Page 28 of Made for Wilde

"It has a generator and woodstove. You'll be warm and safe. I'll bring you back tomorrow after the power's back on."

The idea of being alone with Koda Wilde in his mountain cabin should terrify me. It does terrify me.

But it also does something else. Something molten and secret, deep in my belly.

"Are you sure? I don't want to impose."

"You're not imposing on me, Charlotte."

He doesn't look at me, but I hear the edge in his voice.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out and see Dad's name flashing on the screen.

I swipe to answer.

"Hey, Dad."

"Charlotte." His voice crackles with static. "You okay? They're saying Cooper Heights is getting hammered with the worst storm in a decade."

I glance out the window at the sheets of sleet.

"Yeah, it's pretty bad. I'm okay, though."

"You at your apartment? They're reporting power outages all over town."

I hesitate, looking at Koda.

"Actually, no. My car wouldn't start after school, and when I finally got a ride to my apartment, the power was out.”

"Jesus, Charlotte. Where are you now? A hotel?"

"No. I called Koda. He picked me up from school and is letting me stay at his place tonight to ride out the storm."

The silence that follows makes my heart pound. Koda stares straight ahead, but I can see a muscle jumping in his jaw.

"You're with Koda?" Dad's voice softens with relief. "Thank goodness. I was about to get in my truck and drive down there myself."

"No need for that." I force a light tone. "I'm fine, really."

"Put him on speaker," Dad says.

I hit the speaker button and hold the phone between us.

"You're on speaker."

"Koda." Dad's voice fills the cab. "Thanks for looking after my girl. I owe you one, brother."

Koda clears his throat.

"Don't mention it. Couldn't leave her stranded."

"She's in good hands with you. I know that."

The trust in Dad's voice makes guilt twist in my stomach. If he could see the way I keep looking at Koda, the thoughts running through my head...

"You've got power up there on the mountain?" My dad asks.

"Yep, and generator backup if we need it," Koda tells him. "She'll be comfortable."