I don’t want to think ill of the dead, but I don’t like this Bethany woman. She doesn’t sound much better than her son. And I really don’t like him. “And Warren lived with you?”
“Oh, no, he lives on the other side of Winter Lake.” Her face screws up, little wrinkles forming above and between her eyebrows. “I guess he’s going to live in the house I did now.”
“Is that why he wanted you out?”
“Probably.” A shudder shakes her shoulders, shimmies her hip. “I’d rather live in the gutter than with him. I’m sorry you’ve been pulled into this, but I’m not sorry I’m out of the house if he’s there now.”
“I’m glad you’re out too.” I tip my chin toward the bedroom. “Why don’t you get ready for bed and I’ll make sure the fire has enough wood to heat the cabin for the night.”
“I can get up and check it overnight. I do it all the time at?—”
“No!” I step back, hold up a hand. “Sorry, didn’t mean to shout at you. I’ll check it. I want you to rest. It doesn’t sound like you’ve done much of that in your life.”
Before I realize her intent, Riley has her arms wrapped around my waist and her cheek pressed against my chest. “Thank you!”
Unsure if I should return her hug or not, my arms do a weird flapping thing by my side as my brain tries to work out what to do. And before I can get my thoughts and actions in line, Riley makes the decision for me, pulls away and steps back, taking her warmth and soft body with her.
A big smile and glassy tear-filled eyes look up at me. “You are the kindest man I’ve ever met, Felix.” Turning on her heel, she darts off to my bedroom—alone—and closes the door behind her.
It has only been a few hours and I know without asking I’ve made her happy. I want to say the happiest she has ever been, but even if she’s not, I’ll take what I can get.
Because the woman who was dropped at my doorstep isn’t the one making herself at home in my bed. In a few short hours I’ve been able to give Riley something no one else has. Comfort. Relief. Safety.
The future might not be known and it might not be what either of us expected, but it’s a lot brighter than either of our pasts, and with each second I’m in her company I get more and more hopeful that even if she doesn’t want to be my wife, she’ll want to be my friend.
RILEY
For the first time in I don’t know how long, I slept past sunrise.
Sleep came far easier than I thought it would when I climbed into bed last night. Probably because Felix’s bed is the most comfortable thing I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. And the smell? It smells like fresh air, forest, and something else I can’t quite name.
Turning toward the light haloing the blind on the window, I listen to the birds outside. Their song puts a big smile on my face. Glancing around the room, I see the door is open, the living space beyond empty of the man whose bed I’m lying in. Other than the chirping birds, the morning is quiet.
I wonder where Felix is. Is he still asleep in his office? Working already?
I never thought to ask what he does for a job or during the day. I know he doesn’t leave his property, and he mentioned an office but not what it’s for. For all the talking we did last night, we didn’t really give details of our everyday lives. Who we are.
I’ll fix that today. If I’m going to stay here taking advantage of his kindness, I need to make myself useful. Productive. Ican clean and cook and tend the fire. Even chop the wood if necessary.
Throwing back the covers, I swing my legs over the side of the comfy mattress and wiggle my butt forward until my feet touch the floor. His bed isn’t just softer than the one I had, it’s higher. It’s probably three times as big too.
Searching for the hoodie I laid out last night, I find it neatly folded on the bedside drawers, a note placed on top.
Riley,
I’m outside checking the woodpile. There is a bigger storm coming in behind last night’s and we’ll get the first snow of the season over the next few days so I need to make sure we’ve got enough firewood. Your breakfast is keeping warm in the oven and if you like coffee, the pot on the stove is fresh this morning.
Felix
Smiling, I shrug into my hoodie and leave the bedroom, making my way to the bathroom. A quick glance at the fire has me detouring to the fireplace instead. Felix must have kept it going all night because it’s still burning bright this morning. Then again, maybe he added logs before going outside.
Satisfied I don’t need to add more, I turn around and almost bump into the armchair that looks so soft I want to fall into it and never get up. I can’t wait to take advantage of it. I frown. If I’m here long enough to enjoy it.
My bladder snags my attention when it reminds me I need to use the bathroom and I head that way before my thoughts can spiral down that depressing path and ruin my day.
Business taken care of, I wash my hands and face before going to the kitchen.
Laid out neatly on the counter are a plate and utensils I assume are meant for me. Just that small amount of care shows me how kind Felix is; he’s nothing like anyone I’ve ever met. Skirting the counter, I wonder what Felix made for breakfast.
