Page 2 of Lumberjack Bonfire Kisses

“Because we had dinner plans and I’m at the restaurant, but you aren’t here. So, what’s up? Are you running late and I need to wait?”

“Oh, sorry, yeah, I’m running late. Duh, I totally forgot we made plans. Just sit tight and I’ll be there soon enough.”

“You forgot our anniversary dinner?”

“Yup, guess it wasn’t as important as I thought.”

He laughed but I could hear how fake it was. Because if there was anyone who didn’t forget, it was me. I remembered everything because it was important to me.

“Uh, yeah, okay, when should I expect you?”

“Oh, I’m not sure. I’ll text you when I’m on my way.”

“That’s fine babe, but do you have an idea when?”

“No, I’ll be there when I’m there. Bye.”

I hung up before I could give him a chance to say anything. I wanted to laugh at him, thinking everything was okay between us.

Was I going to string him along before letting him go?

Duh, wouldn’t you?

I can’t be the only one who wants and seeks petty revenge.

I had no doubt that I’d be getting a phone call in a few more hours from him, demanding to know where I was. The great thing about the cabin?

Cell service sucked from time to time, even when you were connected to the Wi-Fi. It was still spotty.

Really, I was looking forward to unplugging. Curling up in a chair, with my book, before a fire, and living my love life through stories that had men who weren’t stupid and didn’t cheat.

Two and a half hours later, after grabbing a bite to eat, I pulled up the driveway of the cabin, smiling at how cozy it looked. This was perfect, just what I needed to unwind from all of that and to refocus on what I wanted to do, where I wanted to go.

The sun was just starting to set, so there weren’t lights on yet, and the colors were highlighting the cabin. I couldn’t wait to wake up tomorrow morning, with a nice cup of coffee and watch the sunrise.

Or maybe I’ll spoil myself and have some hot chocolate. I always enjoyed that in the fall weather. I loved the caffeine in coffee, but the sweetness always brought a smile to my face.

I focused once more on the cabin, hearing my phone ping with a text, figuring it was my ex, so I ignored it. Seconds later, my phone started buzzing with an incoming call from my brother, but I hit ignore too. I didn’t want to talk to him.

I just wanted to stare at my home for the next few days, or weeks.

I wasn’t sure yet.

It looked so inviting and I couldn’t wait to get in it.

I grabbed my bag, and the food, then walked up the front steps, surprised to see how clean it was, then put my key in the lock, frowning a little it was already unlocked. That was unusual because my brother always made sure the door was locked.

“Huh,” I muttered, walking through the front door with caution, only to pause at the sight before me.

Mentally, I cursed my luck, wishing I had called my brother instead of leaving a note to let him know I was leaving and using his cabin. Or even better, I wish I had accepted his call because I knew why he was calling.

Because if I had, he might have told me about the surprise walking around the cabin.

A man.

A naked man.

A very strong, very tattooed, and very sexy man that I had known almost all my life