Page 11 of Curvy Cabin Fever
“Absolutely not. Guest stays put. Although...” He looks over at Damien pointedly, tattoos visible where he’s rolled up his sleeves, “Someonecould set the table.”
“I’ll do it,” I respond quickly, grateful for any excuse to move.
“I’ve got it,” Rhett states at the same time, finally leaving his post by the fireplace.
We awkwardly dodge each other in the narrow space, and I catch a whiff of his coffee-and-pine scent. His shoulder brushes mine, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine.
“Seriously though, you’re staying here tonight,” Rhett calls over his shoulder.
My eyes widen, and I glance at Morgan, who gives me a reassuring smile, but I can’t return it, my face still numb from the cold.
Damien notices. Of course, he notices. “Cold, Aria? I know a few ways to warm you up.”
This man, honestly. I’ve known him for a few seconds, but this is how he is?
Jeez.
I eye his lean body and midnight black hair, my heart dancing with desire.
Not that I’m complaining.
“Damien,” Morgan warns from the kitchen, but I can hear the amusement in his voice.
I curl my legs under me, trying to ignore how the tension in the room shifts. How do I survive a night here when every glance, or accidental touch, every smirk from Damien feels like it’s charging the air with electricity?
As the tension crackles between us, I find myself holding my breath. Despite my exhaustion and better judgment, there’s something magnetic about all three of them. The way Morgan hums while he cooks, how Damien’s presence seems tocommand my attention, and even Rhett’s brooding silence—it all pulls at something deep inside me.
The storm rages on outside, but in here, trapped with these three men, I’m beginning to wonder if I’ll survive it all?
The wind whistlesaround this massive cabin, and I can’t help but take in more details now that I’m getting more acclimated. Everything here speaks of masculine luxury—dark leather, polished wood, and huge windows that would probably showcase spectacular mountain views if they weren’t currently being assaulted by snow. A stone fireplace dominates one wall, unlit but promising warmth. The furniture is oversized, making me feel even smaller than usual.
It looks exactly how it did online.
I shrug off my puffy jacket, immediately regretting it as I feel exposed in my sweater. Next to these men, with their perfect physiques, my chunky body feels out of place. I catch my reflection in one of the darkened windows—my hair slightly messed from the wind, cheeks flushed, body taking up more space than I’d like in this chair that somehow makes me feel both comfortable and vulnerable.
“The heat’s cranked up,” Morgan calls from the kitchen, mistaking my discomfort for being cold. “Should feel warmer soon.” He’s right—the temperatureisrising—but I’m not sure if it’s the heating system or the way Damien’s gaze keeps finding mine.
Surely, he’s not really attracted to me?
I try to push the thought away, but it lingers—this constant tug-of-war between what I feel and what I think Ishouldfeel.Damien must have options. He doesn’t need someone like me. So why is he entertaining it?Maybe he’s just being nice.Or...
Jesus, what if he’s a psychopath?
Instantly, I remember every horror movie Trevor made me sit through, and I try not to lose my sanity. Surely, I won’t end up chopped into little pieces. He is too beautiful to be a serial killer.
Right?
Damien's heated gaze never leaves mine.
I swallow hard and try to pretend I don’t notice, despite my pulse quickening.
The storm picks up intensity, snow now blowing in a blur past the windows. The wind moans around the corners of the cabin like it’s alive. A particularly strong gust rattles the windows, making me jump.
“Are you scared of storms?” Damien asks, his voice low and teasing. He’s moved closer, and I can see a small scar near his collarbone where it peeks out from his shirt.
“Not usually,” I answer, trying to keep my voice steady. “But I’m not usually stranded in them either.”
“Stranded withstrangemen,” Rhett adds quietly, shooting a glare at Damien who promptly ignores it.
