Page 31 of A Billionaire's Cabin Love

CHAPTER FIVE

COLLIN

My eyes combed the candle-lit table. A smile lit the corners of my lips. The navy place settings were perfectly placed across the table from each other. I was proud of myself. Looked as good as if my maid had completed the task. The fire roared in the fireplace. I peeked at my Breitling Bentley watch. Kara would be here any moment. I darted across the room and grabbed a bottle of red wine off the bar. Normally, I was cool as a fan, but Kara sometimes made me nervous. Was my hair ok? I didn’t have time to peek in the bathroom mirror. Wait, what the fuck was I saying? I sounded like a chick. The blue flannel shirt, jeans, and loafers were perfect for a night inside in Alaska.

Knock, knock.

I turned the knob, swinging the door open. “Kara.” I smiled.

“Hello, Collin.”

“Come in. I’ll take the pot of soup.”

Kara wore her hair pulled back in a low ponytail. A single thick spiral curl descended her back. That cute little sloped nose was perfect for her oval face. Those brown eyes slanted a smidge. I wondered if she had Mandarin in her bloodline. Pressing my lips against her honey brown skin was ruling my thoughts at the moment. I placed the pot on the kitchen table.

“Smells good in here. Did you hire someone to cook?”

“Cute. No.” I stepped over and slipped the brown bomber jacket off of her slender frame.

“Why is it hard to believe a man can cook?”

“It’s not hard to believe a man can cook. It’s hard to believe that you can cook, Collin.”

“It’s my secret hobby. It’s how I unwind when I’m stressed.”

Her brow rose as we walked into the kitchen.

“Have you called your family or your business partner?”

“No.”

“I think it’s time you do.”

“I’m not stressed now. I have to eat, so I cooked. If I didn’t, I’d dine in town or order carryout.”

“Hm, I see your point. We do have chefs in town who’d love to cook for you.”

“No. I’m fine. Besides, I wanted to enjoy a quiet dinner alone with you.”

“All right, I’ll wash my hands and I’ll be right back.”

I nodded. She was right; I needed to call home. I’d been here almost a week and had no communication with my family or business partner. I peeked at our stocks on the stock market. They were still climbing. That was a good sign. I opened the wine and poured Kara and myself a glass.

“I’m back. I’ll warm up the soup, then we can place the other dishes on the table.”

“I forgot to ask if you ever had a boyfriend?” I asked her.

“Um, yeah. His name is Jack. He owns the auto repair shop in town. Eric was pissed. Said he was no good, and I’d regret choosing him to be my boyfriend.”

We placed the dishes on the table.

“He was right. I did. Jack liked several girls in town. He was also dating them while he dated me. Eric and Chrissy took me to a bar in Anchorage and there he was kissing another girl. We were only seventeen.”

Kara placed a large bowl of soup in the microwave.

“I’ve been picky ever since. Eric is a great guy. I’m just not romantically attracted to him. It’s hard to explain. He’s a gorgeous guy, but I don’t get that spark when he kisses me.”

I clenched my teeth. Eric kissing her all the time. That shit had to stop.

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