“I guess I could stay in the cabin until tomorrow.” I’ve slept in it so many times; what’s one more? My neighbor’s fed the dogs already. At this point, it won’t make that much of a difference to them if I show up at 5:00 a.m. or a little later in the day.

“Thank you,” Aaron says, eyes tired but a smile still present on his lips. He starts walking toward the front door, his hand barely grazing the small of my back. “I’ll just—” His steps stop abruptly. “Shit, I forgot, but a family’s rented the cabin for the week.”

I wave him off. “It’s fine, Aaron, really. I’m not even that tired.” A white lie never hurt anyone.

“Stop it,” he says, his tone serious. “You’re staying here. Just…take my bed.”

Heat creeps up my face instantly. I can imagine myself being wrapped in his soft sheets, the smell of him all around me. I would probably get addicted to it. A way to get close to him without being close to him. It wouldn’t matter that he wouldn’t be there. It would be just as intimate.

“No,” I say, “the couch will do just fine.”

“Wren,” he pleads.

“Final offer.” No way am I burying myself even deeper into him.

He hesitates for a moment, then says, “You sure?”

I lift a side of my lips. “I’m sure.”

“All right. But know I don’t like this.”

Chuckling softly so as not to wake Callie, I say, “Oh, I know. I’ve been told your mamá raised you right.”

“That she did.” With one last quick smile, he disappears down the hall, coming back a minute later with a bundle of sheets and pillows.

“Thank you,” I say as I grab them from his arms. “Goodnight, Aaron.”

His hand lingers a second longer next to mine before he pulls away. “Sleep tight.” With one last look, he turns to pick Callie up, then carefully heads up the stairs.

With the knowledge that he’ll be sleeping right above me, I doubt that’ll happen.

Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16

Aaron

She’s a genius.

I haven’t seen my little sister this happy in a long time.

Callie and five of her friends are lying on their backs on makeshift chaises lounges, cucumber slices over their eyes and exfoliating masks on their faces. Soft music with rainwater and birds singing plays in the background. The lights are dim.

“I have never been so relaxed in my life,” Stephanie says. Or is that Chrissy? With the towels over their hair, it’s hard to tell.

“Me neither,” Callie answers, looking giddy.