Page 67 of Love You From Afar

“Answer my question, doyouwant to go?” I repeat.

“No. Not at all,” she immediately replies.

“Then we’re not going.” I squeeze her hand, giving her the same reassurance that she gave me. It’s as if we know that as long as we’re together, everything will be okay.

NINETEEN

Skylar

I’m sitting cross-legged on a plush couch, watching amber flames crackle in a stone fireplace. My lips turn up in a smile as I sip on a steaming cup of tea, my body warm beneath a pile of fleece blankets. When we arrived at this perfect little cabin, nestled at the bottom of a snowy mountain, I couldn't believe my eyes. The snow-covered ground twinkled like diamonds beneath the night sky, the moon casting a translucent glow on a cozy, A-frame cabin.

My eyes began to well up with tears for what felt like the millionth time tonight, except this time, happiness is causing my eyes to water. The second we got out of the truck, my Converse sloshed across the snow as I ran into Everett’s arms, planting wet kisses on his cheeks as I thanked him repeatedly like a broken record.

I spend the next hour questioning Everett on how he was able to book this magical place as he unloads an armful of groceries. On the drive here, Everett stopped off at a small grocery store, quickly saying he had to “run in and grab a few things”. Twenty minutes later, he walked out with a wide grin stretched across his face, pushing a cart full of groceries.

Once we arrived, I followed him around the kitchen while begging him to tell me how I could chip in, because I know a place like this couldn't have been cheap. He just shook his head, repeatedly saying, “You don’t need to worry about it,” and, “Just sit down and relax.” He thinks I’ll let this go eventually, but I’m not. I’m determined to find a way to pay him back because thank you simply isn't enough.

The smell of fresh garlic and oregano drifting from the kitchen distracts me from my thoughts, causing my mouth to water. I spin around, resting my arms over the back of the couch as I take in the cozy cabin because I simply can’t get enough of it.It’s absolutely perfect.

Large rectangular windows are built into the front and back of the house, creating a stunning view of the towering pine trees, mountains, and snowfields surrounding us. I smile as the old wooden floor creaks beneath Everett’s toes, the fireplace reflecting shades of amber against the timber walls. The living room is connected to the kitchen, decorated with wooden cabinetry and black appliances. Past the kitchen, a narrow hallway leads to two equally sized bedrooms and a small bathroom. I should be thankful that Everett booked a place with two rooms, but part of me wishes I didn’t have any other option but to sleep cocooned in his warmth all night.

My eyes drift from the hall before landing on the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. The only man that’s taken my breath away since I was twenty-two years old. Not only is he easy on the eyes, but he has a heart of pure gold nestled beneath his broad chest.The best in the world.

His biceps flex through the sleeves of his shirt as his brows pinch together in concentration while he prepares dinner. His messy hair flops against his forehead as he shifts his focus between the two skillets steaming atop the stove. My insides heat when he brings a wooden spoon to his lips, his tongue peeking out to have a taste.

Instead of letting me help him cook, he made me a cup of hot tea, buried me under warm blankets, and told me to relax. Of all the places he could be right now, he’s here… catering to me. He’s cooking a delicious dinner in a remote cabin that he booked forme.This,I think to myself.This is how it’s supposed to feel. A feeling that Elliot could never give me.

The thought is a sharp jab to the chest. I haven’t thought about Elliot since we arrived at the cabin, but I have to accept that this is how it’s going to be for a while. I’m going to have happy moments where I forget that he exists, and then I’m going to have sad moments where he consumes every crevice of my brain.

That’s just how life works. Grief, heartache, loss… none of it is linear. They say time heals all wounds, but I don’t necessarily believe that. I think time teaches you how to grow scars, and how to live with them. But I don’t think it ever completely heals, and I’m okay with that. If living with my scars keeps me from making the same mistakes in the future, then I’ll live with the blemishes every day.

“What are you thinking about over there?” Everett smirks, pulling me from my thoughts.

“About how amazing that smells,” I recover, eyeing the plates he’s holding.

“Well, lucky for you, dinner’s ready.” He flashes me a wink as he walks to the small table before setting down the plates of parmesan-crusted chicken and mashed potatoes.

I toss the heaping pile of blankets from my body, standing from the couch before I pad into the kitchen. Like the gentleman he is, Everett slides my chair out for me as I take a seat. He pours us both a glass of red wine before finally exhaling a deep breath, taking a seat across the table from me.

“Everett, this looks heavenly,” I hum. “Seriously, my mouth is watering from just looking at it.”

“Wow,” he smirks, arching a brow. “Already talking me up before you try it?”

“You’re right,” I furrow my brows, shaking my head. “What if it’s totally terrible and I just embarrassed myself andyouwith that compliment,” I say sarcastically.

He chuckles, watching me closely as I cut a bite-sized piece of chicken before lifting it to my mouth.

Holy shit. This man can cook.

My eyes shut, rolling to the back of my head as the delicious flavors of garlic, butter, and parmesan fill my tastebuds. I’m pretty sure a moan falls from my lips as I swallow down the delectable bite.

“Now that,” I clear my throat, reaching for my wine glass, “might be the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

I look up to find Everett grinning, his head resting in the palm of his hand as he watches me intently. His grin widens as he purses his lips, almost as if he’s trying not to laugh.

“What’s so funny?” I ask, taking a hefty sip of the tart wine.

“The best thing you ever tasted comment…” He pauses to let out a low chuckle.

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