Now, I kind of liked it. I was starting to think it’d be nice to do… what was the rural equivalent of urban fantasy?
Rural fantasy? Maybe.
Maybe I’d create my own genre where fairies hid between the redwoods and impossible waterfalls were important sources of magic. Maybe I’d even come back here to write it.
“I kept meaning to ask,” I spoke up again as Kieran pulled up to the cabin. “Whyisyour number on the refrigerator in there?”
Kieran chuckled. “Mrs. Delaney retired to the Caribbean a while back,” he said. “Not entirely sure why, guess it’s warmer. She said she could trust me to maintain the place while she was gone, so I guess I kind of manage it now. I dunno. It’s not much of a job. None of my jobs are.”
“Please, author isn’t even arealjob,” I said. “My accountant looked at me like I was insane.”
“It’s a lot cooler than maintenance guy, though.” Kieran hopped out of the truck, opening the passenger-side door for me, bowing a deep bow and laughing the entire time as I climbed out.
My stomach twisted as he followed me to the front door. Did he want to come inside?
And if he did,why?
I hesitated once I got to the door, keys clenched firmly in my hand.
What did I say?
I was supposed to be pulling the bandaid off quickly. That was the best idea. That’d hurt less in the long run.
We were back in Slow Falls now. People Kieran knew would see. Peoplealreadytalked about him.
He hadn’t wanted this to get out.
“I had a great afternoon,” I said, trying to cut through all the noise in my head. Kieran was suddenly too close—suffocatingly close, the heat of his body making it hard to breathe.
“I think you’ll always be invited to Sunday lunches.” Kieran looked between me and the door.
Fuck. How was I meant to deal with this?
“That means a lot,” I mumbled, playing with the keys.
Pull the bandaid off.
“I, uh.” I paused, looking up to meet Kieran’s eyes for a second before realizing what a terrible idea that was and looking away again. I couldn’t look him in the eyes right now.
“I’m so tired,” I said. That was true, I was exhausted. “I just want a nap.”
Kieran bit his lip, looking me over carefully. “Could I nap with you?”
Dammit.
“I… sure. Yeah, of course.”
Dammit.
Okay, fine. I was peeling the bandaid off slowly. I couldn’t help it, I’d never been good at avoiding pain like this.
I slipped the key into the lock and opened it, letting Kieran inside first and earning myself a soft kiss to the top of the head.
I didn’twantto let him go.
* * *
Kieran: I can’t believe you split them up!!
