Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 312

The biting cold crept in from every corner, slipping right through her clothes.

Camila shivered instantly, her teeth chattering as a sneeze rocked her whole body, leaving her dizzy and disoriented.

And then, out of nowhere, a wave of warmth settled over her.

It felt like something—or someone—had wrapped her up in a cozy cocoon.

Camila caught a faint, familiar whiff of something crisp and clean, and blinked in surprise…

Standing right in front of her—she didn’t even notice when he’d shown up—was Dennis Williams, cool as ever, draping a thick, oversized jacket around her shoulders.

The jacket practically swallowed her whole, sealing out every draft.

“What are you doing here?” she blurted, peering up at him.

Steven Edwards, lingering nearby, watched the scene unfold with a raised eyebrow and a hint of amusement in his eyes.

In all the years he’d known Dennis, he’d never seen him act this… thoughtful.

Dennis just shrugged, his tone as calm as ever. “Just finished up some things. Thought I’d check in since I was passing by.”

Steven shot a look at Aaron, who was standing behind Dennis, arms loaded down with a wool scarf and a couple of hand warmers—hot water bottles, even.

Passing by? Sure, Steven thought. He’d come prepared like he was outfitting someone for a trek through the Alps.

And if Steven remembered right, Dennis’s rounds had wrapped up ages ago. What was he still “busy” with?

Steven couldn’t help but smirk, a rare glimmer of teasing lighting up his usually stern face. “You’ve gotten pretty funny all of a sudden, you know that?”

Dennis ignored him, fixing his dark eyes on Camila. “I’ll take her from here. You keep an eye on the med tent, make sure things stay under control. She hasn’t had a proper rest since last night.”

It was definitely Dennis’s jacket. She could smell that distinct, woodsy aftershave he always wore—like fresh-cut pine and winter air—filling her senses, crowding out everything else.

For a split second, she almost felt like she was being held in his arms.

Camila shook her head, trying to clear away the ridiculous thought.

Mr. Williams had said he was just passing through. She couldn’t go getting any crazy ideas.

But then Dennis, acting like it was the most normal thing in the world, started wrapping the scarf gently around her neck.

And then—seriously?—he handed her a steaming hot water bottle, tucking it into her hands.

Camila just stared, her thoughts scattering like snowflakes in the wind.