We fell in step together up the hill.
I glanced over my shoulder. “What about Spirit?”
“She’s fine.”
“Did you tie her to a tree?”
“Don’t need to.”
He ushered me to go ahead of him at the door. The house was all lit up, with the hint of my perfume in the air when we stepped inside. Such a different feeling than when I’d walked in minutes earlier. This time, I felt light on my feet. Happy, even.
Safe.
I started across the living room, and when I noticed he wasn’t following me, I turned to see him frozen in the doorway.
“What?”
He glanced down at his muddy boots and pants covered with wood shavings.
I laughed. “Come in. Don’t worry about it. It’s fine.”
And shockingly, it was.
We met at the fireplace. He knelt beside me and took the logs from my arms, his hands brushing mine. The contact was brief—but full of promise.
“Ready for your lesson, Rose Flower?”
His voice was low, intimate. The nickname sent heat pooling deep in my belly.
“I’m ready. Show me what you’ve got.”
He arched a brow, catching the innuendo. I didn’t look away.
The tension between us crackled louder than the fire we were about to build.
“This is no joke, Rose.”
“Sheesh. Okay.”
“You need to know how to start a fire, especially living alone. We’re supposed to get severe weather tomorrow, that’s going to bring another cold snap. What was your plan if your electricity went out?”
“I have flashlights.”
“And how large an area do your dollar-store flashlights heat?”
I sucked in a breath. “Oh. You meant for heat. Okay. Got it. I understand. Fine. Teach me, Obi Wan Kenobi.”
He didn’t laugh. He was busy placing kindling in the box. Serious business, apparently.
“Let’s begin.” He rolled up his sleeves, revealing those forearms again, and I had to look away before I did something reckless—again.
“First and foremost, every few years you need to have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. Orme.” He winked again and it was the first time I was seeing a lighter Phoenix. A relaxed Phoenix. One with less stress, less weight on his shoulders. He was in his element, and I hoped, even for a minute, that he’d forgotten about his troubles.
He continued, “Over time creosote builds up, which can cause a chimney fire. Not good. Very important to have it inspected.” He turned to me. “Got it?”
“Yes, sir.”
He grinned. “Good girl.”
