While Chase opened cabinets, Lily settled on the sofa and leaned her head back, willing the tension and the memory of what had happened up on the mountain to fade a little. When Chase sat down beside her and handed her a glass of wine, she sipped it and sighed. “I’m so glad we came here. Thank you.”

“You’re the only visitor I’ve ever had, other than Sarah,” Chase said. “My hospitality skills might be a little rusty.”

Lily took the cracker with the cheese spread on it that Chase offered and took a bite. She didn’t think she’d ever tasted anything quite as delicious. “Believe me, all your skills are superb.”

Chase’s hand rested on the back of the sofa, her fingertips very lightly touching the top of Lily’s shoulder.

“I know this place must seem strange to you.”

“I can see why you’d think that, but it doesn’t. Not knowing you. It seems perfect.”

“Knowing me?” Chase asked.

Lily waved a hand to take in the cabin. “Efficient, sturdy, solid, and practical—in a wild way, beautiful.”

Chase’s expression went from amused to intense in a heartbeat. “If we’re going to keep this civilized,” Chase said, “you might want to ease up on the compliments.” Her words were rough with desire.

Lily smiled over the top of her wineglass. “Civilized. I might have to give some thought to what uncivilized might look like.” She laughed when Chase groaned and finished her wine. “Do you have anything resembling a shower here?”

“I do. At the moment, however, it would be pretty chilly. In the morning with the generator running, I can get you lukewarm.”

“Then in the morning, I’d like a shower and that coffee you promised.” Lily rose and poured another half-glass of wine. “Right now I need some sleep.”

“Take the bedroom, Lily,” Chase said. “I’ll sleep out here on the sofa.”

“You know what?” Lily said. “I’m going to take you up on it, because otherwise there’d be an argument over it, and you’d still end up sleeping out here.”

“I’m not sure I like how well you know me,” Chase said with a wry smile.

“Really?” Lily said softly. “I’m sorry, then, because I really want to know you a whole lot better before the summer is over.”

Chase swallowed, need so tight in her throat the words wouldn’t come.

Lily rose and set her wineglass on the table. “See you in the morning.”

Chapter Fifteen