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“I’m sorry, okay?”

“You scared me today.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I was scared too, Fee. Never been more scared in my life than when I saw that wolf near you.”

She heard a soft thud and imagined it was his forehead pressed against the door. She got up and leaned against her side of the door.

“And then you kissed me,” she said, so softly that she didn’t know if she wanted him to hear or not. But, of course, he heard.

“I’m having a hard time being sorry about that.”

She was still. Quiet. Her hand pressed against the wood of the door, waiting to hear what he would say next.

“It was one hell of a kiss.” He laughed softly. “But I’m sorry I … I wish I had done it differently.”

She didn’t know what to say to that. That kiss had been … hot. Passionate and wild. But it felt like Theo had only kissed her to prove to himself that she was okay, that they’d both survived. It was pure instinct. It had nothing to do with her and him and their relationship.

“The fear and adrenaline … I was too rough with you, Fee. I should have been gentle. I want to … I would have…” He chuckled again like he was embarrassed for admitting any of this to her. “It doesn’t matter. I’m just sorry. For all of it. For acting like a … what did you call me? A goddamn caveman?”

“Yes, that was it.”

“Will you come out now?”

Fee cracked the door and found Theo peering at her from the other side.

“Hi,” he said.

“Hi.”

“Do you forgive me?”

“I’m not sure.”

“What if I told you that I made a fire and I found an old deck of cards?”

Fee bit down on a smile. Theo knew how much she loved games.

“And we can stay the night?”

“I already told Rafe we were. Roads are a mess.”

Happiness bubbled up inside her and it wasn’t just because of the delay in their search.

“Okay, but I get to pick the game,” she said, marching out of the bedroom and grabbing the deck of cards from Theo’s hand.

“Of course.” She could hear the smile in his voice as he followed behind her.

The fire was crackling in the fireplace, and the cabin was already dim and cozy, the December sun setting earlier and earlier every day. The walls were wood-paneled, and the decor incorporated more plaid than she typically went for, but overall, the vibe was perfect for a snowy night.

“I found some ramen in the cabinets,” Theo was saying as he rustled around in the attached kitchenette. “Do you want some?”

“Sure.” She got comfortable in front of the fire. She laid out the cards on the coffee table while Theo boiled water in the kettle for their noodles.

The wind whistled through the trees outside and ice pelted the windows. Fee grabbed a blanket off the couch and wrapped it around her shoulders, happy to be warm and safe inside.

“What are we playing?” Theo asked, carrying two steaming bowls to the table.

“Spit.”