Chapter 26: A Decision is Made

Garin returned holding an armful of clothes a few minutes later. He was huffing from running.
“I realized while I was digging through Audrey’s room, that I still have those clothes that you brought for me when I was lost.” He held his hand around the tree averting his gaze even though he wanted nothing more than to gaze upon her naked body in the forest.
“Thanks,” she pipped and snatched the clothes. She appeared a second later, looking like a rumpled college kid. “These are huge,” she said laughing as she pulled the waistband out and noted that possibly two more people could fit in there with her.
“I think you look cute,” Garin replied, unabashed. “So, where were we? We can’t be together because of an ancient law that was once jotted down and only the fanatics in both of our families uphold it?” he said reaching for her hand.
It was too late to turn back now, she figured. She had already broken one of their most sacred laws. She might as well be happy for as long as she could until she had to face the council. She took his hand.
“That pretty much sums it up. Speaking of which, can we go somewhere else? I’m not exactly welcome here and your family’s scent is getting stronger. I think they are on their way here,” she said, looking around nervously, looking small in her oversized hoodie.
“Of course. Where should we go?” She almost said her house before she realized how ludicrous that would be. For the first time, she resented living with her grandmother. For so long, it was her safety net. Her reason for not getting married sooner. She loved living with her grandmother but now…now she was irritated that she couldn’t be with Garin in her safe place.
“Well, I have a small cabin or rather my family has a cabin about forty minutes from here. It is on neutral ground so technically we wouldn’t be breaking the treaty,” she said remembering the vacation home that she hadn’t visited in years. Her grandfather, when he was in his renovation craze, had completely redone it but she hadn’t seen it yet. Her grandmother had pressed the key into her palm when Willow told her she needed to get away.
“Sounds good to me. Anywhere that doesn’t feel like someone breathing down our necks would be nice,” he said and flashed her a smile. “Want me to drive?”
“You’ll have to. I don’t have a car. Well, I do but I share it with my grandmother. I never saw the point of getting my own,” she replied.
“Not a problem. Should I pack a bag?” She nodded.
“We can stay a day or two if you want. Caitlin has been asking for more hours so I can have her cover. Plus, it will be nice to get out of town after today,” she said and shuddered, drawing in on herself. He rubbed her arm comfortingly.
“Sounds good. I need to get away from here. I remembered why I never visit for more than a day or two,” he said and looked darkly at the house in front of them.
“Meet me at the end of my road. I’ll run home and grab some things,” she gave him a long look and a small smile before disappearing back into the woods.
Half an hour later, they were on the road. Willow felt drunk. Her heart wouldn’t stop racing and her mind wouldn’t stop spinning. They were actually doing this. They were together. In his car. Alone. She tried to remember what her life was like a week ago, but she couldn’t. She felt so…reckless. She loved it.
They talked most of the drive, with Willow interjecting directions as they drove on the sleepy mountain roads. The cabin was tucked away in a copse of trees that overlooked a small lake. Willow had lived here as a child with her parents although she barely remembered that time.
Garin appraised the a-framed building as he parked in front of it. Its entire front was lined with glass. It had two large decks and what appeared to be a hot tub on one.
“Wow,” Willow said as she stepped out, her duffle bag strapped across her chest. “I haven’t seen this place in years. My grandpop really fixed it up!” Her heartfelt giddy as she unlocked the heavy wooden front door. Garin trailed in behind her.
“Wow is right,” he said with a whistle as he looked around the interior. It reminded him of a Scandinavian cabin, done in muted neutrals but with a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
“This is wonderful!” Willow declared, her eyes shining. Garin smiled and watched as she ran into every room. She had a huge smile across her face and despite everything that they had faced and everything they would face; this moment was worth it.
“So where do I put these?” he asked, pointing to their bags. Her face colored slightly as the implication hit her. She had invited him to stay in a cabin with her. Alone.
“I’ll show you the master,” she replied and nervously walked up the large wooden staircase to the master loft. It spanned nearly the entire top floor and had a huge ensuite with a walk-in shower. Like the rest of the cabin, it was minimalist which meant the only furniture up here was the king-sized bed and a table and chair.
She didn’t know what to do with her hands and she wasn’t sure why she was so nervous. Sex hadn’t been discussed and it’s not like he had hinted at everything. They had only ever even kissed once! And yet her mind, and eyes, kept straying to the bed in the middle of the room.
“I don’t mind bunking on the couch or in another room,” Garin offered, noting her discomfort. She blushed deeper.
“No, I want you here. I just realized I hadn’t thought about the...logistics of us spending the night together,” she replied honestly. He let out a laugh.
“I’m not worried about it. And I’m in no rush. For anything.” He placed the bags in the large walk-in closet. Willow wasn’t sure how she felt. He was a gentleman that was for sure and yet at the same time, she kind of wish he would be more assertive.
“Well, that is good to know,” she finally replied and yawned.
“Why don’t we just sleep and see what happens tomorrow? No pressure.” He smiled at her again and her heart melted a little more. With a smile, she nodded. They slid under the covers. The sheets were chilly, and she realized that she had forgotten to turn on the heater. She was thankful she was currently wearing two layers.
She was about to turn off the lamp when Garin sat up and tugged off his shirt. Her eyes followed the hard muscles of his back as he tossed it into the floor, his shoulder muscles straining as he did so. Before she was aware of what she was doing, her hand slid down his back. She felt him freeze under her touch and he looked over his shoulder at her.
Without thinking about anything that would come next, she slid her arms around his neck, pulling him to her. She kissed him deeply as she pulled him on top of her. She drank in his sandalwood scent, letting it envelop her.