Page 15 of My Greatest Joy

“I’ll check the pilot light after breakfast, but with the way the wind is blowing, I wouldn’t get your hopes up.”

“Of course,” I murmur, sitting on the sofa and turning toward Levi.

I watch as he strolls around the kitchen, fills up a kettle, and sets it on the stovetop. Then he refills Dasher’s water and opens a can of dog food.

“Come sit up here. I’ll make you a cup of apple cider. It’ll warm you up.”

Reluctantly, I do as he says and end up staring at his body while he prepares it. Hard muscles line his back all the way below his shorts and down his legs. I can tell he’s an active, outdoorsy type of guy just by his build.

I blink as he spins around and places a steaming hot mug on the breakfast bar. With a wide smile, Levi pops in a cinnamon stick.

“It tastes like Christmas in a cup!” He holds up a finger as I reach for it. “Blow on it first.”

Levi happily studies me with anticipation for my approval.

“Are you always this bubbly in the morning?” I ask before taking a sip.

“Yeah, what’s not to love about this time of year?” He shrugs, and I want to respond withevery-fucking-thing, but I don’t. “Families shopping together, picking out and decorating their Christmas tree, baking cookies and making gingerbread houses, sleigh rides, the festive music. I enjoy the whole vibe of togetherness and giving. It’s thebesttime of the year.”

Oh God, he can’t be serious.

This is my own personal hell.

He sounds like an eight-year-old boy excited to sit on Santa’s lap instead of a thirtysomething man.

“Just wait until you experience Maplewood Falls in all its holiday glory. We’re famous for our downtown festivals, small locally owned shops, and of course, Bennett’s Orchard Farm. My best friend, Finn, and his family run it. I’ll show you around so you can write a genuine,honestreview for your article.”

I stare at him like he’s grown a second head. What makes him think any of that sounds appealing to me?

“Can’t wait,” I deadpan, lifting the mug to my lips and trying it.

“What do you think?” he asks enthusiastically.

“It’s…not awful.”

But it most definitely isn’t coffee.

He frowns. “Stir it with the cinnamon stick. You’ll thank me later.” Then he shoots me a wink and starts digging in the fridge.

I do as he suggests and take a few more sips for the simple fact that it’s warming my core.

Dasher sits next to Levi as he scrambles eggs, sausage, and cheese in a bowl before dumping it into the hot pan. Considering I’m starving and should be grateful for the food, I decide to keep my mouth shut about how I don’t eat pork.

After hardly eating anything yesterday, I’ll take what I can get, even this cinnamon sugar-water he claims is the best thing ever.

“Bon appétit!” Levi sets a plate in front of me, and while it looks decent, the smell of the meat makes me want to vomit.

“Thank you.”

“Want a refresher?” He nods to my half-empty mug.

“No, I’m good.”

I dig in, separating the sausage from the eggs and cheese. As we sit in silence, I slyly lower my hand and give Dasher the meat without Levi noticing. I glance down at him, and we make an unspoken agreement—I feed him, and he doesn’t tell. Our little secret.

When my plate’s empty and I’ve drained my mug, Levi grabs my dishes and stands.

“Um, thanks,” I say, not used to anyone picking up after me. “I can take care of that.” I quickly stand and walk toward the sink.

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