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“We already busted out his window. I don’t think rummaging through his cupboards is going too far.”
I chuckle, nodding my agreement. Carefully disentangling myself from Mia, I rise and am suddenly reminded that I’m in my underwear with a beautiful woman. I don’t care. I put another log on the stove and walked to the tiny kitchen. It’s nothing more than a couple of cabinets. No fridge. No oven.
I open one cabinet and find an assortment of canned food. I reach for a can of stew and then decide to heat two. A single granola bar after the exertion we put forward is not nearly enough.
I do a little more rummaging and find a cast iron pot. I quickly open the cans, dump them in, and carry the pot to the stove.
“Looks like we’re having beef stew,” I tell her. “I hope you’re not a vegetarian. Although, I can’t say this is actual meat in here.”
“I’m not a vegetarian,” she smiles.
I look down at her, still sitting on the floor about two feet in front of the stove. Her hair is almost dry, hanging around her face. She’s still a little pale, but for some reason, I find her more beautiful than when I first saw her. She is stunning.
“Is everything okay?” she asks quietly.
“Yes, fine. I should hang up these clothes.”
“I’ll do it,” she says, getting to her feet with the blanket hanging around her shoulders and open in the front.
I can’t help but look. When I was undressing her, it was all about keeping her alive. I ignored what I was unwrapping. But now, well, hell, I am looking at a woman I suddenly find very attractive. My eyes scan every inch of exposed skin. The black lace bra with the matching panties makes her look like she’s ready to climb on stage and dance.
I give myself a mental shake. This is not the time for that.
“I’m going to get a spoon,” I murmur and quickly go back to the kitchen.
Returning to the stove, I find Mia hanging our clothes on a retractable clothesline. The fire casts shadows across her figure, highlighting every curve. Our gazes meet for a moment, and there’s an unspoken understanding between us. Survival has created an unexpected bond. One that I have a feeling is going to last a long time.
When I first met her, I thought she was a pain in the ass. Now, I am rethinking my initial assessment. She is a resilient woman. She isn’t the spoiled, obnoxious woman I thought. That’s what happens when you judge a book by its cover.
It doesn’t take long for the stew to heat. I carry it back, scoop some into bowls, and return to sit on the floor next to Mia.
“Thank you,” she smiles.
“A gourmet meal,” I say with a grin.
She laughs. “I would probably eat one of those logs at this point.”
We both dig in. The stew is too hot and nearly burns my tongue, but I can’t stop. I’m hungry, and it feels good to have the warmth spread through my body.
“I don’t know what brand that is, but I’m pretty sure that’s the best stew I’ve ever had,” she grins.
“I think there might be another can,” I offer.
“No. I’m good. I’m warm and full, and I feel safe.”
“Me too,” I nod. I reach for her bowl and take it back to the kitchen.
“We should get some rest,” I tell her. “Tomorrow, we can figure out our next steps.”
She nods, looking more alert and a little stronger. “Thank you, Noah. For everything.”
“You’re welcome,” I say, feeling a warmth in my chest that has nothing to do with the hot meal. “I’ll sleep out here. You can take the bed.”
“No way,” she shakes her head. “I’m not leaving this fire.”
I laugh. “You’re right. Let me push the couch closer, and you can sleep on it.”
“Why don’t we both sleep on the floor?” she suggests. “We can make a bed. We’ll stay warmer if we’re close.”
