Life sure as hell wasn’t turning out the way he’d thought it would.
The house waslike an oversized log cabin. Decorated with leather and rustic wood furniture, Corinne had accessorized the living room with homemade crafts and patchwork quilts. Everything about it invited Stella to snuggle up with a good book. Throw rugs softened the hardwood floor in front of the fireplace, in the kitchen by the sink, and beneath the dining room table. The open concept layout reflected practicality and comfort.
Stella wished she’d made this trip years ago, especially now, hearing the excitement in Corinne’s voice. Corinne wanted to show her around, take her on hikes, teach her to ride. All the things they would have done if Stella had come before now.
Stella wondered if they’d be able to do any of it. Even climbing the stairs winded her friend.
“And this will be your room.” Corinne spoke breathlessly as she led Stella into one of the coziest rooms she’d ever seen. The entire house charmed her.
And this bedroom! Stella ran her fingertips along the surface of the antique dresser. It matched both the desk as well as the queen-sized bed. A large window offered a stunning view of the mountain behind the house. “How lucky you were to grow up in such a place. I’m in awe.” Touching the quilt, Stella rubbed her fingers along the hand sewn stitches. “Did you make this yourself?”
Corinne shook her head, dropping into the chair at the desk. “My mom did. I’ve made a few others though– the one on Misty’s bed and one for Peyton.” She picked up a pencil and wrote something on it. “I know you’ll need internet to take care of your accounts. This is the wireless password. I know you’ll still have your work to do but I’m just happy you’re here.”
Stella turned away in order to regain control of her emotions. Peyton had brought her luggage up and set one suitcase on top of the bed. Stella pretended to fuss with the opening. If she cried this much now… She didn’t even want to think about later.
“I emptied the dresser for you.” Corinne continued, “in case you want to settle in.” The statement was something of a question. In answer, Stella unstrapped a stack of jeans and began placing her belongings in one of the drawers. She’d make herself at home.
They chatted about inconsequential matters, reminiscing a little, while Stella emptied her suitcase and set her laptop on the desk. When she glanced at her phone she was surprised to see it was already past five.
“Supper’s in the slow cooker. Peyton and I started it this morning. Are you hungry?”
Stella wasn’t. The emotions of the day having robbed her of her appetite. But it would be rude to decline. “I am. And it smells delicious.”
And then, ironically, with the prospect of a home-cooked meal, her mouth watered. Maybe she was hungry after all.
Corinne pushed herself up to stand, wincing as she did so. Stella’s heart cracked a little when she saw that. “The guest bathroom’s down the hall on the left. You freshen up then and I’ll help Peyton downstairs.”
Damn cancer.
Stella vowed she’d help Corinne through this. First thing tomorrow she’d begin taking over chores– whatever they were. And she’d make sure Corinne ate properly, took her medicines on time– anything to help her heal. Corinne needed rest. She needed to expend her energy on getting better. She shouldn’t have to worry about mundane tasks, not when she could be spending time with Misty.
After the door closed, Stella located her most practical pair of jeans. Okay, so the skirt hadn’t been a great idea. She hadn’t considered she would be climbing into tall trucks or trekking across rocks and dirt. She’d only considered Corinne. She’d dressed how she would have any other Saturday. Something she’d normally wear shopping, or on a lunch date.
Trying not to get angry again, at Peyton’s remark, she removed her jacket, shirt and then unzipped the skirt. Catching sight of herself in the mirror, she noticed a brownish-grey scuff on the denim from when she’d landed on the road. She brushed at it and then shimmied it down the length of her legs.
And her poor sandals. The few steps she’d taken outside had indeed, taken their toll. Bending over, she mourned the fact that these wouldn’t be worn again for a while. Probably not until next summer.
“I forgot to bring these boxes up for you–” Stella peered over her shoulder in surprise. Peyton had barely stepped into the room before realizing his mistake. Without dropping the boxes, he backed out just as quickly and closed the door. Stella grabbed at her robe and stuffed her arms into the sleeves.
And then three short knocks. Of course, now he knocks.
Blushing from head to toe, she forced herself to answer. “Come in.”
This time the door opened tentatively. “Sorry about that.” With the door only halfway opened, Peyton slipped inside with the stack of boxes she’d forgotten. Presents for Misty and Corinne. Although the imbecile seemed a little sheepish, a ridiculous grin spread across his face.
“You can set them on the floor.” Stella pulled the robe tighter and hugged herself. “I, er, thought I’d change into something less…ridiculous.”
He carefully placed the boxes on the floor before rising to his full height, looping a thumb around the top of his jeans. The look he gave her somehow caused that flush she’d been trying to ignore to deepen.
“My fault.” But he still hadn’t made a move to leave. “I won’t do it again. I just didn’t think.” Stella glanced at his face only to drop her gaze just as quickly. It was as though his fathomless blue eyes saw right through her. She stared at his hands instead.
The blackish oil no longer stained them. He’d washed up but still needed to change his shirt. This didn’t repulse her though. For some odd reason she liked it. Everything about him was just so– so– male.
God, she’d been practically naked, her butt in the air, when he walked in. She tried to brush it off. No big deal, right?
“It’s okay. I’ve worn less around a pool.” Which was the truth and yet… She needed to change the subject. “Do you need help in the kitchen? It won’t take me a minute to change.”
He licked his lips before answering. She felt certain he didn’t do this because he was slow. More likely, his hesitations showed restraint. She’d never really known anyone like that before. The people she worked with, and her friends at home, reacted to everything quickly.
