Page 86 of Thaw My Heart

“This bed smells amazing,” she murmurs into my pillow, ignoring me. “I don’t know how you expect me to… to sleep.” And then she’s out. Mouth falling open as she slips into a deep sleep.

She’s the most peaceful I’ve ever seen her.

Soft and still smiling.

You’re going to be a great ranch owner…

My thoughts race nearly as fast as my pulse.

I head to her cabin to inspect her broken furnace, keeping myself occupied from overthinking it. Maybe she won’t even remember when she wakes?

That’s the best-case scenario, and one I’m hoping for.

After changing the filters and checking the thermostat, it’s still not working properly. Must be something electrical, which is not my strong suit, but I know just the man who can fix it. I call Tanner, who works on the ranch maintenance team, asking him to take a look when he gets the chance. Heading to the barn afterwards to lift some weights with Bandit by my side, keeping the house quiet while Sadie rests.

When I asked Kit to check on Fox, I’d forgotten about my quick session with my vibrator. And embarrassingly enough, his photograph from the newspaper helped me get there faster than I ever have.

After our encounter in the loft, my body felt like an electric current, humming with desire and need. My vibrator helped me find a release so I could focus again. So that the sensation of his lips would stop driving me crazy.

But he started it. It was only necessary I finish it.

Averie called when I hopped out of the shower. The sounds of her crying and upset put me into a state of panic. I rushed out the door shortly after throwing on a sweatshirt and jeans, texting Kit on the way, completely forgetting about what I left behind. But I’m glad I did.

Receiving his texts last night was the best part of my night. I shivered at the thought of him watching me get off, and the fact that he admitted he wanted me? Hot hot. I was thoroughly distracted. Enough that I had to turn my phone off to stop looking at his messages and try to be the friend Averie needed.

The whole Josh fiasco took much longer than expected. To be frank, Josh sounded like a whiny bitch. The kind of man who only made a woman cry because he needed attention. Because he was jealous.

Apparently, he’s upset Averie wasn’t coming back to Nashville for Christmas. And not because he wants to be with her, but because he wants to go to a Christmas party that he can’t get into without her. Low-list actors aren’t allowed in, but Averie is an up-and-coming country star, so she was personally invited.

My past relationship used to always make me feel guilty, like I was the reason for the heartache. Like I was the reason he kept hurting me. Maybe I’m wrong, but from my own experience, Josh doesn’t seem like a decent guy. Definitely not a guy who deserves to be with such a talented and gorgeous goddess as Averie Knox. In the end, she gave in. Promising to come back for Christmas.

Even though I disagreed with her decision, there wasn’t much I could do. She was smitten with him, and I knew that feeling, too. The feeling when you love something that’s wrong for you, but all you can do is try to love it harder, like love will be the thing that fixes it. That fixes him. But you can’t fix abusive. Mental or otherwise.

And I learned that the hard way.

When I finally awake, I’m covered in Kit’s fresh scent of pine trees and rain, with a hint of warm spice that makes my core clench. I pull the covers around me tighter, wanting to stay in this moment of comfort. Remembering the smile on his face this morning and the sexy glances he gave me over breakfast that put me in such a state of bliss, I almost fell asleep at his dining table.

The sweetest gesture anyone has ever done for me.

Foxie’s there a second later, kissing my face. Pulling me out of my dream-like haze. “Foxie,” I laugh, lightly pushing her away, scrubbing my eyes as I sit up, taking in the large room.

Evening light filters in through the glass sliding doors, leading to a porch covered in snow. The stone fireplace in his room is lit with only embers now. Antlers hang above with a stunning painting of an elk with a mountainous backdrop. Two photos sit on his mantle. One of Cole and Annie, and one of Ryker, holding a massive fish in his hands. Other than that, the room is covered in flannel, fur rugs, and wild animal scenes—a true mountain man.

After taking out my messy bun, running my hands through my hair, and thoroughly primping myself in the bathroom that connects to his room, I head out into the hall.

“Kit?” I call out, but there’s no answer.

When I find him, he’s chopping vegetables in the kitchen, completely oblivious to my presence. A pair of earbuds sits in his ears as he mouths lyrics to a song I don’t recognize, a few words escaping here and there.

The sight of him in a navy singlet, muscles rippling, gym pants, and a backward ballcap has me swooning. And when his hips start to sway to the rhythm, head bobbing along, I nearly collapse on his kitchen island. Holding my face in my hands while smiling at him in wonder, crushing on him so hard.

He turns a heartbeat later, setting down the knife. “Shit,” he murmurs, taking out his earbuds. “Sorry, I didn’t wake you, did I?”

“No, but this,” I point to him. “All of this is really nice, Cowboy.” And is he cooking? Again?

He laughs, cheeks flushing crimson. “I meant to shower before you woke up.” He follows my gaze to the steaks, lying on the counter. “I’m making dinner.”

“Kit, you really don’t have⁠—”