The Fling (18+)

Chapter 21

One smooth landing later and we were in the back of a sedan on our way to Bruce's cabin.

By "we", I meant Adam and I.

After landing, Bruce's housekeeper and her husband had met us with their cars. Bruce, Dad and Jessica climbed into the husband's SUV, leaving only a cramped center seat. Adam had magnanimously offered to ride in the second car.

With me.

In the back of the housekeeper, Sally's vehicle, we sat, quiet in the darkness.

Looking out the window, I tried to appear interested in the passing trees, too dim now to see in any detail.

But, as I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply, I tasted the warm, spicy scent of Adam's cologne. Inhaling like an addict, I felt myself growing drowsy again, despite the fitful nap I'd taken on the plane.

Next to me, Adam looked over, surveying my state.

"Tired?" He whispered, a low rumble that was barely audible above the car's engine and Sally's low music.

"Well," I glanced over, "I didn't get much sleep last night."

Adam smirked, smug and unrepentant.

As the ride wore on, Adam started leaning on the center flip-down armrest and I, in my drowsiness, gravitated toward him.

Somehow, my head came to rest against his shoulder and, it might have been my half-conscious stupor, but I could almost swear that I felt a faint pressure against my head followed by a soft exhale.

As I drifted into sleep, I dreamt of dark, endless forests and the beasts that lived within them.

"Nora?"

A firm hand gripped my shoulder, shaking me awake.

Opening my eyes, I saw the car passing through an electronic gate before driving down a long, paved path.

My cheek was squished, pressed against something firm.

And warm...

Eyes widening, I realized-

-I fell asleep on Adam.

Shooting upright, I hastily wiped at the corners of my mouth, relieved to find I hadn't drooled on him.

Riveting my stare at the front windshield, I watched as the trees parted to reveal an imposing two-story log cabin. To be honest, it was more a mansion than a cabin, staring down at us through massive, angular windows, skirted by a wrap-around porch.

The SUV ahead of us slowed to a stop in front of the steps, and Sally followed suit, shifting into park behind her husband.

Unbuckling, I opened the door, taking in a lungful of fresh air. Noting the peculiar scent of lake water, I sighed, content.

"You okay?"

Turning, I saw Adam watching me over the roof of the car.

I nodded, smiling, "Yeah, I'm okay."

From the other car, Bruce, Dad and Jessica emerged, and as Sally pulled Bruce away for a few quiet words, I watched as my father eyed his surroundings, zircon smile plastered over his bleached white teeth.

Jessica, on the other hand, seemed quiet, reserved-

-and very deliberately not looking at Bruce.

Curiosity flared in my mind, but I bit my tongue, saving my questions for later.

As Sally stepped away, she and her husband began to unload our bags.