“She’s here now.”
She was. And I needed to find a way to heal the break between us.
I staredat the impressive gate for a moment, considering turning around and heading home—to the safety of my apartment and my routine. Gizmo barked from his car seat in the back as if to tell me to stop being such a wimp.
I pulled out my phone and hit a contact I never had before.
Boden answered on the second ring. “You here?”
I tried to speak but couldn’t get the words to come easily. I cleared my throat. “I’m at the gate.”
“Hold on.”
I heard a buzz through my closed window, and the gates began to open.
“You know where the cabin is.”
I did. Yet I didn’t pull forward.
“Laiken?”
“I’m here.”
“Don’t bail on me now.”
Something about the raw vulnerability in Boden’s voice had my foot moving from the brake to the accelerator. “I’m not.”
“Good. I’ll reward you with food when you get here.”
My mouth curved. “It’s a good bribe.” And with that, I hung up.
I guided my SUV around the gravel road, taking in the breathtaking sights and wondering if Ramsey knew how lucky he was to have this kind of spread. There was a different view from every direction, and each one was magical. I itched to pull over and grab my camera from the trunk, yet somehow, I didn’t think the reclusive man would appreciate that.
I pulled into a makeshift spot next to Boden’s truck and climbed out of my SUV. By the time I got Gizmo out of his car seat, Boden was waiting. The door bracketed him as he leaned against the frame. It would’ve made for a hell of a picture. I clicked the shutter in my mind, wanting to keep the image with me forever.
“Hey,” he greeted with a lazy smile.
“Hey.”
Peaches all but danced at his side.
I smiled at her. “Hey, pretty girl. You ready for your boyfriend?”
She let out a bark, and I set Gizmo and his wheels down. He charged for her instantly, and they circled and licked.
One side of Boden’s mouth kicked up. “I’m a little jealous of that greeting.”
My stomach flipped. An image of Boden’s mouth on mine, his hands tangled in my hair filled my mind. I shoved it out. “I could lift Gizmo up. I’m sure he’d give you an exceedingly warm welcome.”
Boden chuckled. “I think I’ll pass on that one. Come inside before you freeze to death. I’ve got a fire going.”
I hadn’t felt the bitter edge of the cold. All I felt was that flame in Boden, the one that tempted me closer. “Thanks.”
I stepped inside to the smells of an Italian feast. I looked towards the kitchen. “Dough Boys?” Our local pizza joint was the only place you could get decent Italian food around here.
Boden nodded. “I got a little bit of everything. It’s just sitting in the oven to keep warm. You want to eat now?”
My stomach rumbled in answer.