“Remind me to set mousetraps when we finish dinner.” When I laugh, Ava does, too, and the tension eases from her expression.

“Yes, sir.”

Once we’re done eating, I gather up the empty plates and head to the kitchen. Ava trails after me, towel in hand, ready to dry the dishes. I steal glances at her as we stand side by side at the sink.

I could get used to having those expressive eyes focused on me every night. Sharing these little moments feels right.

Honestly, I want it all with her—marriage, family, the whole package because I’m greedy when it comes to her.

Lost in thought, I don’t notice Ava leaning across me to grab a wet glass until she playfully bumps her hip against mine. The contact sends a spark through me, and I hold back a groan.

“My bad,” she says with a cheeky grin.

“What? Not enough elbow room for you over there?” I joke.

“Not with your shoulders crowding me,” she shoots back before bumping me again.

“Careful, troublemaker. You don’t want to start something you’re not prepared to finish.”

She looks at me coyly through her lashes. “And what if I do?”

“In that case, I'd be happy to oblige,” I reply, matching her flirtatious tone.

She holds my gaze a heartbeat longer before grabbing another plate to dry. “Good to know.”

The power suddenly goes out, submerging us in darkness. Ava lets out a gasp. This time, it doesn't come back on.

Instinct kicks in. “Okay,” I say, turning on the flashlight.

I'm not worried. I've been in worse situations than this, but I sense Ava’s fear. Guilt twists my gut. I should have anticipated how frightened she might become.

I grasp her shoulders, rubbing warmth into her skin. “The generator will kick in soon. But I'll get the wood-burning stove going so we stay warm.”

I can do this. I can take care of Ava and keep her safe. It’s my time to shine. This is what I was made for.

CHAPTER7

AVA

Carter wraps an arm around me, holding me close against his sturdy frame.

“Hey, we're safe but I need to check the back up power. Will you wait here?”

I try to ignore the nervous flutter in my stomach. “Okay.”

The candles from dinner provide light, but it’s eerie. The wood cabin creaks and groans under the strain of the howling wind.

I grip the counter to steady myself as the full weight of our isolation sinks in. My mind races with how long we could be stranded here—the two of us alone.

When Carter returns he doesn’t look happy. “I see the problem but I can’t fix it tonight.”

“Will we be okay?”

Carter squeezes my shoulder reassuringly. “We’re safe. Come with me. We’ll get the LED lanterns and check the cabin. Make sure everything’s locked down.”

The candles cast flickering shadows across Carter's face as he checks the windows, fastening them tight. He clenches his jaw, his shoulders rigid with focus, his movements precise. He’s in his element, a man transformed, his voice laced with fierce urgency.

“Blankets. We need blankets.”