“Agree to disagree.” With a chuckle, he opens the back door and retrieves their groceries. “How about we go inside? Early morning practice and four hours in the car have taken their toll on me. I want to eat and sleep. Then I want to get the hell out of here.”
Wincing, Logan whispers, “Don’t pay him any attention.”
Easier said than done, but I’ll try. And more than anything, I don’t want to ruin my mood, so I let it go.
Logan insists on carrying my grocery bags, and I lead him and his infuriating friend into the cabin. Inside, the warmth of the gas fireplace I had going earlier still lingers in the air.
“Like I mentioned before, there are three bedrooms.” I hold an arm out, gesturing down the hall. “I’m in the owner’s suite, but the other two are free, and the bedding is clean.”
Logan thanks me with that easy smile. Camden just grunts. They drop the groceries in the kitchen, then head back out for their bags. They take their time, probably talking someplace where they won’t be overheard. That’s fine with me because it gives me time to change into black leggings and a red tee before I return to the kitchen to put our groceries away.
I’m cutting tomatoes when Camden steps into the room. He’s still wearing the jeans he arrived in, but instead of a hoodie, he’s in a white T-shirt that puts all the tattoos on his neck and arms on display.
Our eyes meet, and my hand falters, the knife hitting the cutting board awkwardly. The effect this guy has on me is destabilizing. One moment, I want to strangle him. The next… No, I better not go there, even in my head.
He is a stranger. Period.
“Do you need help?” he asks, his voice deep and velvety. Its surprising gentleness startles me.
I clear my throat. “No. I’m just slicing tomatoes and cucumbers to have with the chicken cutlets and mashed potatoes I prepped this morning.” I set down the knife and survey him. “Do you eat mashed potatoes and chicken cutlets? I didn’t even think to ask.”
He snorts. “I do. Logan does too, don’t worry.”
“Good. I’d hate to be a terrible host, even if I didn’t plan on having guests.”
“You’re fine.” He takes a few steps closer. “And I’m sorry for being an asshole. I’m tired, but that’s no excuse to snap at you.It’s not your fault Reid didn’t confirm whether your friend was actually here before roping me into this.”
“Chloe is single, if you’re interested. She’s the girl I was with at the restaurant.”
He holds my gaze, and that simple act makes me feel like I’m fully naked. “Nah. Your friend is beautiful, but she’s not my type.”
Who is your type?I want to ask.
Instead, I hold out my hand. “I’m Yana. I’m sure you know that by now, but we started off on the wrong foot and never introduced ourselves.”
The smirk that pulls at his lips is pure sin. And those dimples? Fuck.
“I’m Camden.” He wraps his big, calloused hand around mine, immediately engulfing me in his warmth. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
Neither of us takes a step back. Neither of us lets go. Eyes locked, we stand in the quiet of the kitchen, assessing each other.
“Sorry it took me so long.” Logan’s voice reaches the kitchen before he does.
Camden lets go of my hand and backs up. The step he takes is so big, it leaves him standing at the kitchen entrance.
Logan steps inside and glances between us. “What are you two up to?”
“Just finally introducing ourselves,” I say, ignoring how fast my heart beats inside my chest. “And I’m cutting vegetables to go with the chicken cutlets I made for dinner.” I pick up the knife again. “Your best friend told me you’d like them.”
Grinning, Logan drapes his big arm over Camden’s shoulder. “And he’d be right.”
Yin and yang indeed. They remind me of that boy band that was popular years ago in the Russian-speaking world—one wasblond, the other had nearly black hair. How did that connection not hit me sooner?
“Would you guys set the table?” I ask as I turn back to the cutting board.
When they’ve collected supplies and moved to the dining room, I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths to steady myself.
I didn’t expect Camden to apologize for his behavior. Not after the way he acted in the restaurant and at the store. But I can’t say I’m not happy he did.
