I’ve got two other empty guest rooms up there with bed frames. But no mattresses. Those rooms weren’t exactly priority.
And they don’t need to be. Because Willowisleaving tomorrow.
I run a hand over my overgrown scruff. Hard to believe in a matter of twenty-four hours, I managed to pick more fights with this woman than Millie and I could possibly have in a season. Been more work than a broken fence in a blizzard.
She’s beautiful, sure—but a stubborn spitfire more than anything. Thinks she’s funny too. Willing to bet there’s never a dull moment with Willow—hell, what’s her last name?
It doesn’t matter.
She’ll be gone tomorrow night.
It’s late, but sleep won’t come, my mind on overdrive. I’m sitting leaning against the tarp-wrapped coffee table in just my sweatpants. I don’t sleep in a shirt no matter how cold it might be.
I’m gazing at the crackling fire when I hear the steps creak and turn.
Willow’s paused at the bottom step, her mouth dropping before she speaks. “Hi.”
“Hey,” I groan, sitting up.
She tears her eyes off my chest and I imagine she might be half asleep if her dreamy eyes are any indication.
“Something wake you?”
She blinks. “Just came down to make tea.”
I nod and turn back to the fire. “I’d tell you to make yourself at home, but you did that yesterday.” I grin.
She pushes her hair behind her ear. “Thanks.”
A few minutes later, she switches off the light in the kitchen and steps out with a steaming mug of tea. That’s when I notice what she’s wearing. Ornotwearing. She’s in a familiar oversized black hoodie. Legs bare. A pair of thick blue knitted socks covering her feet.
I clear my throat, shifting my gaze to the blaze of the fire—still a reminder of what it took from me. How cold it left me and everyone who adored Millie. I hate that it’s what’s going to keep us warm for the next few days and the brutal winters. “Listen, if I don’t get to tell you tomorrow, I appreciate your help today.”
“You’re welcome.” She shivers and I hear a hint of chatter. My eyes snap back to her.
“You cold?”
She pulls the mug close to her chest and I imagine its warmth spreading through her. “The tea should help.”
I tear my eyes off her chest and glance up. “You got the space heater on?”
She pulls her bottom lip. “I think I blew it. Turned it up too high or something.”
“Oh.” I feel like a fool with nothing else to offer her. “Um, fire’s probably going to last most of the night if you prefer to stay down here.”
Her eyes widen. “Alone?”
“No,” I answer after a beat, since it’s clear she’s not keen on the idea of being ground level alone in the dark. Especially with the large glass windows and doors all around and no source of light for nearly a mile. “There’s enough room here for the two of us.” I point to the blankets I’ve got spread in front of the fireplace.
She glances at the fire, biting that bottom lip again. “Does feel warmer down here.”
The hope in her tone has me shoving aside that growing, inexplicable guilt over straying from the woman I vowed to love till my dying day.
I toss one of the pillows to the other side of the makeshift bed, leaving room for her as she edges closer.
Agentleman.
That’s all I’m being.
