The morning air was crisp, the sun filtering through the half-drawn blinds in Elena's room.
She stirred awake slowly, the remnants of last night's conversation with Drew still replaying in her mind. It had been intense—honest.
Drew had confessed feelings he had kept buried for so long, and Elena had listened, her heart racing with every word.
She had tried to deny it, brush it off as nothing more than the heat of the moment, but deep down, she knew there was more.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling her from her thoughts. She reached over, squinting at the screen. A text from Drew: Good morning. I hope you slept well.
A smile tugged at her lips as she typed back: I did. Thanks for last night.
The three dots blinked for a moment before his reply came: Can I see you today?
Her heart skipped a beat. She bit her lower lip, fingers hovering over the screen before she finally responded: Sure, when?
I'll pick you up at noon. I have a surprise.
A surprise? Her curiosity piqued, and the hours leading up to noon seemed to stretch endlessly.
She distracted herself with breakfast and light chores, but her mind was never far from the thought of him.
The way his eyes had softened when he spoke to her, the warmth of his voice—it all lingered.
When noon finally rolled around, Elena was waiting outside her apartment building, her coat wrapped tightly around her.
Drew's car pulled up to the curb, and he stepped out, looking effortlessly handsome as always. His smile was bright, almost contagious.
"You ready?" he asked, opening the passenger door for her.
She stepped in, buckling up as he slid back into the driver's seat. "So, where are we going?" she asked, glancing over at him.
"It's a surprise," he teased, pulling away from the curb. The car ride was filled with light banter and soft music playing in the background.
Elena couldn't help but notice how relaxed she felt around him now—no more tension, no more guarded walls. It was as if the confession had cracked something open between them.
They drove for nearly half an hour before Drew pulled into a quiet stretch of road lined with towering oak trees.
At the end of the path stood an old cabin, beautifully preserved yet carrying an air of history.
"Wow," Elena breathed out, her eyes wide with wonder. "This place is beautiful."
Drew parked and stepped out, moving around to open her door. "My grandfather built it. It's been in the family for generations. I come here when I need to clear my head."
Elena followed him inside, taking in the rustic charm—the wooden beams, the stone fireplace, the scent of cedar lingering in the air. It felt...safe. Like stepping back in time.
Drew set a fire in the hearth, the crackling warmth spreading through the room.
He motioned for her to sit on the worn leather couch, and she did, pulling her knees up as the fire flickered.
He joined her, the space between them narrowing until their shoulders brushed. "I wanted you to see this place...because it's special to me."
Their eyes met, and for a moment, words weren't necessary.
Elena felt her heart thump loudly in her chest, her breath catching as Drew's hand reached out, gently covering hers.
"I want you to be part of my world, Elena. All of it."
Her throat went dry, but she nodded, unable to form the right words.
The firelight danced across their faces, shadows flickering as he leaned in, his gaze never leaving hers.
She closed her eyes just as his lips met hers, soft and gentle, yet full of promise.
Outside, the wind rustled through the trees, whispering secrets only the two of them would know.