Darby hugged herself. “I know. I’d do the same for her. I just wish I didn’t need to be rescued again. I’m not some helpless waif, honest.”

Eban met her glance briefly. They were driving through dense forest now, along a rutted road that had thankfully been plowed. With the ever-present danger of deer and moose in the area, it was unwise to take your eyes off the road for any length of time.

“This is not your fault.”

She knew it wasn’t but that didn’t stop the feeling of helplessness or victimization that threatened to overwhelm her. She huddled deeper into her jacket.

Eban peered through the trees ahead. “I think this is it.”

The tips of the spruce branches stroked the paintwork on her side of the car as he negotiated the narrow driveway.

He pulled to a stop outside a small log cabin that was absolutely enchanting. If she were wealthy this was exactly the sort of place that would be her dream home.

She looked into the sky, but the northern lights had disappeared for the time being.

“Come on, let’s get settled. I’ll bring all the gear inside later.”

“I want to help.”

Eban paused for a second then nodded.

She got out into the bracing cold and grabbed her work stuff off the back seat.

Eban grabbed two suitcases that she recognized out of the cargo area. The notion of him going through her things was surreal. She shook off the thought. It was the least important weird thing about her day.

She headed for the front door and found it unlocked. She placed her gear on the small dining table and saw a welcome note.

She went to go out to the vehicle again, but Eban stopped her.

“I’ve got this. See if you can get a fire started, will you?”

Darby nodded. Although the cabin was heated it was still a little on the chilly side.

She opened the door of the wood stove, grateful to see a fire was already set. She lit the paper and watched the yellow-orange flame catch and spread, igniting the kindling. Confident it would take, she closed the door but opened the dampener.

She straightened as Eban came back inside looking like a pack mule. He dumped everything in the entranceway and closed the door, locking it behind him.

Darby blinked as the air went taut with the realization that for the first time in months they were finally properly alone together in a house and it was so not the situation she’d dreamed about.

Eban looked exhausted. She felt as if she’d been trampled by elephants.

“Want something to drink?” he asked.

“What do we have?” she asked dubiously.

“Haley arranged for groceries to be delivered so I expect we have everything.” Eban strode over to the small kitchen and opened the fridge. Sure enough, it was crammed full.

“Any mint tea anywhere?” Not exactly crazy wild but it might help her sleep.

He opened a cupboard and pulled out a green box and shook it.