A romantic weekend getaway to a secluded cabin in the woods has unexpected results when everything that can go wrong does.
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Excerpt
Emma gave Vanessa’s arm another squeeze. "Good, because
this is definitely total isolation. No one will disturb us." She shivered.
"Let’s get inside now and light a fire." She unlocked the door and
pushed it open. "Wait a second. Let me find the light switch." She
felt around the wall and when her hand encountered it, she flicked it on. It
was a low watt bulb, but cast a soft glow over the room. She frowned. It was a
clean cabin, but very crude with sparse furnishings. She steeled herself for
Vanessa’s reaction as she held the door wide for Vanessa to pass through. No
matter what Vanessa said to assure her that she was excited to be staying in a
cabin for the weekend, the true test would be Vanessa’s reaction when she
actually saw where she’d be living for a couple of days. "Here we
are."
"It’s one big room. How cute!" Vanessa exclaimed
as her eyes scanned the interior. She walked to a door on the side of the room
and pulled it open.
The glow from the bare light bulb hanging in the center of
the main room gave enough light for Emma to see that the bathroom light had
another bare light bulb with a string attached, but no wall switch to activate
it. She walked to the bathroom and watched as Vanessa pulled the string. In the
dim glow of the bulb, Emma saw a tiny stall for showering, a small sink, and a
toilet. A plain mirror hung above the sink with a crude wooden shelf under it
to hold toiletries.
"This is better than some of the cabins I’ve been in.
At least this one has electricity and running water," Emma said in an
upbeat tone. She was certain that the bathroom would definitely be a turnoff
for Vanessa.
"It’s fine, honey," Vanessa said. "I really
like it." She lifted a suggestive eyebrow as she turned to Emma.
"Just think, we can lie in bed and watch the fire. It’s going to be so
romantic."
Emma was surprised at Vanessa’s upbeat reaction. She pulled
at her chin. "Still, I was hoping for something just a little nicer
with a few more amenities since this is your first time camping." She
looked at the makeshift furnishings. Everything looked handmade. "Mr.
Parker said he used to bring his sons here for hunting trips when they were
younger, but since they’ve grown and moved away, he rarely comes up here."
Vanessa threw her arms around Emma’s neck. "I love it,
honey. Please quit apologizing. You promised."
"Are you sure? You’re not just saying that for my
sake?" Emma asked anxiously. "Because I would understand if you want
to go back home."
Vanessa shook her head back and forth. Her eyes darkened.
"I want to stay, Em. I’m excited about this adventure. However, if you
don’t stop apologizing and being so negative, I won’t enjoy myself. If you’re
going to act this way all weekend, then no, I won’t want to stay. I’m trying to
show you that I want to be a part of all those things you used to love to do,
but haven’t been able to do in a long time. I might not enjoy everything you
like, but I do like being out here. I’ve never felt so peaceful," Vanessa
replied. "I want to share this with you."
"I’m sorry. I just—"
"Want everything to be perfect for me because that’s
what you think I expect," Vanessa finished for her. "Well, it’s not.
I’ve never been able just to let go and not be under a microscope. This is the
first time in my life no one is around to judge me. Please, let me enjoy this,
honey." Her eyes softened. "Now, let’s get the car unloaded."
She tilted her head in the direction of the large bed. "Then I know how
I’d like to begin our weekend," she added with a wicked grin.
