He chuckles lowly, the tension in his shoulders easing just slightly. His eyes soften, and he leans down slowly, pressing a gentle, lingering kiss to my forehead. My breath catches at the tenderness of the gesture, heart melting.

"Roads are flooded," he murmurs, lips still brushing my skin. "Looks like you'll be stuck here with me a bit longer."

I smile against his chest, relief flooding me at the thought of staying longer. "Oh no. How tragic."

He laughs again, deeper this time, sending vibrations through my entire body. Pulling back just enough to meet my gaze, he brushes hair away from my face gently. "Breakfast first. Then we’ll see how you feel about being trapped here."

"Deal," I agree with a smile, stepping back reluctantly.

We sit at the small table, eating quietly, stealing heated glances when we think the other isn't looking. The air between us crackles pleasantly, anticipation hanging heavy and sweet.

Once we finish eating, I glance at Liam with playful mischief. "You know, we never did get to the yoga I promised."

His brows rise skeptically, amusement tugging at the corner of his lips. "Yoga?"

"Absolutely," I say firmly, already pushing my chair back. "You promised you'd try it."

"Did I?" he teases gently, shaking his head.

"Absolutely," I say again, confidently, knowing full well he never promised any such thing. "Come on, mountain man."

He groans playfully but follows obediently, amusement sparkling in his eyes as I guide him to an open space by the couch. "Alright, teach me your ways."

"First, we breathe," I instruct gently, demonstrating slow, calming breaths. Liam mimics awkwardly at first, and we share laughter as he exaggerates dramatically.

Gradually, his movements become steadier, mirroring mine more naturally. His eyes linger on me, warmth and desire clear in his gaze.

"You're surprisingly good at this," I tease lightly.

"Beginner’s luck," he murmurs, voice deep and rumbling.

We move through a few simple poses, giggling softly when our limbs tangle or balance wavers. Finally, I guide us into a resting pose, lying flat beside him. Silence settles comfortably between us.

He turns his head to face me, eyes soft and earnest. "Thank you, Everly."

"For what?" I whisper, heart pounding again beneath his gaze.

"For shaking up my quiet life," he admits gently. "For making me feel again."

"Anytime," I reply softly, heart swelling with warmth and affection.

He reaches out, gently clasping my hand. Our fingers entwine naturally, perfectly.

"Promise?" he asks quietly, vulnerability shining through.

I smile tenderly, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "Promise."

And in that quiet, sunlit moment, I know without doubt—this storm, this cabin, this unexpected adventure—is exactly where I’m meant to be.

6

Liam

I watch Everly closely as she guides us through another yoga pose, her voice calm and soothing, her movements graceful and effortless. Every stretch and bend reveals her lithe figure, making it nearly impossible for me to focus. My heart thuds heavily, blood roaring in my ears as my eyes roam her delicate curves, the slender length of her neck, the subtle arch of her back.

Damn it.

I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want her right now. She’s young, innocent, completely inexperienced—everything I’m not. I've seen darkness, known pain, lived through mistakes that still haunt me. Yet here she stands, radiant and trusting, eyes alight with excitement as she demonstrates another pose.