Chapter 6

"Ilove you," I say, glancing up at Bambi, and then hang up the phone. "Sorry about that. My mom can get a little…" I try to think of a good word to describe her demand for grandchildren. "Excited."

"She seemed really nice. I'm sorry I hung up on her. I panicked."

"No worries, babe." I turn off the road and down a path that might be hidden if I didn't know it by heart. I pull up to the little metal box and ahead I see the gate that blends in with the surroundings even during the middle of the day. I key in the code and it swings open as I smile over at her. "We're here."

"You really are in the middle of nowhere." She nibbles on her bottom lip, and I nod.

"Yeah, I love the peace and quiet out here. But we're close enough to town if you need anything, and I've got a post office box in town if you want me to order you something online."

"I'm surprised you have Wi-Fi." She laughs as the SUV bumps a little on the way to the cabin.

"That's kind of a necessity since I work from home. I know I keep calling it a cabin, but I swear there's running water and electricity."

"I keep thinking it's going to be this little shack that you're going to keep me locked up in." She laughs nervously, but I can tell she is maybe slightly worried it might be true.

"Nah, you've still got my phone, and clearly my mom would love to talk to you." When she smiles this time, it touches her eyes. "I promise no chains or ropes, just my incredible personality to keep you tied to me."

"You forgot good looks." She blushes, and it's so damn cute.

"I'm glad you noticed." I wink at her before I get out of the SUV and go around to help her down. Her legs are a little shaky, so I hold on to her until she's steady on her feet. "You want me to carry you?" I hold out my arms and she laughs, but I just stand and wait. "I'm serious."

"No, I'm good. I think I just need to, um, use the restroom." Again with that blush that drives me wild.

"On it," I say, quickly grabbing our bags and the perishable items I got back at the store. I'm well stocked otherwise, but I knew I'd need a few essentials before we got here.

I tell her to hold on to my arm as I lead us up the wraparound porch and to the front door. When I've got the door unlocked, I turn on the light and point down the hall. "Last door on the left."

She doesn't waste time and beelines for the bathroom, and I kick myself for not stopping more on the way here. Of course, she slept for almost all of it, but I should have thought. I'm not used to thinking about what a woman might need or how to take care of one. Normally when I'm on a guided expedition, I point to a tree and tell whoever I'm with to hurry up. I've never been in a relationship before, and granted, this might not be one yet, but I plan on being really good at it with Bambi.

I unload the groceries and set out some of the snacks I got for her while I cook dinner. It's only spaghetti, but it's easy and quick, and I know I won't fuck it up. I'm not a great cook, but I've learned how to feed myself, and suddenly I'm wondering if those skills are good enough for her. I know how to hunt and fish, and I can survive in the woods indefinitely. I never questioned what I'd be able to give my wife until I'm standing here in the kitchen wondering if what I can offer is what she wants.

"Mmm, something smells heavenly," she says, coming around the corner with her nose in the air. "Oh, my favorite."

Her smile could light up a starless night, and it melts something inside of me I didn't know was there.

"Find your way in here okay?" I ask while she hops up on the seat at the bar and watches me cook.

"You didn't mention how big this cabin is. It's more like a lodge." She looks around and I realize how much I like her being here around my things. "How long has it been here?"

"Well, that's tough to say. My family's had the land for longer than I can remember. But I built this place about five years ago."

"You built this? Or you mean you had it built?"

"Right down to that seat your cute ass is sitting on, babe." I wink at her, and her mouth falls open.

"You're not serious."

"Well, I'd show you the scar, but I'm not sure I should strip down with this sauce bubbling." Her cheeks flush, and I wonder if they'd be warm against my lips.

"You live in this big place all alone?"

I nod. "My parents come to visit a good bit. They like the outdoors too. My brother Rogue comes when he's sick of the city, which isn't often enough if you ask me."

"It's so peaceful." She leans back and looks out the window I opened while I was cooking. "What's that sound?" Her eyes widen as she looks at me.

"Tree frogs," I laugh, and her mouth falls open.

"I've never heard them before."

"Welcome to the woods, Bambi." I think for a second and then ask, "That's your real name, right?"

She laughs, then rests her chin on her hand and listens to me talk about the wildlife here. She snacks while I cook, and when it's ready, she eats a plate almost as big as mine. I don't know when she last ate, but I'm happy to know she's full when she's finished.

"Sleepy?" I ask as I clean up, and she leans back in her seat with her hand on her belly.

"I don't know how, but I can barely keep my eyes open."

I place the last dish in the dishwasher and come around to where she's sitting. "Come on, I'll show you where you can sleep."

I take her by the hand and stand there for a quiet moment before I lead her back out of the kitchen and up the stairs to the second floor. As her fingers wrap around my palm, it feels as though I'm holding on to her heart.

When we get to the master bedroom, I open the door and show her where I sleep. The cabin is built out of logs I cut myself, and I even made the bed with my own two hands. I'm proud of what I've built here, and having Bambi in this space feels like all the hard work was worth it.

"Is this your room?" she asks, stepping forward to touch the frame. "Did you make this too?"

I nod, and she smiles at me like I made it just for her. Maybe I did.

"You don't have any guest rooms in this big ol' place?"

"Yeah, I've got several, but this is the best. And that's what you deserve." I pull her close to me, and not for the first time, I think about how perfectly she fits against my chest. "If it's okay, I want to sleep with you tonight. Nothing more than sleep, I promise." I touch my finger along her jaw, reminding myself she's here and she's real. "I'm just not ready to let you go." Ever, my mind finishes, but I don't say it out loud.

"I don't want to be alone."

With that, I scoop her up in my arms and carry her to the bed. "Anything you want is yours," I say, laying her down and spooning in behind her.

We're both still dressed, and that's okay for now. She's so tired she can hardly keep her eyes open, and if I strip her down, who knows if I can keep my promise to her? Tonight I'll only hold her and give her the comfort she needs. But I'm no saint, and this woman in my arms is the one thing that's tempted me most.