“Exactly.
Silence passed between us. This time wasn't quite so awkward feeling, but I still felt weird.
I took another sip of wine.
He picked up the steaks. “Well, out I go.” He gestured to the house. “Make yourself comfortable.”
I glanced around the house, wondering what I could do, and not feel like shit. Everything seemed set. The table was done. Pots were on the stove, simmering.
Maybe I could--
I watched him walk out.
What kind of a shitty person was I for sitting inside, drinking my wine?
A cold one.
I sat my glass down. “I do love the smell of charcoal.”
He smiled and I crossed to the back door, to hold it open for him.
“Here, let me get this—”
When I turned, he and I were face to face.
Literally, like face to face.
My breath caught.
He really was handsome. Warm eyes. That hair of his had been somewhat styled, but also re-styled by his stocking cap. It was messy but also kind of cute. He had a smile on his face, it crinkled up the corners of his eyes.
And beneath the smell of smoke and charcoal on him, I smelled a hint of cologne.
That good kind that made my insides melt like butter.
“Uh, I can, uh,” I said, taking a step back and looking away.
“Thank you,” he said and proceeded outside.
I inhaled a breath.
Maybe I did need to stay inside. Because I suddenly wondered if I really needed a coat with the heat between us.
I brushed off the thoughts.
This was dinner.
A steak dinner.
That cost me two bottles of wine.
I needed to shut up, stop trying to analyze and figure out every part of this, and just enjoy myself.
It’s been a helluva day. On top of a helluva last couple of weeks. Wine. Steak. Relax time.
And no family time.
I probably needed this more than I realized.
