Page 7 of At the Heart of It
She waited to see if he’d volunteer more, but he seemed to be done discussing his finances. She thought about what else she wanted to know about him. How long had his marriage lasted? Did he have any kids? Any tattoos or pets or?—
“Don’t be afraid to ask blunt questions at the start of a relationship!”
Kate’s brain quoted matter-of-factly from one of Dr. Brandt’s older books.
“Someone who’d judge you for being inquisitive and straightforward isn’t worth getting to know, and walking on eggshells only makes your toes cramp!”
It felt weird to hear the words echoing in her head now, considering this wasn’t a relationship and she’d probably never see Jonah again.
They both stood and Kate tugged her cardigan tighter around her shoulders. The fall evening had turned chilly, and she shivered as she started up the stairs leading from the courtyard to the street. She was conscious of Jonah right behind her, and wondered if she had panty lines showing through the thin jersey fabric of her dress. The hemline came all the way to her ankles, and part of her wished she’d worn something knee-length or maybe gone commando.
“Something’s making you smile,” Jonah remarked as they reached the street and fell into step together.
Kate couldn’t tell if it was a question or a statement, but she blurted an answer anyway. “Underwear.”
He laughed as they fell into step together and headed back toward the B&B. “I guess that’s something to smile about. Did you know nine percent of American men have underwear that’s at least ten years old?”
“That’s—wow.” She looked up at him. “So you might be wearing underwear purchased around the first time you legally bought beer?”
He grinned as his elbow bumped hers. “Was that a roundabout way of asking how old I am, or a roundabout way of assessing my hygiene?”
“Neither, really. Just an observation.” Kate shrugged as she sidestepped a crack in the sidewalk. “I don’t usually hold back if I have a question or something I want to say.”
“That’s a good trait to have. Straightforwardness, I mean. I’m thirty-six, by the way. And I bought all new underwear after my divorce.”
Kate laughed. “That’s an interesting post-divorce ritual.”
“Not a ritual so much as reestablishing my identity,” he said. “She liked boxers, but I’m more of a boxer-brief guy.”
“Reclaiming your sense of self with underwear. I like it.” Kate hesitated, not sure if she should press for more. But hell, he’d been the one to bring up the ex. “You’ve been divorced awhile?”
He shrugged. “A year or so.”
“Was it ugly?”
Jonah kicked a pinecone out of their way. “Nah, it was pretty amicable. Well, as amicable as divorce can be when one person gets fed up and pulls the plug while the other is sitting there like a dumbass wondering what the hell just happened.”
“Which were you?”
“The dumbass.” He gave a funny little laugh. “Probably part of the impetus for the divorce.”
Kate smiled to herself and tugged her cardigan tighter around her waist. “I don’t think dumbasses generally use words like impetus and amicable.”
He turned and looked at her, a flash of surprise in his eyes. “Good point.”
A breeze kicked up, sending a pile of dry leaves skittering across the road. Kate didn’t realize she’d shivered until Jonah began shrugging off his jacket. “Here. We’ve got two blocks to go. I don’t want you freezing to death.”
“I don’t want you to freeze either.”
“I’ve got a long-sleeved shirt under a sweater,” he insisted as he settled the chocolate-colored suede around her shoulders. “I’m good.”
She started to protest again, but the jacket felt warm and smelled like cloves and cedar dust. It was five sizes too big, but she snuggled into it and tucked her hands up inside the sleeves.
“Thanks,” she said as they started walking again. “You’re very chivalrous.”
Jonah laughed. “My sister would say overprotective, and meddling, but I’ll take it.”
Kate smiled and breathed in the scent of crushed leaves and the warm leather of the jacket, letting the soft suede collar brush her cheek. She wondered if this qualified as a date. If it did, it was one of the nicest ones she’d had in months.
