Page 16 of Bidding on the Orc Outcast

“Where do you find all these plants in the wild?”

“Various places depending on the time of the year. There’s a meadow past the creek that’s full of yarrow and chamomile in spring. The north ridge has wild mint growing between the rocks.” His voice softened as he described each location, all of them special to him. “My favorite spot is this hidden valley where wintergreen grows thick under the pines. The whole place smells like Christmas.”

“That sounds magical.” She gave him a hopeful look. “Will you show me?”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Posy’s heart pounded as she waited for Varek’s response.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to,” she added when he glanced towards the greenhouse door like he might bolt again.

“When would you want to go?” he asked slowly

“How about now? The weather’s perfect for a walk.”

“Now?”

“Unless you’re busy?”

She held her breath, hoping she hadn’t pushed too hard. His massive hands flexed at his sides, but he finally shook his head.

“No, I’m not busy. The wintergreen valley isn’t far.”

She smiled up at him as she picked up her coat.

“Then lead the way.”

Instead of setting out immediately, he took her coat, then held it for her as she slid her arms into the sleeves. The old-fashioned gesture made her smile. She hadn’t dated much before her marriage, and her ex-husband had certainly never treated her with such care. Even her friends teased her about her “grandma” sensibilities, but she’d always felt a connection to the past. A desire to preserve the charm and romance that seemed to have faded from the world.

Varek was a lot like one of her vintage finds, a little damaged on the surface, but solid and dependable underneath. He just needed a little attention to make him shine. She shook her head at the whimsical notion, but she couldn’t help wondering what other surprises he had in store for her.

She followed him back out into the sunny morning, the scent of wood smoke lingering in the air. He led her back around the cabin, then headed deeper into the woods. Tall trees stretched above them, their branches covered in snow like sugar-dusted candy canes. Sunlight dappled the path, turning the snow to glitter. It was as magical as she’d envisioned.

He slowed his long strides to match her pace as they followed a narrow path that wound up the mountainside. The air grew cooler, nipping at her cheeks, but her wool coat kept her warm.

She watched him from the corner of her eye as they walked. He moved with remarkable grace for someone of his size. He looked completely at home here, effortlessly avoiding fallen branches and patches of ice, and his head turned at the slightest sound - a bird’s wing, a branch creaking in the wind.

“Red-tailed hawk,” he murmured as a shadow passed overhead. “They nest in the tall pines near the ridge.”

The path curved around a cluster of frost-covered boulders and she hit a patch of ice. His hand shot out to steady her when she stumbled, and his touch sent warmth spreading through her despite the winter chill.

“Watch your step here.” He pointed to tracks in the snow. “Deer crossed through earlier. They browse on the winterberry bushes.”

He read their surroundings the way another person would have read a book - taking in every detail, understanding all the subtle meanings. He paused to brush snow from a small evergreen plant tucked against a fallen log.

“Partridge berry,” he explained. “The berries last all winter. Good for tea.”

He stroked a gentle finger over the bright red fruit, and a chickadee landed on a branch near his shoulder, tilting its head curiously. He remained perfectly still until it fluttered away, and then his lips curved in a slight smile that softened his stern features.

“The birds know you,” she said.

He shrugged. “They know I won’t harm them. Everything out here has its place, its purpose. Even the thorns and bitter herbs.”

The way he said it made her wonder if he included himself among the things others might consider unwelcome but necessary.

As they climbed higher, he kept spotting things she would have missed. He paused next to what looked like a clump of snow to her to reveal a patch of dark green leaves.

“Wintergreen,” he said. “The leaves keep their scent even now.”

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