After the shower, Austin reappears too clean-shaven, too handsome. Pine sap and smoke fill the room with wisps of shower mist. He’s more groomed than yesterday.
He leans against the kitchen counter quietly eyeing me, hands folded over his chest, mouth open to speak.
I interrupt, “I want to thank you for everything.” I still can’t apologize for last night, though I know I should. But I’m too afraid of where the conversation could go. “But I need to get back into town… while the weather’s decent.”
He looks down, staring at the floorboards for a long moment. When his mahogany eyes meet mine, concern swirls behind them. “Alright, but only if you promise me something.”
I freeze, then let out a haughty puff of air. “Only if I promise you something?” I knit my forehead. “It’s not like you can keep me here against my will.” My voice comes out wavery, and I instantly regret it.
He gives me a pitying look, like he’s trying to figure out what could make me think such a thing. I brace for the words, I’m certain will follow.
“Words came out wrong. Sorry,” he amends.
My eyes hold his gaze this time. really take in the too-handsome man. His face is just as unreadable, but somehow softer in the light of day. “I meant,” he says, resting his palms on the kitchen counter. “You don’t need to thank me. Just consider something.”
I exhale slow, knowing I shouldn’t. But I can’t help myself. “Okay.” It comes out timid and small as a mouse.
“Take care of yourself.”
Four words devastate me. My eyes blur, darting to the half-empty mug. I open my mouth to speak, but my voice fails me. Instead, I nod.
“Give me an hour for chores and to dig out the truck, and then, we’ll head into town.”
“No, sleigh ride?” I ask, hopefully, wiping the back of my hand quickly over my cheeks.
He looks away, creases in his forehead furrowing. “Horses day off.”
“Have you already gone down to the stable this morning?” I ask.
He nods, studying me quietly.
“But darn it,” he says, too quickly. Austin’s no actor. “I forgot the carrots. Maybe want to make a trip with me back down there for treats… and to say goodbye after your clothes are dry?”
My shoulders relax, and a giggle escapes my lips.You’re a terrible liar, I want to say.
Instead, I admit, “Yes, I’d like that… and I’ll clean up the kitchen and take a quick shower.”
“Don’t have to clean,” he grumbles.
“Didn’t have to make breakfast… or lasagna.” I’m thanking without thanking him for everything.
“My pleasure.”
I pause, holding my breath.
He waits.
“You really are one of a kind, Austin Fitz.”
“Same, Allie M.,” he grunts before sauntering toward the door. “Clean towels in the closet next to the laundry room.” Then, he stomps back out into the white dazzle of mid-day.
“Twenty horses! I had no idea!”I marvel as we ease down the long driveway, crunching through snow. He nods. “Would take more if I could.”
“All for sleigh rides?” I ask, eyeing his rugged profile. He focuses on the road, lined on either side by fences and pastures.
“Nope, it’s a horse sanctuary first and foremost. Run it with a group of veterans on six hundred acres of land.”
“So, you’re a veteran?” I ask, finally understanding the straight posture and decisive bearing.
