Page 77 of Freed By the Witchbone Knife

“I’ll escort you.” He glanced down at my bare legs and smirked.

“I should probably put on some pants for that.”

He grunted, clearly not on board with the idea. Still, he waited for me. A few minutes later, I emerged in a pair of fleece-lined leggings. He already had a jacket in hand, helping me into it before we headed out back.

He reached for my hand, twining our fingers together. A dim roaring filled my ears as my heart took off at a gallop. The gesture was so casual, but intimate. It made me feel like I was sixteen again, going on a first date with a boy I liked.

The path to the greenhouse was different by day. It was well maintained, outlined with river rocks, and wound through the forest. Everything about Axel’s property was enchanting. I’d visited the greenhouse a few times since Axel had first shown me. Mostly to pick out things for the bunnies. But I never grew tired of taking this path.

“How come you didn’t put it right next to the house?” I found myself asking.

“The ground was better here, and there was a natural opening in the trees. Plus, I like the walk.”

I hummed, thoughtful. He handed me a basket as we entered. “What are you making?”

“It’s a surprise.”

He studied me a moment. “All right. Gather what you need. I’ll see to a few things while you’re at it.”

I watched him for a moment as he set about tending to his plants. It was a wonder watching him work. The way he focused on things. Not thirty minutes ago, he’d been focused just like that on me. And it was truly something. Being the center of that focus.

I wore a soft smile as I went to collect what I’d need. Baby tomatoes, green zucchini, basil, and tarragon. Earlier, I’d found parmesan, garlic, and red onions in the kitchen. I’d also seen a few bags of frozen peas in the freezer. Along with the trout I planned to make.

I stopped at his prized lemon tree, gazing at it for several moments before selecting a ripe lemon.

With everything in my basket, I made my way back to the door.

“Got what you needed?” He looked up from the pots he was filling with dirt.

“Yep.”

“I’ve got a few more things to do here while you cook. How about we have dinner out on the back deck? I know it’s a little cool, but with a fire, it should be nice.”

“That sounds lovely.” We hadn’t yet spent time out back and I was eager for it.

“All right. I’ll finish up here and get that set up while you cook?”

“Perfect.”

Before departing, I hesitated. Part of me wanted to walk over and give him a kiss. We’d only be separated for a few minutes. It was a ridiculous thought. In the end, I gave him an awkward smile and returned to the cabin, getting started on dinner.

The bunnies were excited to roam around while I cooked. I helped myself to Axel’s wine collection, picking out a crisp white that would pair well with the fish. And then, because fuck it, I opened the bottle to enjoy some while I cooked.

And thank God I did, because while the fish was baking, I ventured to the back door, wineglass in hand, to check on Axel. The sight I stumbled upon made me thirsty. He had shed his shirt and was busy near the shed, chopping wood for the fire. Like a fucking lumber jack. Because of course he would be.

His corded muscles bunched as he worked. With each log he set on the stump and split, lifting the axe before bringing it down. Showing off a perfect set of abs. But that wasn’t what stole my focus. It was the beautiful Celtic tattoos woven over his shoulder, chest, and down his back.

Almost as if he could sense me, he looked up. I bit my lip and lifted my wine glass, saluting his efforts before taking a sip. He huffed and shook his head before resuming his chopping.

God, he was sexy.

I wiped the corner of my mouth, just to make sure I wasn’t drooling. Then I promptly returned to the kitchen. Otherwise my food would burn because I couldn’t stop staring.

It gave me time to think over our conversation. He’d distracted me with orgasms. But now I had time to really consider what he’d told me. About the madness. About how I made him better. About how he didn’t want me tying myself to him when I had my own life to live.

It was bullshit. All of it. Utter bullshit.

If the man was capable of expert level orgasms, cooking the best food on the planet, crafting and maintaining the most beautiful home, and treating my bunnies like adopted pets? Why the hell wouldn’t I want to stick around? What more did he think I was missing out on?