“You don’t have to do that,” I told her. I’d rather clean up the kitchen than watch her do it. It would be easier when she left if I didn’t have images of her moving around in my space to deal with.
“You cooked. I’ll clean up.” She slipped her hands into the soap suds and nodded toward the knife at my hip. “Tell me about your knives.”
“What do you want to know?”
She scrubbed at the bowls we’d used before moving them to the other side of the sink. “Do you make them all by hand?”
“Sure do.” I unclipped the knife and took it out of its holder to show her. “The handle on this one is carved out of bone from a deer. I forged the blade myself on the equipment you saw out back. Every knife I make has a story.”
She ran her hands under the water and dried them before reaching for the knife. As she took it from me, our fingers brushed. Attraction sizzled between us, and I wondered if she could feel it too.
Her chin tipped up and she held my gaze. “What’s the story on this one?”
My breath caught as I stared down at her. “Not one I tell.”
The blade caught the light as she turned it over in her hand and looked it over from every angle. “Even the dangerous things you make are beautiful.”
This woman… my pulse pounded. I’d never felt so seen. I wanted to capture the moment like she did with her camera so I could look back on it later and remember how it felt. I didn’t intend to, but I took a step closer, backing her toward the counter.
She tilted her head back. “You know, you’re not what I expected.”
“Neither are you.” I couldn’t fight it any longer. I’d sworn off connection. Promised myself I didn’t get to have things like this—soft mouths and warm smiles and the kind of woman who might look at me like I was more than the wreck I’d become. But then she’d touched my knife. Called it beautiful. And just likethat, every wall I’d built around my heart splintered like kindling in a fire that I’d never meant to light.
Leaning forward, I brushed my lips against hers. The knife clattered onto the counter, then her arms snaked around my neck, and she rose onto her toes.
I took the kiss deeper, desperate with need. It had been years since I’d felt anything in my hardened heart and this woman had cracked it open with a few smiles and a kiss. Numbness gave way to an ache that pulsed deep within me. My hands went to her hips, and I pulled her tight to my chest. It wasn’t enough. Half out of my mind, I wanted more.
Then Scout barked and the cat hissed.
We broke apart. The surprise in her eyes felt like a big pitcher of ice water had just been dumped over my head. My shock instantly gave way to regret.
“We can’t do this.” I shook my head, trying to convince myself to walk away.
Juniper slid her palms over my chest. “We already did.”
“And it can’t happen again.” Then I did what any other warm-blooded guy in the same situation would have done. I fucking fled. I didn’t stop to explain. Didn’t stop to breathe. Just turned and walked into the night like the coward I’d promised myself I’d never be again.
CHAPTER 6
JUNIPER
It tookme a few moments to figure out where I was. The bed was too big, and the pillows smelled like woodsmoke and pine needles, just like Griff. I rolled over, and the events of the night before came rushing back. The way Griff’s beard felt against my cheek. How gently his huge hands had held onto my waist. And how he’d left me standing in his kitchen, my lips tingling from his kisses.
I’d waited for him to come back, but when I heard metal clanging against metal, I figured he was out in his workshop and got ready for bed.
Appie stretched then sauntered across my stomach and nudged his wet nose into my neck, his way of telling me it was time to get out of bed and feed him breakfast. Oh no. We’d left my cabin in such a hurry, I hadn’t grabbed the cat food. I’d have to go back today.
I didn’t want to get out of bed yet. Didn’t want to see Griff. Didn’t want to have to acknowledge that kiss and what it might mean. But we were going into town today. Not even the guaranteed awkwardness that was sure to bubble up between us would keep me from seeing what we could find out about Caleb’s land.
Reluctantly, I pulled on the robe I’d found hanging on the back of the door and ventured out of the bedroom. The cabin was silent, though the smell of fresh coffee hovered in the air, pulling me toward the kitchen. I searched the cabinets until I found a mug, then filled it. Griff had left a note on the counter.
Went out to check the perimeter. You’re safe with Scout. He’ll bark if anyone shows up. I’ll stop in and grab the cat food from the lodge.
- G
The man might pretend to be harder and colder than an iceberg, but actions spoke louder than words. He said I didn’t belong and that he didn’t want me here. Now he was going to get food, so my cat didn’t starve? There was definitely more to him than the grumpy persona he hid behind.
I found a can of tuna in the cupboard that would tide Appie over until later. By the time Griff returned, I’d showered, dressed, and was waiting for him on the couch.
