Page 37 of Quietly Falling
If I haven’t already.
18
ELLA
“So, I didn’t exactly have a plan…” Bodhi says as we pass the sign that indicates we’re only a couple of miles from Trappers Ridge, my mind still reeling that he drove us here. “I was trying to look for one of those things where people rent out their houses but,”—he blushes—“honestly I’d rather sleep in the truck than what I found.”
I can only imagine.
“Give me a sec,” I tell him, still flustered by the fact that he brought us here, even though I know it was stressful for him.
Grabbing my phone from the depths of my bag, I dial Roman’s number and wait. “Hey babycakes, what’s shakin’? You doin’ okay?”
“I need you to get me the keys for the cabin.”
“What? Why? I’m staying there.”
“Not anymore you’re not.”
There’s a pause and then, “Shut the fuck up. Are you coming? Don’t play with me like that.”
“It was a surprise, honestly,” I say as I give Bodhi a small smile and squeeze his leg. “I fell asleep, and Bodhi drove us here.”
There’s a flash of desire in his eyes but it’s gone quickly, and I pull my hand back as I try and focus on what my cousin is saying.
“Bodhi, huh?”
The tease in his voice is beyond annoying. “Keys, Roman. It’s not my fault you had tosurpriseeveryone.”
“It’s not my fault you didn’t tell me you hadplans.”
“Work plans—that’s not the same thing,” I reply, pointing to the left, attempting to listen to my cousin while also giving Bodhi directions. “And don’t tell anyone we’re here yet.”
“You’re so much work, and don’t think I forgot; we’redefinitelytalking about your mystery driver later.”
“I’m ignoring you.”
“Typical.”
“Good thing you love me the most.”
“That’s debatable.”
“It is not.” I laugh. “Meet us there and can you bring lunch?”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“Not even a little. I’m starving.”
“You owe me.”
“Love you!” Roman hangs up the phone without replying, and I laugh before throwing it back into my purse and motioning ahead. “Turn left at the sign and follow the road to the end.”
* * *
Bodhi issilent as he navigates the dirt road leading to the cabin, but I’m on the edge of my seat, my soul singing at being back in the place I’d spent so much of my childhood.
“This one?” he asks as the trees give way to the log and stone cabin with its large front and back porches, fire pit, and pathway to the lake.
