Cora steps closer. “Thank you, Matt,” she says with more enthusiasm. “You not only saved the cabin, but you probably saved my life.” Cora plants a soft kiss on my cheek and I’m thrilled that my teasing is eliciting this particular response.
“Now that’s more like it,” I tell her with a wink.
“You meanie!” Cora playfully waggles a bit and we both laugh. Unable to resist, I pull her into my arms for a solid hug.
“For real, though,” Cora’s voice is muffled against my chest. “Thank you.”
“Just glad I got here when I did.” I stroke her hair softly, and Cora sighs. I wish we could just stay like this, but reluctantly I let her go.
“First few pancakes are done, if you’re hungry.” Cora goes back to the oven and resumes making breakfast.
“Sure. I’ll get the syrup.”
We fall into an easy rhythm while we finish setting up for breakfast. Finally, we both sit down to eat the pancakes, and I decide to answer Cora’s initial question.
“I was planning to leave this morning.” She looks up at me, her large, pretty eyes questioning. “But in case you haven’t noticed, there’s still a massive storm outside. Wouldn’t be surprised if several of the roads are blocked.” I shrug easily. “So looks like you might be stuck with me for a while.”
Wide-eyed, Cora glances out the kitchen window. As if perfectly timed, a roar of thunder echoes loudly, and shakes the small cabin.
“Oh, that’s okay I guess.” Cora looks back down at her pancakes, using her fork to fiddle with the syrup. “I have plenty of food.”
“I mean, I could risk my life, if you’re uncomfortable having me here.” I cock one eyebrow, curious for her reaction.
“No, I don’t want you to do that, especially after everything,” Cora says, biting her lip.
I smile slightly.
“I’m kidding, I really can’t drive in this weather. It’s not safe.”
Outside, the rain is coming down in thick sheets and even though it’s well into mid-morning by now, the sky has a gray pallor. The wind howls through the trees, and I’m nearly certain the roads will either be washed out or covered in debris.
“Okay, good. I don’t want you to be in any danger.” Cora smiles at me.
I grin back at her, touched by the concern.
“So we’re trapped in this cabin together then,” I tell her, a hint of cockiness slipping into my voice.
“I… I guess so.” Cora stammers, that sweet blush sneaking onto her soft cheeks again.
We go back to eating the pancakes in amiable silence, me thinking about all the different ways being stuck with Cora in such close quarters is both thrilling and risky. Even now, sitting a few inches away from one another, I find myself tempted to touch her – her lips, her cheek, and in the valley between her breasts.
“So,” Cora clears her throat noisily, breaking the silence. “How exactly did you end up in my bed last night?”
I grin at her question, which obviously makes her uncomfortable. “You can blame yourself for that one,” I tell her lightly.
“How so?” She looks up from her breakfast, alarmed.
“Well,” I pick my words carefully, not wanting to upset Cora about the fire. “After I helped you get to bed, I came back downstairs to see what damage there was, and to find a place to sleep.” Conveniently, I omit the fun I had with the beautiful girl while she was asleep. Then, I gesture in the general direction of the living room. “Unfortunately, the couch is wrecked. Completely waterlogged and I didn’t exactly want to sleep on a soggy sofa.”
“Ugh, please don’t remind me. But there are two other bedrooms, you know.” Cora raises her eyebrows at me, and I can tell it’s a test.
“Yes, there certainly are.” I counter, leaning toward her. “And just like the couch, they all seem to have water damage, too.”
Cora’s face falls and a look of genuine panic slips across her pretty features.
“No. Oh no. I have to tell my parents. They’re going to be so upset. I told them last summer the roof looked iffy.”
Instinctually, I place my hand on top of hers, in an attempt to quash her alarm.
“Hey, look. As a parent myself, I can tell you that while they won’t be happy about the fire, they’re going to care a lot more that you’re safe.” Cora nods, looking somewhat relieved by my insight. “Besides,” I lean back casually in my chair, “it gave me an excuse to crawl into bed with you.”
Cora reddens, and I want to laugh at her innocence, but I refrain.
“It really was the only place to sleep. But actually, I almost opted for the waterlogged couch at the last minute.”
“Why is that?” Cora is obviously trying to play it cool, but I can tell she’s unsure what she did wrong last night.