She waggles her brows. “What’s he like?”
I pick up my beer and take a long swallow before speaking. “That’s the thing—I don’t really know. Will says he’s been coming in for a while but he just grabs a coffee to go, and he never dines in. Doesn’t say much either. But there’s something about him…” I trace a ring of condensation left on the table by my glass.
“Oh, a man of mystery? Sounds intriguing.” She leans forward, eyes gleaming.
“Ridiculous is more like it. I have no why he’s taking up so much space in my thoughts. I just got out of a relationship. There’s no way I want another one—”
“I get it. After Aiden, you deserve some time to yourself. Time to lick your wounds. But that doesn’t mean you can’t notice an attractive man when you see one.”
“Who says he was attractive?”
She barks a laugh. “You forget I have my spidey senses. You can’t hide anything from me. Anyway, rebound relationships are a no-go, but don’t rule out having a bit of fun. You’ve got to make the most of every opportunity in this town—we don’t get many mysterious strangers who aren’t just briefly passing through.”
“I may not see him again.”
“Well, if you do, ask him for a drink. Have a bit of fun, nothing serious. Enjoy yourself,” she encourages. “And if you don’t want to ask him for you, ask him for me. It’s been a drought lately.”
I nod and echo her laugh, although she’s always been popular and I can’t imagine her lacking for company. She likes playing the field and isn’t ready to settle down. I narrow my gaze and study her as I finish my beer. Maybe things have changed. Maybe she’s looking for something else now? Once upon a time, a forever kind of relationship was the last thing I wanted too, but breaking up with Aiden brought home just how much I liked the idea of settling down. I think I was more upset at the loss of the future life I’d envisaged us having than the loss of the guy himself.
After we finish our meal, we head outside into the cool night air. She takes my arm and we walk across the parking lot under a darkening sky, the stars just starting to make an appearance. At her car, I give her a quick hug, feeling lucky to have such an amazing friend, someone who’s there through the good times and the bad.
Another reason to like being back in Collier’s Creek.
She drives away, the engine noise fading into the distance, leaving me with my thoughts. Part of me is still thinking about our conversation—she’s right, I’m not ready to jump into anything serious, but I also refuse to hide myself away and wallow. The other part is thinking of Kit.
On the drive home, I can’t help wonder if I’ll run into him again soon. I’m not sure if that’s something I want or something that scares the living daylights out of me.
I notice how it’s quieter out here, the sky darker, the stars brighter. There’s a glow in the distance—the light in Kit’s cabin. I tear my eyes away and force myself into my cabin, where I shower and get ready for bed. It’s not so easy to force him from my thoughts as I lie under the covers and wait for sleep to come.
Chapter Five
Kit
Sitting on the swing seat after my run has become my favorite way to start the day. There’s something invigorating about breathing the fresh air while sipping my coffee and contemplating the day ahead. It’s taken a few days to settle into the different pace of life, but astonishingly, the words are flowing—not a torrent, more a trickle, but enough to give me hope that I’ll get the damn cozy mystery book finished.
I lift the mug to my lips and gaze at the landscape. The deer hasn’t made a reappearance, but the birds are in abundance. In fact, the rustle of leaves and bird calls are the only sounds until a car starts nearby. It’s coming from the next cabin along. I haven’t seen whoever is staying there apart from a fleeting glance through the window on my run last week. The car drives off early each morning, leaving me to the solitude I was craving when I found this place. I watch the taillights of the sedan disappear along the gravel driveway, then haul myself up and head inside.
The morning passes in a blur of words and before I know it, my stomach lets me know it’s lunchtime. I rummage in the cupboard for a can of soup, emptying it into a saucepan and putting it on to heat. I slice and butter some bread, then grab a bowl, only to find the soup is stone cold. After checking to make sure it’s turned on, it’s obvious the stove burners aren’t working.Damn!I sigh and tip the cold soup into the bowl and take it to the microwave, but it’s not working either.For fuck’s sake.
There’s a number for the caretaker in a folder in the desk drawer. I call and leave a message, proud of myself for my restraint as I report the problem.
I eat peanut butter slapped on bread, and my mood plummets on par with my lunch expectations. My afternoon session of writing is dismal—once again I’m staring at the flashing curser. I sigh heavily, disappointed that I’ve hit a brick wall again. This is my fresh start, and the word flow didn’t last. It all feels so hopeless.Some writer I am!My mood gets even darker when there’s a knock on the door. I fling it open to see Shawn standing there with his toolbox.
“Got your message,” he says, offering up a grin. “Thought I’d take a quick look, but if it’s electrical, I’m not sure I’ll be able to do much.”
Before I can respond, he steps inside and heads to the kitchen.
“Of course it’s electrical,” I say, following him. I’ll never get any work done with interruptions. “The stove and the microwave don’t work.”
He tests the toaster and the coffee machine. “Could be the fuse. I’ll check it on my way out. Or maybe somethin’s chewed through the wiring to the kitchen.”
I shudder at the idea there might be rodents in the place.
Shawn looks up and clearly notes my distaste, chuckling. “The joys of country living,” he teases. “The power in the rest of the cabin okay?”
“Yeah, I think so.” I haven’t even thought about the rest of the cabin—my focus is on being able to work. Checking the power to the laptop was the first thing I’d done. I can do without the stove and a few lights, but the laptop is crucial.
“That’s good,” he says with another of those grins. “Hopefully, it’s nothing major then.”
