The fact he even gets power out here is crazy.
A cold shiver runs through me as he squats down in front of the fireplace.
I take this opportunity to be nosey. His home is warm and cozy. Everything you’d expect out of a log cabin. From the beautiful dark stain covering the furnishing to the wooden floors. And he has the essentials. A kitchen. Bathroom. Living space and I assume the bedroom is upstairs.
“Fireplace won’t do much without the power.”
My stomach sinks at that sudden news. “No heat then. Got it.” I force a smile, but I know it’s not his fault. Damn winter has been brutal this year.
“No heat.” He slowly stands, nodding to the cabinets behind me. “There should be some candles and matches in there. I’ll go grab some blankets.”
While he vanishes upstairs, I reach for the cabinet door, finding the candles and matches he was referring to. However, being short has its challenges. I strain trying my hardest to stretch to my max ability, but it’s no use. Even with my wedges, I’m still not tall enough. Speaking of them, I slip each one off, one because they’re wet, and two, I need to stand on the stool without breaking my neck. With the success of the extra height, I snag the candles, cradling them in my hand against my stomach and then the matches. Now if I can get down without killing myself.
Heavy footsteps approach, stopping directly beside me and Hush reaches out taking the precious cargo that’s cradled into my body. He places them on the counter. “You don’t need to go hurting yourself.”
“I didn’t. See?” I go to step down but misjudge my footing and nearly topple over face first. “Shit.”
Hush, being ready to steady me but relieved he didn’t have to, raises a brow.
“Well. Almost.”
A possible, barely noticeable grin appears on his face.
With the candles spread out, they add more light in addition to the lanterns.
Hush opens his fridge. “I don’t have much, but do you want something to drink?”
With his broad back still turned my way, I answer, “Beer. If you got it.”
He closes the door, holding up two waters. Guess he didn’t have to worry about anything spoiling, from the looks of it, there isn’t much in his fridge worth saving. A single milk carton and one container potentially holding leftovers.
“Water and orange juice. Sorry I guess I should have specified.”
I take the bottle from him as he rubs the nape of his neck. “This works. Thanks.” I twist open the lid, letting the still icy water graze my throat.
He does the same as he leans rigidly against his kitchen counter, hand in pocket, the other gripping the water bottle like he’s madly uncomfortable. I suppose he is. Here’s a man so closed off and private, I’m sure the last thing he expects nor wants is entertaining a woman inside his home.
I lean into my shoulders, my hands gripping the counter’s edges. He isn’t the only one out of their element. “How long do you think the power will be out?”
He shrugs. “Not sure. Could be hours. Could be days. But once the storm passes, I’ll take you home.”
I nod, looking out at the snow still falling at an alarming rate. Even if we are stuck in Hush’s beautiful home, the snow is ever so peaceful. “I love the snow. It’s calming, you know?”
He doesn’t say a word while he watches me look out the window. With the silence, the only sound is the overpowering wind whistling.
I break my stare from the outside and turn to him. The candlelight flickers, reflecting off his beautiful face. And along with the shadows, I can’t help but admire him. “Tell me about yourself.” That’s one way of me breaking the ice. No pun intended. I’m using this opportunity to find out something about this man.
A muscle moves in his jaw. “Not much to tell.” He takes another drink, holding eye contact.
“There must be something.” My voice is quiet as if I’m afraid I’ll scare him. “Do you have any family?”
His body immediately stiffens, swallowing away an obvious powerful emotion and I instantly regret the question. “No.”
Without knowing if it’s because of how he answered or the fact there’s no heat, the air grows significantly chillier, and I shiver.
“Come on. I put the blankets over by the sofa.” He turns, abandoning his drink, then heads for the plain, simple couch in front of his television stand. Everything looks to be barren and sparingly placed.
I accept the blanket he holds out for me, but notice it’s the only one worth using, the other so-called blanket resembles more of a sheet.
