The Sit - N - Spill Chronicles: Brewing

Chapter 10

When Annie stirred awake, she found Kane there, a reassuring figure on the corner of the couch, his gaze meeting hers with quiet strength.

"Morning," he breathed. "It's a new day. And you're safe."

She sat up, rubbing her eyes and taking in the sunlight streaming through the cabin's large windows. The cozy warmth of the space felt like a protective cocoon. "Thanks to you," she replied, her voice still thick with sleep.

"Coffee's ready," Kane offered, gesturing toward the kitchen counter.

As she poured herself a mug, her phone buzzed on the counter. A glance at the screen made her stomach drop. A string of texts from an unknown number glared at her.

We know about the meeting. Stay out of city business if you know what's good for you.

Kane was instantly at her side. "What's wrong?"

She handed him the phone, her hands trembling. His jaw tightened as he read the messages. "Looks like they're getting desperate," he said, his tone low and measured. "But this won't work."

His words gave her a fleeting sense of reassurance, though the unease still lingered. She didn't have time to dwell on it, though. Another text came through, this time from her mom:

Hey, sweetheart. Your brother's swim practice is today. Don't forget! He's been talking about seeing you there all week.

"Oh no," Annie muttered. "Alex's practice. I completely forgot."

Kane's expression softened. "You need to be there. I'll come with you."

"You don't have to—"

"I want to," he cut her off gently but firmly. "Family is important, and after the night we've had, a little normalcy might be good for both of us."

Annie hesitated, but saw the determination in Kane's eyes. She nodded. "Okay. But fair warning—Alex can be...a lot."

Kane's lips quirked into a small smile. "I think I can handle 'a lot.' Besides, I've been wanting to meet him. You've told me plenty."

Annie glanced at him, a mix of nerves and gratitude in her expression. "He's my whole world, you know. If he doesn't like you—"

"I'll just have to win him over," Kane interjected, his words escaping his undeniable smirk with a calm confidence, though the warmth in his tone softened the boldness of his words.

Annie smiled despite herself. "Well, good luck with that. Alex is an Olympic-level interrogator."

A surprising sense of normalcy filled the ride to the pool. Kane's truck felt like a bubble of calm amid the storm raging around them. When they arrived at the community center, Annie spotted Alex immediately. He stood at the edge of the pool, towel draped over his shoulder, animatedly chatting with his coach.

"Alex!" Annie called out, her voice carrying over the chatter of swimmers and the faint echo of splashes.

Alex turned, his face lighting up in a way that made Annie's heart ache with affection. He waved enthusiastically, jogging over to her. "Annie Faye!" he exclaimed, pulling her into one of his infamous bear hugs.

Annie laughed. "Easy, Alex. You're dripping water all over me!"

He pulled back, grinning unabashedly, then noticed Kane. His eyes narrowed, and he tilted his head curiously. "Who's this?"

Annie glanced at Kane, her expression caught between amusement and apprehension. "This is Kane. He's...a friend of mine."

Kane extended a hand, his smile easy but respectful. "Nice to meet you, Alex. I've heard a lot about you."