“Are you sure? I moved my stuff into the living room.”
“Yes. I’ll get started right away but it won’t be done for a couple of days. I’ll try and make it watertight first.”
As Tristan gets a ladder from his truck, I pack my suitcase and load up my car. I carefully put the coffee cake on the front seat and then walk back to give Tristan a set of keys.
Maybe I’m overstepping, but I want to give Declan something to say thank you for helping me. As I drive up the mountain to his place, an excited chattering noise from the back seat almost makes me swerve off the road. Albert is standing with his paws on the back seat, looking out of the window.
I shake my head. I can’t believe the raccoon is using me as a taxi service to get home.
When I arrive at Declan’s cabin, his truck is in the driveway but there’s no response when I knock on the door. Clutching the cake, I walk around to the back door to find somewhere to leave the cake. I should have texted to let him know I was coming.
A rhythmic sound draws my attention. Declan is at the far side of his yard. His shirt is off and he’s chopping wood.
I stop walking.
The impact of the axe hitting the wood, then the crack as it splits apart is hypnotic. But more mesmerizing is the big woodsman himself, with his shirt off and sweat running down his back. His muscles are corded from his massive shoulders down, his legs spread as he expertly deals with each piece.
I try to say hello, but a strange squeaky noise emerges from my mouth. Even though his back is to me, he pauses and then turns around. A broad grin breaks across his face and he sets the axe down, then strides towards me.
I’m almost dizzy, my eyes popping at this bare-chested, bearded, ruggedly masculine vision walking over to me. I bite my lip, trying to gather my thoughts.
“Peaches! What’ve you got in your hands?”
I’m clutching the box so hard that I hope I haven’t damaged the cake. “I made you some coffee cake. To say thank you for helping me out.”
“Now that’s kind of you. Come inside and have a slice with me?” Declan takes the box and walks in front of me to the house. I gawk at the muscles in his back, drinking in his scent.
“How did you know I was here before I said anything?”
“Your scent. I was a tracker in the army. And working in the woods has given me a sixth sense. But I always think I’d know if you were around.” He glances back at me, holding the door open.
Walking into the coolness of his house, I relax a little. “Albert hitched a ride over with me. He disappeared up a tree when I arrived.”
“He’s a smart one. Knows it’s too hot to be doing much else than relaxing. I would too, but I needed to let off some steam. And I wanted to ask you something.” Declan slices the cake and brings it over, along with a pitcher of lemonade.
I gulp the sweet lemonade. “What’s that?”
“Tomorrow there’s an event at Peppermint Lodge. It’s that big ol’ place as you drive up the mountain from town. Some of my repurposed carvings and furniture are on display there as part of the owner’s exhibition. Would you be my date?” He sits down next to me.
“Oh…I…wasn’t expecting that. You’ve been really kind to me, but…”
“I’m too old and grizzly for you?” He winks.
I laugh. “I just…haven’t dated much.”
He nods. “Well, shall we go as friends?”
I gaze at him. My core clenches and a shiver runs down my spine, despite the sultry heat. I shake my head. “I’d love to be your date.”
“Tristan texted me, said you’d be staying at your aunt’s place until the roof was fixed. Shall I come get you there?”
“I’ll catch a ride with her, she’s doing some of the food for the exhibition.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“Me too.”
I can’t look away from his eyes. The stillness, apart from the gently rotating fan, is intimate. I’m leaning into him, like he’s a magnet and he’s pulling me closer.
