Page 140 of Big Dick Energy

My hand patted the empty sheets, finding them cool to the touch. Dallas had been gone for a while, then. I smiled into my pillow, equal parts exasperated and charmed. The man was incapable of sleeping in, even on vacation.

I stretched, basking in the softness of the bed and the pleasant ache in muscles that had gotten a thorough workout of their own last night. The fire had burned down to embers at some point, and Dallas must have carried me to bed, because I had zero memory of walking here.

The cabin was quiet except for the bird singing outside the window. Peaceful. Perfect.

I rolled over, reaching for my phone on the nightstand, and my fingers brushed against a folded piece of paper instead.

A note.

I propped myself up on one elbow and unfolded it, recognizing Dallas's handwriting.

Get dressed before you leave the room. I love you. Can't wait to see you today.

I read it twice and then a third time.

Get dressed before you leave the room? That was... oddly specific and slightly ominous. Dallas never asked me to put on clothes. I glanced down at myself. I was definitely naked.

“Okay then,” I muttered, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. “Apparently, we're following mysterious instructions today.”

I padded to my suitcase, which Dallas had put on the luggage rack, and pulled out a sundress, the pale blue one with the tiny flowers.

I ran a brush through my hair, attempting to tame the mess, and inhaled deeply.

Coffee.

Fresh, rich, recently brewed coffee, the scent curling under the bedroom door. Dallas must have come back from his workout and started a pot.

I crossed to the door, already mentally planning my first cup and whether I could convince him to bring it back to bed for round two of anniversary celebrations.

I opened the door, but I did not find my husband.

I found Brooke, standing in the middle of our cabin's living room, wearing a floral dress I designed for her birthday two years ago, smiling.

And next to Brooke, a woman I'd never seen before. Tall. Short dark hair. Holding a professional video camera that was currently pointed directly at my face.

I froze, my eyes narrowing in disbelief.

The camera's red light blinked at me.

“Um.” I looked at Brooke. Looked at the stranger. Looked back at Brooke. “What?”

It wasn't even a question. Just a word. A single syllable of complete and utter confusion.

“Good morning, sunshine!” Brooke practically sang.

“Who…” I pointed at the camera woman, my brain struggling to form coherent sentences. “Who is that?”

“This is Max.” Brooke gestured like she was presenting a prize on a game show. “She's the videographer.”

“The videographer,” I repeated slowly.

“Hi.” Max gave a little wave from behind the camera. “Don't mind me. Just pretend I'm not here.”

“I... what?” I shook my head, trying to clear the fog of confusion. My gaze swung back to Brooke. “What are you doing here? How are you even… We're hours from Tampa. Did you drive up this morning? Did something happen? Is Matt okay? Is…”

“Everyone's fine.” Brooke held up her hands, her smile somehow getting even wider. “Better than fine. Everything is perfect.”

“Then why are you in my cabin?” I gestured around wildly. “With a videographer? At…” I glanced at the clock on the wall. “...eight in the morning? On my anniversary?”