coming back?” Chase asks.

There’s a hint of something pained in his voice, almost like the question hurts him.

No, that doesn’t make sense.

He wants me out of here. He’s always wanted me out of here.

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