Edward
We got to the cabin and immediately went on high alert.
Connor pushed the door open first and peered inside like we were about to be ambushed. I followed, one hand still holding my boots in case I needed to use them as a weapon. The place was empty. Dead silent. No sign of Denny. No sign of Melanie. No phones pointed at us.
We both let out a sigh of relief so big it was embarrassing.
"Okay," Connor said. "False alarm."
Then I noticed the fireplace. There was a fire going. A real one, crackling and warm and stupidly cozy. It made the whole cabin feel like a sauna compared to the outside air.
"That's actually quite sweet," I said. "Denny and Melanie lit it for us."
Connor snorted as he kicked his boots off. "They have some sense then."
We didn't waste time. We went upstairs and took turns in the shower. Hot water had never felt so good on my skin. I washed the trail dust and humiliation off me, and by the time I was done, I felt human again.
