Dinner wasn’tanything I expected.
The drinks and food flowed and so did the conversation. Instead of fighting against it, I leaned into it and ended up enjoying myself and his company.
On the ride home, he reached over and squeezed my hand. “Thank you, Journey. Tonight was fun. More fun than I’ve had in a really long time.”
His words squeezed my heart. “Me too.” Over dinner, he told me he had no family around, having been a loner most of his life. Then he got a phone call, saying a distant relative left him some land in Apple Falls. He bought a trailer and lived on the land while learning the construction trade, until he was able to build his own cabin.
From scratch.
And he did it, all by himself, despite the occasional plumber and electrician.
Before I could stop myself, the words tumbled from my lips. “I’d love to see your cabin.”
The air between us crackled, shifting with more intensity.
“Are you asking if I’ll take you back to my place?” Cullen shot me a mischievous look.
“Yep! Go quick before the offer expires!” I giggled, the few drinks from dinner making me feel light and giddy. Daring. Adventurous.
And probably regretful in the morning.
But what was life without a few regrets?
Cullen chuckled, the sound more growl like. “Trust me, you don’t want the offer to expire.”
A shiver trickled down my spine, my skin covered in goosebumps.
When he pulled his truck into the driveway, a small log cabin appeared, a wraparound front porch complete with rocking chairs and a few hanging plants.
“I love it already.” I said and soon, we were inside, Cullen giving me the grand tour. “It’s perfect. You’re so talented.” I said with such admiration of his handy work. The back door led out to a patio with a large fenced in yard. A large toolshed sat in the far back, almost the same size of the cabin.
“Is that a home away from home?” I asked with a nod towards the shed.
“Kind of. Bit of a man cave, bit of a work bench.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“I usually don’t share this, but for some reason I want to share everything with you. As a side hobby, I build furniture pieces.”
“What, really? That’s amazing, Cullen!” I looked around at a few gorgeous pieces he was using currently. “Did you make all these?”
“Yes.” He said sheepishly.
“They are beautiful! Please tell me you sell your pieces.”
Cullen shook his head. “Nah, no one would want to buy these. I just do it for myself. Store them in my shed. ThoughI’m beginning to run out of space.” He chuckled to himself and scratched his beard. “But working more now will keep me busier, less time for side hobbies.”
I walked up to him and placed a hand on his muscular arm, my fingers tingling from the feel of his hot skin. “Your work is beautiful. But I understand wanting to keep it for yourself. Maybe one day you’ll be ready to share with the world. If not, that’s okay too. As long as you keep sharing with me.” I grinned.
Before I knew what was happening, Cullen cupped the side of my face with his hand, tracing a thumb over my cheekbone.
And then he kissed me so hard, my entire world flipped upside down.
CHAPTER FOUR
Cullen
She tasted sweet,like a ripe strawberry picked at the peak of perfection, and I knew right then and there, I would never get enough.
