After draining the tub and cleaning offagain, we drag ourselves back into the warm living room. I grab a loose T-shirt that hangs off one shoulder and navy lace panties before heading back to my stool. My background with scattered trees is dry, so I squeeze the paint I need for the cabin and more layering for the trees onto my dish. Opening my notebook, I take in the color combinations I wanted to try for this layer. When I blend a newcombination, I reach over and place a streak, scribbling the ratio, so I can recreate it later.
The oven beeps, and I glance up confused as James pulls up a chair next to me.
He holds a fork in front of my mouth. “I’m going to feed you while you paint, so this chicken parm doesn’t go to waste.”
I chuckle but open my mouth for him. He slowly slides it between my lips as I close around the fork.God damn, why is he good in the kitchen too? Is this a joke?
“Keep painting,” he says as he watches me and cuts another bite.
I smirk, and dip my brush in paint, then slide it across the canvas starting on the cabin. Every time I swallow, James is there with another bite until the plate is empty.
“Good girl,” he says, then kisses the top of my head. He takes the dishes to the sink, then makes his way to the bed. He’s propped up against pillows on the mattress, writing in a notebook.
“What are you doing down there?” I ask. I haven’t seen him writing in a notebook the entire time I’ve been here.
He glances up after he finishes what he’s doing. “Work. I have a lot of … new things happening with this location, so I wanted to get ahead for when I can get back to the office.”
I’d really love to dig more into his time with TheEdward Corporation. It’s such a dream job, but it is obviously way out of my league. I’ll have to see if they’re hiring any entry-level positions for this new location. I bite my lip, thinking, as I dip my brush and keep painting.
I swipe my brush across the canvas, and the lights start to flicker then buzz to life. I glance up in shock then back to James.
He jumps off the mattress. “I’ll go check the radio in the shed to see what they have to say about the storm.” He slides his boots and jacket on before slipping out the front door.
I go back to adding all the details to my canvas while I wait.
I hear his steps outside the door and the telltale tapping of his boots before the door swings open. “They’re working on the main roads, but it will take time before they can get to residential streets. I think the power should stay on now.” He kicks off his boots before going to his briefcase and pulling out his phone and charger. “I’m going to plug mine in. Do you want me to get yours while you work?”
I’m almost stunned he asked, but then I remember he keeps telling me that he enjoys taking care of me. “Yes, please. It should be on the nightstand in the bedroom.” I continue working as he moves through the cabin to plug in our phones, his laptop, and the other appliances. I’m vaguely aware that our time in our little oasis is coming to an end, but I don’t want to think about it. I know I told myself that maybe this could just be a fun weekend, butnow after everything, I don’t think I’m capable of a just-for-fun relationship.
I feel James press his hard chest against my back before his arms wrap around my middle, pulling me close. His lips press to my neck.
“This is amazing. I can’t even fathom how you accomplished getting all the light to reflect off the snow from the cabin. My dad would have loved to see this.”
My heart melts hearing him speak of his dad as if he would have brought me home to meet him. I look at the painting again. It’s just a rough concept right now with outlines and small amounts of lighting, but he said he grew up coming here so he can tell where my ideas are heading. If he likes it this much at the beginning stage, I’m sure he will love it even more when it’s finished.
“I’m going to draft more while you paint.” I smile as I watch him start writing again.
It’s getting late, but I really want to finish as many layers as I can, so I can finish it completely tomorrow.
CHAPTER 17
James
I rollover and look out the window, but it’s still dark. I try to figure out what woke me from my blissful sleep. I look around the room, just the glow of the fireplace lighting the area, when the buzzing of my phone flashing on the counter catches my attention.Wow, I really didn’t miss hearing that noise all weekend.
I glance at Alex, but she’s still safely dreaming. Her hair is sprawled across the pillow, and her face is scrunched like she’s in an argument with someone in her dream. I reach over and rub my thumb over her forehead, and she instantly relaxes and curls further into her pillow. I bite my lip to keep from laughing out loud and slowly climb from the bed, making my way to my phone. I pick it up and scroll through the notifications pouring through. Twenty missed calls from Ryder, five from Alester, hundreds of emails and texts. I slide boots and acoat on before gently closing the front door when my phone starts ringing again.
“Ryder, what’s happening? I’ve only been off the grid for a few days,” I whisper-snap at him.
“Holy shit! He answered! Get in here now! Okay. You’re on speakerphone with me and Alester.” Ryder is in a hyper panic.
“Ryder, focus. What is it?” I roll my eyes as I pace the front porch. The snow is done falling and everything is still. Quiet seeps from all around as the forest sleeps.
“Shit. Yeah, okay. Well, from what Alester can see, a man is trying to poach Family Farms to go to our competitors, Collins and Sons.” Ryder is breathing heavily, like he’s been running laps around the office while ringing my phone over and over.
My stomach drops.This can’t be happening. I thought things were finally looking up. Now this?
“James, are you there? Hello? We are trying to find out everything we can, but we need you here. This is your company, and our most important account. They know you best after everything, and they are going to need to see your face to save this.”
