Laterthatnight,I’mdoing a load of laundry when the phone rings.
“Soooo, Felix,” comes Georgia’s familiar voice. “I heard you had lunch today at Jake’s with Kit. A nice long lunch.”
I sigh, sensing where this is headed. I put the washing basket on my bed. “We’re just friends, Georgia.”
“Mmhmm. Friends who make bedroom eyes at each other across the table.”
I roll my eyes, even though she can’t see me. “Come on. You know it’s not like that.”
“So he didn’t make you dinner the other night too?”
“It was store-bought lasagna as you well know, given you most likely sold it to him,” I retort. “He doesn’t know anyone else in town—”
“He knows me.”
I ignore her interruption. “He’s staying at our cabins and I live next door. Honestly, we’re just friends. I’m not saying I wouldn’t be happy for more. I mean, who’d be stupid enough to kick someone like Kit out of bed? But he’s not interested.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” she says, then sighs. “Look, I know I said to find someone and have a bit of fun, but I think Kit’s got baggage. I can tell you really like him, but I’m not sure he’s the best person to have a casual fling with. Plus, he’s a little older—”
“Age is irrelevant.” I know I sound defensive, but the fact he’s older doesn’t bother me. To be honest, I like it. “Sure he’s good looking, but it isn’t just about that. He’s interesting to talk to and we have a great time together. And wearejust friends.”For now, at least.
“Okay, okay,” Georgia relents. “I just want you to be happy, Felix. You deserve it.”
“I am happy. Or at least I was until you started to give me a hard time. Some best friend you are.”
“Alright, I’ll let it go. But promise you’ll be careful. I don’t want to have to nurse your broken heart. I love you, honey.”
“I know you’re just looking out for me.”
We say our goodbyes and I hang up, but Georgia’s concern weighs on me. I know she means well, but she’s only seen the brooding exterior Kit shows to the world. She hasn’t seen the glimpses I’ve seen. With a sigh, I try to push her doubts from my mind before they can take root. Kit and I are just having fun getting to know each other. Sure, I want to fuck his brains out, but at the moment that’s just a fantasy. What’s the harm in that?
Chapter Eleven
Kit
“Come on, Kit. Give me some good news,” Mike pleads.
I can hear the hopefulness in his voice and I’m pleased I can offer him some reassurance. “The drought has broken. I’ve drafted a couple of chapters since we last spoke.”
“That’s awesome,” he says. “Looks like you were right about the change of scene.”
I wander around the cabin as I talk, sunlight streaming through the large window overlooking the woods. It’s an amazing view that always lifts my spirits. Green instead of city streets. “Collier’s Creek was definitely the right choice.”
“Well, whatever you’re doing out there, keep it up,” Mike jokes. “I’m glad things are back on track.”
“Me too. It’s peaceful here. Quiet. Just what I need.”
“Hold on a sec.”
I can hear Mike typing as I cross to the window near the desk. Felix’s cabin is in the distance. He’s outside, grabbing something from his car. I watch him for a while and smile so hard my cheeks hurt. I can’t help it. Just the sight of him makes me happy.
“Okay. Got it,” Mike says, interrupting my reverie. “Says here there’s a bookstore in Collier’s Creek. Ellis Books. I’ll get in touch with them and arrange a signing.”
I grasp the phone tightly. “You’ll what?”
“It’s time you got back out there, Kit. Your readers will forget about you.”
My blood pressure rises. “That’s bullshit. For a start, my readers won’t forget about me. My royalties prove it.”
