Page 31 of Kian

“We can look another time. It’s too cold.”

With a roar, Kian started the ATV, the engine sputtering to life in the frigid winter air. He glanced over his shoulder at her and saw her cheeks and nose pink from the cold.

“Yes, and we’d better get going. It’s getting worse. I just hope I can get back out here in a day or two.” He looked around at the swirling snow and sighed. “Let’s go, Lobo!”

Gretchen’s arms wrapped tightly around Kian’s waist, and he could feel her burying her face against his back to shield it from the biting wind. His hands were freezing and if it wasn’t for the scarves and that damn beanie, he was sure he’d be frozen to the bike.

As they approached the cabin, Kian slowed down and carefully maneuvered the ATV close to the porch. He helped Gretchen off and then quickly parked the vehicle in the shed. Breathing heavily from the cold, he made his way to the porch, climbed the steps, stomped his feet and brushed off his jacket before making his way inside.

“Do I need to bring in more logs before I take my coat off?” he asked as he rubbed his hands together.

“Let me see what we have.” Gretchen walked to the living room and then back to the kitchen, taking quick stock of thedwindling supply of firewood. “We could use some, but I can get it. You must be freezing.”

“I am, but a little more out there isn’t going to make a difference. I’ll be right back.”

“Let me get the bag for you.”

“Alright.”

Gretchen left the kitchen and soon returned with the log bag and handed it to him. He took it, opened the back door and stepped out into the blistering cold, gathering logs before reentering the warm cabin.

“Go get out of those wet clothes. I’ll get the fire started.”

“I can do it.”

“Kian, I have lived here alone for three years now. I know how to make a fire.” She placed her hands on her hips.

He grinned, biting his lip to hide it. “Yes, ma’am.” He handed her the bag, then quickly made his way to the spare room and changed into sweatpants before returning to the living room where he set his wet boots next to the fireplace. “Gretchen?”

“I’m in the kitchen. I’m going to make me a cup of hot chocolate. Do you want that or coffee?” she called out.

“Coffee, but I can make it.” He entered the kitchen.

“Okay. It will only take me a minute.”

“What?” He furrowed his brow.

“I have hot chocolate K-cups,” she said with a smile.

“Ahh, I see.” He nodded in understanding. “Okay.”

“I’ll put your coffee pod in once this is finished.”

“Alright. Thanks. I’m going to sit by the fire to warm up.”

“Sure. Go sit down. I’ll bring it to you.”

“I can get it.”

“Stop being so damn hardheaded. I’ll be there in a minute.” She scolded him. “Damn. Men.”

Kian couldn’t hold back his laughter as he sat in the recliner, picking up the remote and turning on the TV.

Less than a few minutes later, Gretchen entered the room and handed him his coffee before taking a seat on the sofa.

“Here,” he said, offering her the remote.

She shook her head. “I don’t want it. You find something.”

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