The picture that greeted me had a smile blooming on my face.
Torin and Bracken sat together by the fire, while Torin read sports news to Bracken from his phone.
He sat on the floor in front of the hearth, long legs stretched out, back resting against the couch. He wore a soft grey thermal shirt, sleeves pushed up to his forearms, and I couldn’t help but swallow, hard, as his muscles bunched as he gestured to the squirrel splooted out next to him, seemingly listening adamantly.
They looked absurdly domestic.
Bracken perked up first, chittering loudly when he saw me.
“Finally! I was about to call the woodland authorities. Do you know how boring your lumberjack is when you’re not here?”
Torin lifted his head at the sound, concern crossing his face when he saw me. “Hey,” he said, voice warm and low. “You didn’t text me.”
“Och, sorry. Lachlan offered to give me a ride home.”
The concern cleared and he stood, crossing to the kitchen.
“Can I get you a glass of wine? Cup of tea?”
“Wine, please,” I said, shutting the door behind me and taking my coat off. Hanging it up with my handbag, I then walked across the room to sit down on the couch. “Looks like you two had…a bonding experience?”
Torin’s eyes crinkled. “He chucked an acorn at my head when I was going inside, so I took that to mean he wanted to come in.”
“Demanding wee one, isn’t he?” I gave Bracken a look.
Bracken flicked his tail proudly, then scampered up the arm of the couch to perch near me. I stroked his head as Torin brought two glasses of wine over and settled next to me.
“You look relaxed,” Torin said, studying me. “Happy.”
“I am,” I said, nodding a little, as I took the glass he offered. “It was a really good night.”
“Do you want to tell me about it?” Torin’s eyes never left my face, his attention one hundred percent zoned in on me, and I realized just how nice it was to have someone give you their undivided attention.
I curled into the corner cushion as he shifted to face me, one arm draped over his bent knee, firelight gilding his cheekbones and the strong lines of his throat. Bracken hopped down and nestled in a little hollow beside me, curling his tail around himself like he was settling in for story time.
Torin glanced down at Bracken and smirked. “He’s gotten comfortable.”
“Surprisingly so. I’ve never had a pet before.”
“I’m not a pet.”Bracken popped his head up, chittering furiously at me.
“Sorry, you’re right. You’re not a pet. Still, I enjoy your companionship.” I stroked a finger down the wee man’s soft fur, and he settled back down, making grumpy noises before he closed his eyes.
“Never had a pet? Really?” Torin tilted his head at me. “How come?”
“Honestly? I don’t know. I guess maybe because Zara’s always had a guide dog, so it was best to keep the house a single animal household.”
“But you haven’t lived with her for a long time, aye?”
“Yeah, but then I mostly had roommates. I’ve never really lived alone. Bringing an animal into a roommate situation can sometimes not go well. How about you? I’m surprised you don’t have a dog out here. You seem like a dog type.”
“Och, I am. I desperately want one. I had the best dog growing up. Taco was his name.”
“You named your dog Taco?” I burst out laughing as Torin shrugged one shoulder, a shy grin on his face.
“That’s what you get when you let your kid name the dog. He was my best friend for ages. Losing him was rough, and, aye, well. Haven’t had the heart to get another. I’m not home much, either. Not sure it’s fair to the dog.”
Och, this man was crying out for companionship. No wonder he’d allowed me in so easily. My heart softened.