Even the abusive asshole who hasn’t been back here.
I know that’s why Felix hasn’t left the house, but he’s safe here. When we get back from the wedding, Steven will be dealt with. He’ll be free from him, and I’ll help him inwhatever way I can. “The gate is closed down the driveway, and only Alyssa and I have the codes.”
“What are the codes?”
I should probably tell him since he’ll be around more. Or maybe permanently. Okay, I can’t get ahead of myself. I know I need to slow down with him. I don’t want to scare him away. I’ve never been one to hide how I feel when I like someone, and damn, I like him a lot. “One one two one seven; it’s Lianna’s birthday.”
“That’s cute.”
I hold my hand out to him, and his warm fingers entwine with mine. “Come on. Let me show you how to start a fire.”
Felix rubshis forearms as he walks out into the back yard. I have a thick blanket in hand. It’s a little chilly tonight, but both of us are wearing sweaters. It doesn’t help that we’re on top of this mountain where the brisk air settles.
I set out our blanket a safe distance from the fire and limp over to the wood. “Here, grab two split logs and set them down on either side. Then take two more and stack them the other way. Like a hashtag.”
Felix sets up the base inside my fire pit. “Like that?”
“Perfect. Now, take some paper and cardboard from the bucket inside the shed. He goes off to the side of the house to grab some. “That’s why I have that bin. I recycle any paper or cardboard I get.
“You must do this a lot.”
“I used to do it a lot more. I love being out on nights like this.” I look up at the jet-black sky sprinkled with stars.
“You don’t find it creepy with the woods?”
The trees are quite a distance away from my property, and I’ve never really had issues with wild animals. Maybe theoccasional mother bear and cubs. Deer also. Most of the time they don’t want to come onto my property, more afraid of me than I am of them. “No. It’s peaceful.”
Felix sets the paper and cardboard between the wood, then he turns his head to me and smiles. Damn. It’s brilliant. “Now what?”
“Take that long lighter and stick it inside to light the paper.”
“Don’t we need lighter fluid?”
“No, we shouldn’t. That should be enough. Go ahead.” Felix tentatively lights the paper and it begins to smoke. Flames erupt around the kindling. “Perfect. Put the top on it before it gets too high.” Felix does that, and the area around us is beginning to glow. “Watch the grace with which I’m about to do this.” I slowly sink, putting my hands out and holding my weight up as I lower myself gently onto the ground. “Look at that.”
Felix is laughing. “Very graceful. Oh! One second. I have an idea.”
He disappears inside the house. I think about Felix’s question, about it being eerie out here. There’s something now that’s raising the hair on my arms. I know it’s just me, though. No one is out here. It’s just us. My gate is locked, and the other properties are far away on the other side of these woods.
After a couple of minutes Felix comes back out holding something in his hands. I smile, seeing two mugs steaming as he gets closer. “Hot chocolate.” He hands me both mugs as he sits beside me then grabs his back.
“Perfect idea.” He sits with his legs crossed, sipping his drink. “Warm enough?”
He nods. “Are you?”
“I’m great.” I tilt his chin then lean in for a soft kiss. “Perfect.”
A soft blush hits his cheeks in the firelight. He takes a small sip of the steaming liquid. “This is very peaceful.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve just lain out under the stars with someone.” I used to do it all the time, but after my accident it was hard enough to move around inside the house. I was afraid to start a fire and then not be able to move quickly enough if something happened. We’ve talked a lot about Steven, but maybe I need to open up a bit with him. “The last guy I dated loved to come here... in the beginning.” I think. “It got old quick, though. He didn’t like how boring I am.”
“You’re not boring.” Felix takes a sip of his hot chocolate. “What happened with him?”
“Honestly, I have no clue. I thought everything was great. Not the best, but... and I know my job was very demanding. Still. I don’t know. I thought he felt the same for me. I’m not the flashiest guy around. I like simple things. I love quiet nights like this. Nights at home watching movies or whatever. I don’t really travel much, maybe because of how much I had to for hockey. I just prefer being home.”
Felix settles more against me. “I have a lot of fun when we do things here.” He shocks me by cupping my jaw and pulling me in for a soft kiss. My tongue gets greedy, swiping for entrance, and his quiet confidence makes my jeans tight. “I’ve never liked kissing this much before.” My eyes blink open as he pulls away.
I smooth the hair out of his eyes. “Just as good as sex if you ask me.”
