Page 36 of Love Me Fierce

“We had a lot of help. Mom and Dad, and we have a family friend in the construction business.”

We round the long bend to where the road dead ends in front of a narrow cabin with mismatched wood siding and a pitched roof. It’s cute enough to have been conjured from a storybook.

“Wow.” A soft breeze sweeps down from the hills, rustling the aspens growing tall along the left side, their golden leaves shimmering in the low light. The right side of the cabin has a tiny deck that I’m pretty sure is positioned to catch the first rays of the sunrise.

How is this my life right now?

“Is the wood different on purpose?”

“It’s all salvaged. Even the windows. Those were from an old barn. We used repurposed snow fencing for the roof.”

Everett climbs the single step and pulls open the screen door,making the hinges squeak. I hold it for him while he fits a key attached to a leather loop into the door’s knob. Being this close to him while we’re still catching our breath is sending pinpricks of heat across my chest. I’m hyperaware of where the fabric of my clothes touches my skin, and where it doesn’t. Of the breeze against my back, and the quiver in my thighs.

The door swings open and I follow him inside, thankfully allowing me to put some distance between us.

It smells of dry wood and faintly of the prairie and the mineral richness from the creek. Taking up the left corner is a tiny kitchen with a propane camp stove, sink, narrow counter, and two stools. A red fire extinguisher affixed to the side of the counter looks out of place until I remember that Linden is a firefighter. In the center of the cabin is a wood-burning stove and a pile of split logs stacked to the window, which overlooks a view dotted with sage and clusters of spindly aspens. Facing the woodstove is an overstuffed armchair and a tiny side table. On the right of the cabin, tucked beneath the alcove created by a loft is a big bed and a window that must overlook the little patio I saw.

“It’s so cute. I’m surprised you guys don’t rent it out.”

He carries the quilts to the chair. On the bed are two stacks of sheets. “It’s in use often enough. Logan and I sometimes sleep out here, and not too long ago, it was Cam and Wilder’s place.”

Gratitude peaks inside my chest, sharp and full. “Thank you again. This is all so incredibly kind.”

“I like knowing you’ll be here.” He moves to the bed and grabs the stack of sheets.

I rush over to help. “Why?”

Our hands brush as I try to grab the sheet from him, sending a jolt of electricity racing over my skin. I glance up, my heart kicking into my ribs. The sensations of danger and desire clash together in my brain, making it hard to think.

“Because I’m not sure it’s safe for you at the trailer.”

I freeze. “What are you talking about?”

“I think you were hiding something there.” He shoots me a pointed look. “It’s time to tell me what it is.”

Chapter Eleven

VIVIAN

I dropthe sheet and stare him down. “Excuse me?”

He pauses, the sheet still draped between his arms. “Whoever trashed your place was looking for something.”

I shake my head, but it just jumbles my thoughts even more. “Like what?”

“You tell me.” It comes out stern, almost sharp.

Does he think I’m some kind of criminal? I fight the emotion climbing up my chest. “Everett, I’m not hiding anything.”

He sets the sheet on the bed, his eyes never leaving my face. “Maybe it’s something you don’tknowyou’re hiding.”

“That makes even less sense.” There’s no mistaking the tension in my voice now, either.

“Is Dr. Boone harassing you?”

“What on earth gave you that idea?”

“Back at your place, when I asked about work.” He releases a hard sigh. “I got the feeling you weren’t telling me everything. I know it’s not Ava or Sepp bothering you.”

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