“I know, but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t raise it again.”
I sigh. The idea terrifies me, but he’s right. “Let’s just focus on the book for now. I’ll send you the chapters tonight, and I promise I’ll give some thought to promotion. Maybe we can start with some published interviews, nothing face-to-face.”
“Starting slow?” Mike says. “I can work with that.”
There’s a knock at the door, so I cross the room, phone to my ear. “Thanks, Mike, I appreciate the support.”
“I’ve got your back, Kit,” he says. “I look forward to getting the chapters. Now get back to that manuscript.”
“Slave-driver.”
Mike laughs. It’s nice to end the call on a positive note.
I’m still smiling when I open the door to Felix.
“Hey!” Felix says, eyes lighting up.
“Hey, you.” I reach out and pull him in. He yelps with surprise, his laughter ringing out as I wrap him in a hug. He feels good in my arms, especially when he nuzzles my neck. His skin is cold, but that’s not why I shiver. I close my eyes and breathe in his familiar scent. After being alone for so long, this is what I crave—Felix’s presence, his touch, his smell, the way he looks at me. I allow myself another moment of indulgence before reluctantly releasing him.
“From that welcome, I’d say you’re glad to see me,” he says, handing over the grocery bag and taking off his coat. “You must be starving.”
“I’m starving, all right, but not necessarily for whatever’s in this bag.”
He chuckles. “Lucky I’m here then.”
“What’s on the menu tonight?” I ask as I carry the groceries to the kitchen with Felix hot on my heels.
“You mean to eat, or for after?”
“I was referring to the groceries,” I say as laughter bubbles out.
“Chili. Just the way my grandma made it.”
I set the bag on the counter. “Mmm. And perfect on a cold night like tonight.”
“Exactly what I thought. An enormous bowl of chili while sitting in front of the fire.” Felix glances at the fire as he speaks. “Hey! You’ve created an inferno.”
“I was taught by the best,” I say with a wink.
He laughs and gets to unpacking the groceries.
Soon we’re chopping onions and browning ground beef, and the kitchen fills with the aroma of spices. As usual, Felix supervises, instructing me in the art of making the perfect chili. Cooking together has become one of my favorite parts of our evenings.
As the chili simmers, we prepare the accompaniments and Felix keeps me laughing with funny stories from the coffee shop. By the time we sit down, my mouth’s watering. I pick up my spoon and eat a mouthful.
“Mmm… you’ve outdone yourself again.”
He grins. “I’m glad you like it, but it was a team effort.”
I bark a laugh. “I don’t think my stirring was much of a contribution.”
“Don’t sell yourself short,” Felix says. “Everything tastes better when it’s made with love.”
My spoon stops on the way to my mouth, and I meet his eyes.What?I put the spoon back in the bowl and reach for my glass, my throat suddenly parched.
Felix holds my gaze for a moment before digging back into his chili. “So, how did your day go? Did you finish the chapter?”
I swallow a mouthful of wine. “I did. I finished the chapter and outlined the next. Mike called just before you arrived, and I was able to give him the good news.”
