"No," I replied quickly."I love fires.In fireplaces, obviously.Not like, in forests or anything."I cleared my throat, feeling a bit foolish."There's something about natural heat, the crackle, the flickering flames… it's beautiful."
There was a moment of silence between us, but it didn't feel awkward.It was as if the quiet spoke volumes on its own.
"So," I ventured, breaking the silence."How was town?"
Christian shifted his weight and shrugged lightly."Met with some friends."
I smiled at that."That's good," I said, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks as I realized how awkward I sounded."It's good to have friends."
He didn't respond immediately but gave a small nod, his eyes thoughtful.
"I should get back for dinner prep," I said, motioning toward the inn."Thanks for chopping these?—"
"I can help take this back," he interrupted.
"I—if you're sure," I replied, taken aback by his offer.
He nodded again and began gathering an armful of wood.I did the same, feeling the weight of the logs press into my sides as we made our way back to the inn.
The walk was quiet but comfortable, each of us lost in our thoughts as we trudged through the frosty ground.The warmth of the inn grew nearer with every step, promising respite from the cold and a sense of accomplishment from our hard work.
As we reached the back door, Christian set down his load and turned to me."Where do you want these?"
"Just inside by the fireplace," I directed.
We carried in several more loads until the woodpile inside was replenished and ready for use.
"Thanks again," I said once we were done, brushing my hands together to rid them of splinters and dirt.
He gave me a small smile in return before grabbing his coat from where I'd hung it on a peg near the door when we came inside with the first load.His scent lingered in the air as he shrugged it back on.
"Anytime," he replied.
We stared at each other a moment longer before I realized I was staring.
"Right," I said."Well, I'll?—"
"Do you have tweezers, by chance?"he asked, cocking his head to the side.
"I'm sorry?"
"Tweezers?"
"Oh, yes," I said with a nod.
"I may have gotten a splinter."
"Sure thing," I said."Here."I took his hand without thinking."I have a first aid kit in my office."
Chapter7
Christian
Ihesitated, feeling the weight of her eyes on me.
"I'm fine," I said, my voice gruff."It's not a big deal."
She stopped and turned, her eyes soft but insistent."I know," she said."But you've already done so much?—"
