Chapter Ten
Felix
“Right on time. Come on in.” Kit smiles and steps aside.
I enter the cabin, holding out a bottle of red wine. “I hear this is a good one.”
Kit laughs and takes the re-gifted bottle of pinot. “Thanks.”
I shrug off my coat, then follow him through to the kitchen. The makings of a salad are spread across the counter and there’s a hint of garlic in the air.
Kit grabs a couple of wine glasses.
“Feeling positive?” I joke.
“Always.” Kit grins as he opens one of the drawers, and to my amazement, pulls out an antique corkscrew and holds it in the air like a trophy. “It’s a bitch to use, but it does the trick.”
“I guess you won’t be needing this, then.” I pull a shiny new corkscrew from my pocket.
“Gimme that.” He snatches it from my hold. “Don’t think you’ll be getting this back.”
It’s nice to share a laugh—I’m relieved there’s no awkwardness between us.
We touch glasses after he pours the wine, our gazes locked. He’s the first to look away, quickly taking a step back and picking up a knife.
“Why don’t you take a seat while I finish up here?”
“Sure.” I smile and wander over to the fireplace with my wine. The fire is abysmal, barely emitting any heat. Poorly laid, it’s obviously struggling to take hold. Leaving my glass on the mantle, I pick up the poker and get to work, rearranging logs until the flames jump. The room will be warmer in no time.
“Ah, a proper country boy, I see.”
I rise to see Kit placing his drink on the coffee table. I grab my glass and move to join him on the couch. “You’re lucky I’m here to give you some fire pointers or else you’d freeze.”
He chuckles before growing serious. “On that note, thanks for the blanket. The days are getting colder, so I appreciate it.”
I warm at the acknowledgement of my small gesture.
We sit side by side watching the growing fire. It’s comfortable listening to the pop and crackle of flames. There’s soft music playing, some type of instrumental. We sit in silence for a few moments until finally Kit speaks.
“Listen, I know you don’t think we need to talk about last night, but I want to explain.”
I’ve already told him he doesn’t owe me any explanations, but this is the second time he’s brought it up, so I’ll listen. “Okay.”
“First, I’m sorry for running off after we… you know.” He pauses to take a sip of wine. “It wasn’t you.”
I raise a brow in amusement.
A smile plays at his lips. “Okay, that’s cliched, but really, it’s me. I’m not good with people. Too much time spent alone, I guess.” He runs a hand through his dark hair. “To be honest, you’re probably lucky things ended like they did. I’m kind of a grumpy asshole, in case you haven’t noticed.”
“A little broody, maybe,” I say.
He gives a wry chuckle. “That’s a nice way of putting it. I’m better off alone rather than putting someone through dealing with my moods.”
I watch him carefully. Under the self-deprecating humor, I sense his pain. Impulsively, I reach out and squeeze his hand.
“I like dealing with you, moods and all,” I say gently.
Kit meets my gaze, surprise flickering in those blue eyes. The corner of his mouth lifts as if he’s about to say something, but instead, clears his throat and stands. “I’d better check on dinner.”
