Page 22 of Kindred Lies
He’d been anxious about her ever since he found out she was going to spend the day with Ben. He didn’t even realize she was back at the inn. She must have slipped in when he went to the kitchen for a snack earlier. At least he knew she was safe at the inn and not stuck somewhere in the storm. “I didn’t think you’d be back yet. I expected Ben would have taken you somewhere else to ride out the storm.” Thank God he hadn’t…
“We didn’t go out on the lake as planned. I came back as soon as it started to rain. I couldn’t tell you where Ben went.” She glanced away quickly.
A roll of thunder echoed on the wind. Some tree branches scraped on the window.
Cooper hoped the storm didn’t shake any loose or a large one didn’t fall on the roof. The repairs would damage the profits they’d made so far this year. He’d also have to contact Anderson Construction if that happened and he didn’t want Ben to have another reason to be around the inn, and possibly Amethyst. “I’m sorry you didn’t get the chance to go out on the lake. You seemed as if you were looking forward to it.”
“I was,” she said and then sighed. “Ben mentioned we could go out by Ghost Peak Island too. I suppose I wasn’t meant to go there today.”
Irritation flowed through him. He was supposed to take her to Ghost Peak Island. Ben needed to mind his own business and stay away from Amethyst. He shook his head lightly. Cooper had no right to tell Ben to keep his distance from Amethyst. They didn’t have a relationship and he had no claim on her. Yet, he fully believed there could be if they had a chance to explore it. That might prove difficult if Ben was constantly in the way. He held out his hand to her. “Come with me there is a flashlight at the counter. You can help me light some candles for more light.”
She took his hand and he helped her to stand, but she didn’t let go of his hand. He liked holding her small hand in his. It felt…right. He led her over to the counter and retrieved the flashlight. Then he gathered a lighter and handed it to her. “Do you mind lighting the candles? I can lead the way?”
Amethyst took the lighter from him. “Absolutely.” She smiled at him. “Where are we going to light the candles first?”
This was what he wanted. Some quality time in her company. Now that he had it he could relax and enjoy it. See where this thing he felt between them went. “The family quarters would be the most comfortable.”
“All right,” she said. “I’ve been meaning to ask you… Why are they considered family quarters. Do you not allow guests in there?”
He shook his head. “At one point we lived here. My parents bought the lake house later on and we moved out there. I’m probably going to move in to the inn permanently. I’ve just been waiting until my father was good to go before I did. He had a heart attack several months ago and I’ve been worried about him.”
Now that his father was better he really should move into the inn permanently, but he felt…reluctant.
“I didn’t realize he had been ill.” She nibbled on her lip. Amethyst seemed to do that a lot. “I’m glad he’s better. He seems like a nice guy.”
“I like to think so.” Coop grinned. “So to the family quarters?” He lifted a brow and gestured toward them.
“All right. I am glad you’re here. I hate storms they always make me nervous.”
“I’m glad I could be here with you.” More than words could possibly say. “And don’t worry about going out to Ghost Peak. I promise I’ll take you there myself. Tomorrow even, weather permitting.”
He led the way to the family quarters and Amethyst lit the candles on the hearth. There was a soft glow of light in the room. It was almost…romantic. The ambiance was soothing and inviting at the same time. They walked over to the sofa and sat down.
“Even though I am not fond of storms I do love the sound of rain.” Amethyst leaned her head on the back of the couch. “The pitter-patter is relaxing.”
He placed his arm around her and she snuggled into his shoulder. Cooper couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this content. She glanced up at him and licked her lips. He wanted to kiss her but wasn’t sure if he should. Perhaps he should stop over thinking things. If she didn’t want his kiss she wouldn’t let him press his lips to her. He leaned down and lightly touched his lips to hers. It was a whisper of a kiss that sent a jolt of sensations through his entire body. Kissing her was exhilarating and he didn’t think he could ever tire of the feeling.
