Page 21

CHAPTER 21

NATE

I wake to the gentle weight of Caspian sprawled across my chest, his dark hair tickling my chin. The pale winter light filtering through the window casts a soft glow across his peaceful features. Three days. We’ve been in this cocoon of warmth and intimacy for three days, sheltered from the world by the winter storm that’s finally passed.

My fingers trace lazy patterns along his spine, remembering how we filled these hours. Board games where he proved surprisingly competitive, cooking adventures that ended in both disaster and triumph, and countless moments just like this—quiet, content, connected.

He stirs against me, dark eyes blinking open. A sleepy smile spreads across his face before he presses a soft kiss to my chest. “Morning,” he mumbles, voice still rough with sleep.

“Morning,” I reply, tightening my arms around him. He shifts, pressing his lips to the curve of my neck, then my jaw, each kiss slow and tender. When he reaches my mouth, I meet him halfway, savoring the gentle press of his lips against mine. We trade lazy kisses, neither of us rushing, both content to exist in this drowsy space between sleep and wakefulness. His fingers trail along my collarbone as I card my hand through his sleep-mussed hair, drawing a contented hum from him.

“You’re like a big, warm teddy bear,” Caspian murmurs against my lips. “I could stay here all day.”

“No complaints here,” I say softly, running my hand down his back. “Though I’m not sure how I feel about being compared to a stuffed animal.”

He chuckles, the sound vibrating against my chest. “Would you prefer mountain man? Rugged woodsman? My personal space heater?”

“Now you’re just getting ridiculous.” I scoff, pulling him closer anyway. “Though I suppose personal space heater isn’t too far off. You run hot enough to be one yourself.”

“Mmm, this is the perfect arrangement,” Caspian murmurs, nuzzling into my neck. “You keep me grounded. I keep you warm.”

I run my fingers through his hair, earning a contented sigh. “Is that why you always end up sprawled on top of me by morning?”

“Obviously. It’s a very sophisticated sleeping strategy.” He props his chin on my chest, looking up at me with those sparkling dark eyes. “Besides, you make an excellent pillow. All”—he pokes my chest playfully—“firm and cozy.”

“Cozy?” I raise an eyebrow. “That’s a new one.”

“Would you prefer sturdy? Robust? Magnificently cushiony?”

I silence him with a kiss, swallowing his laughter. When we break apart, he’s wearing that soft, dreamy smile that makes my heart flutter.

“Your beard tickles,” he whispers, rubbing his nose against mine.

“You weren’t complaining about it last night.”

A pretty blush spreads across his cheeks. Caspian lifts his head, gaze drawn to the window. In an instant, he’s fully awake, scrambling out of bed with the energy of someone who’s already had a few cups of coffee. “The storm’s over!” He practically bounces to the window, pressing his hands against the glass like an excited kid. “I need to get to Special Blend. Everyone in town is probably dying for a decent coffee after being stuck indoors for so long.”

His words hit me like a bucket of cold water. “Is that how you see it?” I ask, trying to keep my voice neutral. “Being stuck here?”

Caspian turns back to me, his expression softening. He crosses the room in three quick steps, crawling back onto the bed to cup my face. “Not even close,” he says firmly. “These past few days? They’ve been…perfect. Like nature gave us a little push, you know? An excuse to just be together.”

The knot in my chest loosens. “Yeah?”

“Definitely.” He kisses me, slow and sweet, before pulling back with a grin.

“Now, come help me clear the driveway,” he says, already pulling on his jeans.

I watch him move around my bedroom with familiar ease, gathering his scattered clothes. It’s surprising how quickly he’s made himself at home here, how natural it feels to have him in my space. Maybe too natural. The thought sends a flutter of anxiety through my chest.

After Caspian leaves—though not before kissing me thoroughly against his car and promising to see me later—I call Addy. She answers on the second ring, her voice knowing. “So, the hermit emerges.”

“Can you come over?”

“Give me twenty minutes. I’ll bring coffee since I’m guessing you’re out.”

When she arrives, her cheeks are pink from the cold and she’s carrying two steaming cups from Sparky’s Diner. She’s also not alone.

“You brought reinforcements,” I say, staring at my brother who looks as confused about his presence at my place as I am. She hands me one of the coffees as they both come inside.

“Sparky’s. Really, Addy? You know I’m a die-hard Red.” Like most Maplewood residents, I’m loyal to one of the two diners that bookend Main Street. The rivalry between Sparky’s and Red’s goes back generations, with both families serving up their own versions of classic comfort food and competing for the title of best diner in town.

“Oh please, one cup of Sparky’s coffee won’t kill you.” Addy rolls her eyes. “Besides, Red’s parking lot hasn’t been plowed yet. Anyway, stop stalling and spill,” she says, kicking off her boots and settling onto my couch.

Jasper follows, sitting next to her. “Anyone care to explain why I’m here?”

Addy smiles behind her cup. “We’re here to find out all about Nate’s snow day. Or should I say snow days?”

“Why? He’s lived here all his life and has been through more than a few snow storms. Try doing it with a seven-year-old who wants to go outside to build snow unicorns.”

I take a sip of the coffee, surprised that it’s actually really nice, and wrap my hands around the warm cup. “It was…good. Really good.”

“But?” Addy asks.

“But I’m…” I trail off, searching for the right words. “I think I’m falling for him, Ads. And it terrifies me.”

Her expression softens. “Oh, Nate.”

“Wait. What?” Jasper suddenly perks up from his seat.

“Caspian and I spent three days together,” I say for my brother’s benefit since Big Mouth Addy already knows. “He could have weathered the storm at his place, but he stayed here. We talked, ate together, had…fun…”

Jasper pretends to gag and Addy snorts. “You got to know each other in all the ways,” she says. “Got it.”

“So, you and the coffee guy, huh? I can see it.”

I nod. “We barely left each other’s side, yet I feel like I hardly know him. He talks a lot about his mom, but he doesn’t talk about himself much, about his life before Maplewood. And maybe that means he’s just looking for something casual, you know?”

“Or maybe,” Addy says gently, “he’s just as scared as you are. Have you tried asking him about these things?”

I shake my head.

“Mom said he doesn’t have any family. New in town, making friends, finding his place. Maybe he’s being cautious,” Jasper says.

Addy’s gaze tells me what she’s going to say before she says it. “Have you told him anything about yourself? About your past relationships, your fears? Us?”

“No,” I admit.

“Then how can you expect him to open up if you’re not willing to do the same?” She reaches over and squeezes my hand. “Relationships are a two-way street, honey. If you want to know more about him, you have to be willing to be vulnerable too.”

I glance at my brother, who’s nodding his agreement.

“You’re right,” I say, leaning back against the couch. “When did you get so wise about relationships?”

“Probably around the time I finally figured out who I really am,” she says with a soft smile. “Speaking of which, Hannah and I set a date for the wedding. June fifteenth.”

“That’s great, Ads.” I pull her into a quick hug. “I’m really happy for you.”

After Addy and Jasper leave, I check my work email. As expected, there’s a flood of messages about potential hazards in the forest after the storm. Several hiking trails need to be assessed for fallen trees and damaged markers. A few emails from concerned residents mention seeing damaged branches still hanging precariously over popular walking paths.

I pull up our emergency assessment protocols on my laptop and map priority areas. The tourist trails will need to be checked first—too many visitors don’t realize how treacherous winter hiking can be, especially after a storm. I make a mental note to update our social media with trail closure notices.

I call Amelia. She’s worked with me long enough to know exactly what we’re in for, and despite her grumbling, she’s one of the best at spotting potential hazards.

“Morning, boss,” she answers, sounding barely awake. “Please tell me you’re calling to say we don’t have to do storm damage assessment today.”

“No such luck. Meet me at the office in an hour?”

She groans. “Only if you bring coffee from Special Blend. And I mean the good stuff, not that basic drip nonsense.”

“Demanding much?” I laugh.

“Hey, if you want me at my best for climbing over fallen trees all day, I need proper caffeine.”

“Fine, fine. Your usual?”

“You’re the best, boss.”

When I walk into Special Blend twenty minutes later, the bell above the door chimes cheerfully. Caspian looks up from behind the counter, and his smile makes my heart skip a beat. His hair is slightly disheveled, there’s a smudge of coffee grounds on his cheek, and he’s wearing one of my flannel shirts that he must have grabbed by mistake this morning. I must have been so distracted this morning that I didn’t even notice. He’s never looked more beautiful.

“Hey,” he says, voice warm and intimate despite the handful of customers scattered around the shop.

“Hey, yourself,” I reply, moving closer to the counter. Our eyes meet, and there’s a heated moment where we both remember exactly what we were doing this time yesterday morning.

Caspian clears his throat, cheeks flushing slightly. “Special Blend latte?”

“Yeah, plus Amelia’s vanilla oat milk latte with an extra shot.”

“Coming right up.” He starts preparing the drinks, movements precise and practiced. “Seems like your mom was baking up a storm during the storm and brought me all of these.” I point to the pastry display. “Do me a favor and pick something to take away for you and Amelia. It’s a good thing someon—thing kept me busy during the snowstorm. I would have baked as much as Catherine but with vastly different results.”

I laugh, watching his skilled hands work the espresso machine. “Sounds like some…thing awful keeping you from your baking was a good thing.”

“Oh, definitely good,” he says with a playful grin. “Completely irresistible too.”

The way he looks at me makes my chest tight. I want to reach across the counter and pull him close, but I restrain myself, very aware of the other customers in the shop.

“Listen,” I say, leaning against the counter. “I was thinking maybe we could have dinner tonight?”

“I’d love that,” Caspian says, carefully pouring steamed milk into my latte with practiced precision. “But since I’ve been at your place for the past three days, why don’t you come to mine? I’ll cook.”

“You sure? You’re going to have a busy day getting the shop back up to speed.”

“Positive.” He slides the drinks and pastries across the counter, his fingers brushing mine. “I want to cook for you. Around seven?”

“Perfect.” I hesitate for a moment, remembering Addy’s words about being more open. “I’m looking forward to it.”

His smile brightens. “Me too.” He glances at the clock. “Now go before Amelia sends out a search party for her coffee.”

“See you tonight,” I say, gathering the drinks. As I head for the door, I catch his gaze one more time. I’m in so much fucking trouble.