CHAPTER THREE
Journey
I checked my reflection in the bathroom mirror for the hundredth time, and with one last swipe of lipstick, I headed out the door. Cullen exchanged phone numbers with me earlier and informed me through text he wanted to pick me up.
My apartment was in the finished basement of my parent’s cabin, complete with a small kitchenette, a bathroom with a shower stall, a living room with a dining room table set off to the side, and one bedroom.
The little apartment had come with the cabin when my parents bought it, a year into being married.
Haven’t moved since, raising my siblings and I there.
The apartment in the basement had been rented out before but my parents didn’t want to deal with the hassle of being a landlord on top of running the garden center.
So, it sat untouched until they offered it to me.
I waited on the driveway, Cullen already a few minutes late. I hated waiting, had little patience, and ended up pacing the length of the driveway a few times before he finally pulled in.
Cullen put the truck in park and hopped out.
He looked more handsome now that he’d cleaned up.
A tight short sleeve button down shirt fit him perfectly, showing off his inked forearms I wanted to lick.
A fresh haircut, his beard trimmed, and the best smelling cologne to ever hit my nose, had me rethinking everything about tonight.
You’re going to sleep with this man and you’re going to love it.
I busied myself with fixing my dress though nothing was wrong with it when I felt him stand beside me, his heat radiating off him like the sun on hot pavement. His cologne was stronger now and I nearly jumped into his arms right then and there.
Damn girl, reel it in.
It’s been way too long since I got laid.
“Wow, nice place you’ve got.”
“It’s actually my parents’ place. I live in the basement apartment.”
His deep brown eyes lit up with curiosity, no trace of judgement in them. “That’s awesome. You’re close with your family, am I right?”
I laughed, some of my nerves dissipating. “You could say that again. But I have my own entrance and lots of privacy. I like it.”
“I would too.” He held out his hand and my heart exploded. “C’mon, I’ll help you into the truck.” He nodded at my shoe choice, a wedged heel that went perfect with my black lacy dress.
Okay, so maybe I was a bit overdressed, especially for a dinner date I didn’t want to go on, but here we are.
Stop lying to yourself.
When I placed my hand in his, it was even better than I could’ve imagined. Our touch ignited a type of spark I’d never felt before, a combustion waiting to happen.
Why? Why does he feel so special? So different?
Cullen walked me to the passenger side door of the truck and helped me in before climbing in the other side. “Ready for an adventure?”
“Sure. As long as we get some grub.” I answered.
Cullen laughed and the sound filled me with warmth. I could get used to hanging around him.
No, no you couldn’t.
“Of course. I couldn’t let such a pretty lady starve.” Cullen winked and I nearly orgasmed in his front seat.
Damn him for destroying another pair of my panties.
Dinner wasn’t anything 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. Though I’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.