Page 678 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“Okay, we’re here. You can open them now.”

She smiled at the open excitement in Kendall’s voice. It was hard to believe this was the same man whose face had been as hard as flint as he led his team to victory the night before. Kendall was an enigma with more layers than an onion, and she wondered if she would ever be able to fully understand him.

Sydney opened her eyes and then widened them in surprise. Tall pine trees surrounded a log cabin overlooking a scenic part of the Tennessee River. The sparkling blue water was framed by rolling mountains in the distance. A thick carpet of pine needles cushioned her step when she got out of the truck.

“Who lives here?”

“I do when I’m not staying at the house with Emma and Mom.” There was a touch of pride in his voice.

“Kendall—wow! This is incredible. When did you buy it?”

Kendall looked down at the ground. “I built it myself with one of those pre-fab kits, but I’ve put a lot of extras into it. Come on inside and I’ll show you around.” He took her hand and led her up the steps.

When they reached the door, he surprised her by giving her a long kiss that melted through her like warm chocolate. “Welcome to my own little part of heaven,” he said, opening the door.

“That it is,” she said, mostly to herself as she stepped inside. The floor was covered with wide cherry planks. A stacked stone fireplace took up the bulk of one wall. Sydney walked over and ran her fingers over the grainy hearth that had been formed from a split log. It was definitely a man’s place, complete with a deer head mounted over the mantel and rifles propped in the corner, but it had a cozy feel about it too. Pillows with a woven Indian design of rich, vibrant colors were heaped haphazardly on the dark leather sofa and chairs.

Kendall came up behind her and encircled his arms around her waist. His lips brushed against her neck, sending a thousand tiny shivers rippling down her spine.

“Why don’t you relax, and I’ll bring in some wood and make us a fire.”

“Sounds good to me.”

A few minutes later, Sydney and Kendall settled down on the sofa. She snuggled close to him and watched the flames lick hungrily at the logs, their movement reflecting colors of yellow, blue, and red on the polished wooden floor. Kendall was full of surprises. When he had told her he wanted to show her something, she had no idea he was taking her to a log cabin on the lake. A cabin he had practically built single-handedly. It felt right to be here in this setting with Kendall. It helped take her mind off of her problems—and off of Sean.

He looked over at her and grinned. “What’s going through that pretty head of yours?”

There was no way she was going to tell him that she had been thinking about Sean. “Oh, I was just thinking how relaxed I feel.”

“Well, don’t get too comfortable. I’m hungry.” Kendall laughed and started tickling her.

“Kendall, stop,” she begged as she tried to get away from him. Before she could make her escape, he pulled her closer and covered her lips with his. A feeling of deep affection and security flooded her. Reluctantly, he released her. “Okay, I’ll let you go if you promise to get the food ready while I stoke the fire and bring in a couple more logs.”

“It’s a deal.”

Sydney took stock of the well-furnished kitchen. A few minutes later she had their plates piled with the barbecue they had picked up on the way out of town. She rummaged through the cabinets and found some packs of hot chocolate and a bag of potato chips. She reached for the kettle on the stove and filled it with water and then placed it on the burner.

Kendall came up behind her and grabbed her around the waist. He pulled her close and buried his nose in her neck.

“I thought you said you were hungry.” Sydney laughed and untangled his arms.

“It’s spittin’ snow outside,” he said, releasing her and grabbing a handful of chips.

“You’re kidding. This early in the fall?”

“If you don’t believe me come and look.”

She moved to the window and looked out at the flurrying snow. The scene outside made her glad that she was in the warmth of the cozy cabin with Kendall.

After they finished dinner, Sydney looked at her watch. “You know, we’ve got to get back to town. I have a lot to do before I go to work on Monday.”

“You worry too much. Just relax and enjoy yourself. You’ll have plenty of time tomorrow to work, and besides, they were running that mill long before you got there.” She’d heard that before. She changed the course of the conversation as she began clearing the table. “Kendall, this cabin—it’s so fantastic. I’m surprised you don’t live here all the time.”

He shrugged. “I’ve considered it, but it’s out of the way. I like being close to the school, and I enjoy the company of Mom and Emma.”

“I can’t believe I’ve known you all this time and didn’t realize you had this cabin.”

“There are only a few people who know about this place.”

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