But I should let him get home. The roads are only going to get worse. That would be the polite thing to do.
Right?
Or…
I could offer him dinner. Assuming the stew isn’t charred to a crisp after so many hours.
“I’ll only accept help if you stay for dinner,” I blurt before I can change my mind.
He blinks as if he’s seriously considering it but something is making him pause. Like how oddly comfortable we are together.
As he’s pondering his response, our eyes lock.
Wow, the chemistry is so intense I can almost see it.
But… It isn’t possible he’s attracted to me…is it?
Then he surprises me with his reply.
“Sure.”
Chapter
Three
West
I don’t know why I’m saying yes, but it’s ugly outside and there’s something inviting about both Serena and her cozy little barn apartment. It’s small and everything I’ve seen so far is worn and weathered, but there’s a homey-ness that’s unmistakable. She’s taken pains to make this rough little place into a home.
Bright throw pillows distract from a couch that’s seen better days.
Paintings on the walls reveal an eclectic taste in art.
Pictures of herself and Joey in frames on most surfaces.
It’s the complete opposite of my house, which is modern and beautiful but lacking the warmth I feel here. Lacking a woman’s touch is probably the better description but I’m not going to think about that.
“I keep a change of clothes in the truck,” I say. “Is it all right if I do that? Then how about I light a fire in that wood stove?”
“Sure, make yourself at home.” She smiles and goes into the kitchen where she gingerly lifts the lid of a crockpot. “I think the stew survived,” she calls out. “So we can eat whenever you’re ready.”
“Give me ten minutes.” I walk back outside and grab my bag. My windbreaker isn’t great for warmth, but it’ll protect my clothesfrom getting wet. This tuxedo is going to need to go to the dry cleaners since the bottom few inches of my pants are soaked.
I change in a small but updated bathroom, stuffing my tuxedo into my duffel. No need to fuss over it since it’s going to the dry cleaners anyway. Sneakers probably aren’t the best shoes for the snow but it’s better than my Italian leather loafers.
“The wood pile is on the side of the main house,” Serena says, glancing over her shoulder at me. “I’m welcome to as much wood as I need, though I rarely use any.”
“Okay. Be right back.”
I throw my tux into my SUV and then jog over to the wood pile. This is a long way for her to go to get wood if she needs it quickly, and I look around to see if there’s a way to carry more than a few logs at a time, but there doesn’t appear to be. I grab as many as I can and walk back to the house.
“Oh, thank you.” She comes over with a smile, taking some from me. “We have electric heat but the stove is nice when it’s this cold.”
“I’m happy to get it going for you.”
“Thank you. You’ve really been a lifesaver tonight. I wish I could do more than offer you dinner.”
“Payment isn’t necessary.” I’ve just gotten the fire going when I feel movement beside me.