“No worries,” he says, but he doesn’t hand it over. “I promised Uncle Shawn I’d make sure it was all set up okay. The fridge is old and heavy, so you’ll need a hand to plug it in.”
“Fine.” I step back and let him in.
Felix glances at the living area as we pass through to the kitchen. “Are you okay here? Got everything you need?”
“Everything apart from a working kitchen,” I say drily.
He chuckles again, not put off by my tone. “It’s just that it’s a little cold in here.”
I look back at the living area. I probably should have turned on a lamp or two as the sun has dropped low in the sky and sunlight is no longer streaming through the window. The only thing streaming into the room is the now-frigid air that’s billowing the drapes.
“I like the fresh air while I work,” I say, realizing how ridiculous that sounds. The temperature inside must have dropped twenty degrees while my story consumed me.
“Okkaay.” He obviously doesn’t believe me as he draws out the word, one brow raised as he studies me, a half-smile on his face. “I’d be happy to show you how to set the fire.”
I fold my arms and lean against the counter. “How about you stick to fixing the fridge?”
The smile disappears. I instantly regret my blunt response. It’s just that he has me on edge. I’m not used to the feelings Felix arouses with his sunshiny smile and flashing dimple, and have no idea how to process them. I’m off kilter, and I need him out of here so I can recover my equilibrium.
“Right, let’s get to it then,” he says, turning to the fridge. “This extension cord should reach the outlet in the other room.”
He was right—the fridge is a dinosaur, and it takes the two of us to maneuver it slowly, inch by inch, from the wall so we can access the outlet. Felix’s sweater pulls tight as he moves, showcasing defined biceps and muscular shoulders. He’s lean, but fit. I look away. He must be in his mid-twenties—way too young for me to be ogling.
Soon the fridge is humming away, and a reprieve is in sight. Blessed solitude will be mine again—no more gorgeous young man to remind me that my best days are behind me. I walk Felix to the door. “Thanks for helping with the fridge.”
“Anytime,” he says. “I’m just sorry the power is a problem at all. It’s not the kind of experience we want for our guests.”
I’m tempted to ask him more about his connection to the cabins and his job at the coffee shop, but I bite my tongue. There’s no point getting involved. “It’s fine. So long as I can charge the laptop, I’m golden.”
“You’re on a working vacation?” Felix asks.
“Something like that.” I open the door.
“All right, I’ll leave you to it then,” he says, taking the hint. “Be sure to stop by CC’s tomorrow and the coffee’s on the house.”
“You don’t have to do that, it’s not necessary.”
“I know.” His smile is bright, despite me being an asshole earlier. “See ya, Kit.”
Before I can say anything else, he spins on his heel and disappears into the dusk. I’m strangely despondent as he does exactly what I want, and leaves me alone.
Chapter Six
Felix
I wake slowly. Judging from the dim light filtering into the room, it’s just past dawn. For a moment I’m disoriented, the silence a contrast to the usual sounds of morning traffic. Then I remember where I am and stretch with contentment—no morning rush to get to the office. It’s only been a few weeks, but coming to Collier’s Creek has been just the break I’ve needed.
With a sudden burst of energy, I roll from the bed, eager to start my day. It doesn’t take long to shower and pull on jeans, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and a pair of Vans. I don’t miss office attire and leather shoes for a moment.
The kitchen is chilly, but I’m not stopping long—just long enough for a quick breakfast, so I’m prepared when I’m run off my feet later. Things are a lot busier at CC’s than Cam said they’d be before he left. I can’t take any credit for the uptick in customers, but I’m sure he’ll be happy on his return.
Warm bowl of instant oats in hand, I stand by the side window and check outside.
It’s early, and Kit’s cabin is quiet. Is he still in bed asleep, or is he already out on his run? I huff a laugh at my foolishness in hoping for a glimpse of him.
I try to justify my interest as appreciation because he’s smoking hot, but there’s something else apart from his good looks that’s captured my attention. He has this brooding intensity that pulls me to him like a moth to a flame. He’s not exactly the friendliest of guys, but I want to know more about him. I want to discover what secrets lie beneath his stony exterior. I want to crack that shell, and maybe earn myself a smile. I sigh as I rinse the bowl and leave it in the sink. Georgia says I’m always looking for a good cause, and I’m sure Kit, no matter how sad he looks, has no desire to be my pet project.
A short while later, I’m walking through the doors of CC’s looking forward to a day of serving the fine people of Collier’s Creek.
