Chapter Seventeen
Felix
The sweet taste of maple syrup fills my mouth as I take another bite. Across from me, Kit smiles over his coffee mug, those piercing blue eyes watching my every move.
“These are amazing,” I say. “Youcancook.”
He chuckles. “It’s not so hard when there’s a packet mix.”
A faint blush colors Kit’s cheeks. I’ve learned he’s not one to accept compliments easily, but I’ll keep trying.
“Seriously, these aregood.”
Okay, so maybe they’re not perfect—a little misshapen and darker on the edges—but he made them specially for me. How can I not love them?
My words from last come back to me.Everything tastes better when it’s made with love.I can’t believe I said it. God, I want it to be true with every fiber of my being.
Things are fantastic between us. Being with Kit is easy. Natural, like breathing. After my disaster of a relationship with Aiden, I never imagined I could feel this way again. But Kit makes me happier than I’ve been in a long time. If I’m honest, happier than I’ve ever been.
We finish up breakfast and I clear the table, taking the dishes to the sink. Kit comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. I lean back into him, savoring his warmth.
“I wish you didn’t have to go into work today,” he murmurs against my neck.
“Me too, but you’ve got a book to finish, and I’ll only get in your way.” I turn and kiss him softly. “Go finish that next bestseller.”
With a dramatic sigh, Kit disentangles himself, but there’s a smile tugging at his lips.
“You’re my inspiration, you know,” he says.
I don’t know what to say, but the idea of being his muse fills me with happiness, a feeling I could get used to. Instead of replying, I grab the carafe and fill a mug. “Here. I’m sure some liquid inspiration won’t go astray.”
Kit plants a kiss on my cheek and heads to his desk and I return to tidying the kitchen, replaying last night and our morning together. Things feel right with him. I’m letting things unfold naturally, no pressure, and with Kit by my side, I’m enjoying every moment I spend in Collier’s Creek.
My phone rings just as I’m hanging up the tea towel. I grab it from the counter and see it’s Uncle Shawn. I accept the call and tuck the phone under my ear as I pour myself a cup of coffee. I’ve got about twenty minutes until I need to leave for work.
“Hey, Uncle Shawn, what’s up?” I sit on the couch and catch Kit’s eye. He smiles, then opens his laptop.
“Felix, my boy! Listen, I want your opinion on somethin’. I’ve looked over your ideas and had a quick chat with Susan and Brian about the plans. We need to run some numbers, but we just might be able to swing it.”
I can hear the excitement in Uncle Shawn’s voice. I’d given him a list of ideas for building up the business, but rebranding and better marketing means modernizing the cabins, and that means money. “How can I help?”
“You’re right,” he says. “We seem to attract families and some older guests who’ve been comin’ here for years. We need to attract some young-uns, you know? You’ve got your finger on the pulse of what’s hip these days. What kind of upgrades do you think we should look at?”
I chuckle at hearing the word “hip” but it warms me to know he wants my input and is open to ideas. I don’t even need to stop and think about it because the ideas have been rattling around in my head the last couple of weeks. I glance at Kit’s fridge. “Well, first off, I think all three guest cabins need re-wiring. It wouldn’t hurt to check the plumbing too, so we’re starting with a clean slate. The cabins have rustic charm. I don’t think we should lose that, but a little luxury wouldn’t go astray either. The kitchens could do with new appliances and new countertops that fit the aesthetic. I don’t think the cabinets need to be replaced, but new drawer and door handles would update the look. Let’s see…” I tap my fingers as I mentally review my list, excited to be sharing my ideas. “New bedding, maybe new couches or at least new scatter cushions and throw rugs. Oh, and people nowadays expect good Wi-Fi and things like charging stations and Bluetooth speakers.”
Uncle Shawn chuckles. “Wow, that’s some list. You’ve got a good vision there, Felix. It won’t be the same without you when you head back to the city.”
My enthusiasm dims at the reminder my time here is limited.
“Maybe you’ll consider staying?” he says.
“We’ll see what happens,” I say vaguely. “I’m really loving being back, helping at the coffee shop.”
“Aww. It’s great to have you around,” says Uncle Shawn. “You know there’s always a place for you here.”
We chat a few more minutes before hanging up. I push aside the uneasiness at the thought I have to make some decisions about my life soon. For now, I’m exactly where I want to be.
Laterthatday,I’mhappily working away at CC’s, chatting with customers and everything is running smoothly. Will’s behind the espresso machine and things are quietening down after the lunch rush. As I’m clearing some empty mugs from a table, the bell above the door jingles. I look up and get the shock of my life.
