Free When Kat's Away [Sequel to Anna Doubles Down] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Missy Martine Page B

thunderstorms.
    She glanced over at David and felt herself blush. She had feelings for both David and Win, feelings she shouldn’t have. They made her feel things nobody else ever had.
    I want the kind of happiness I see on Anna’s face, but it can’t be with her son. She’d never forgive me.
    “There it is.” David pointed to a small cabin back in the trees. “I know it doesn’t look like much, but it’s built sturdy enough to withstand the harsh weather of winter that’s coming.”
    As they drew closer, Kat studied the structure. Pine log walls were solid with what looked to be dried mud filling in the chinks. The ramshackle slope of the roof held a single chimney. A crude, open shelter stood beside the cabin, probably put there for the horses. Everything had a dated look, as if it had been frozen in time.
    David pulled hard on the reins. “Whoa there.” He turned to look at Kat. “It’ll keep us out of the storm that’s headed our way. I’ve got the supplies in our emergency bundle, so we’ll be fine.” He jumped down from the wagon after setting the brake and then reached up and placed his hands on Kat’s waist. Before she could protest, he’d lifted her and set her on the ground. “If you’ll get the door for me, I’ll get Win out of the wagon.”
    She hurried over to the door. The hinges were made from leather, and it scraped over the dirt floor as she pushed it open. Cautiously, she stuck her head inside. There was one window that partially illuminated the gloomy interior. A single table and one chair were the only furnishings, and both looked as if the slightest weight would send them crashing to the ground. Thick layers of dust covered everything while intricate cobwebs stretched from corner to corner. A rock fireplace stood along the back wall, its hearth made up of flat rocks.
    David moved to stand behind her. “Is everything okay?”
    Kat moved aside so he could bring Win inside. “It’s fine, a little dirty, but that doesn’t matter.”
    She bit her lip as she looked around, hugging her arms around her waist in fear, the thick dust coating her tongue as her breathing sped up. The sound of something scurrying across the floor had her squeaking in alarm, and she gasped when she thought she saw the shadow of a man pass by the dirty, paned window.
    “What is it?” asked David.
    She took several calming breaths and gave him a nervous smile. “Just my imagination working overtime.” She swallowed a couple of times and peered at Win. “Is he okay?”
    David nodded. “He’ll be fine. He’s just sleeping it off for now. It’s the best thing for him.” He set Win in the rickety chair and leaned him against the table. Then, he turned and put his hands on Kat’s shoulders. “Can you watch him while I bring in the blankets?”
    She nodded and looked away, the urge to reach out and touch him almost overwhelming.
    David pulled her closer and hugged her, his chin resting on her hair. “This has been quite a trip for you, but don’t worry. I’m gonna take good care of you.”
    She tensed when he pulled her even closer, not liking the way her heart sped up when his arms closed around her. She pulled back a little and tried to ignore the disappointed look on his face.
    He pressed a kiss against her forehead. “I need to get things settled and then you and I are gonna get to know one another better.” He glanced at Win, who had one eye partially open, staring at them. “I’m gonna make him a bed near the fire. Once the storm hits the temperature will drop quite a bit.”
    Kat walked over and put her arms around Win, holding him in the chair. He looked up at her with his one eye and smiled. “Don’t worry, Win. We’re gonna take good care of you.” She smoothed her hand over his head, letting her fingers slide down his silky braid. “Go ahead, David. We’ll be fine until you get back.”
    “Okay, I’ll just be a minute.”
    Kat closed her eyes as he walked away. What am I gonna do?