Page 17 of Two Canes, One Cup
“It was our pleasure.” I find myself hopping up to retrieve them from her. “Let me get those. We’ll clean everything up later.”
Reece raises his eyebrows watching me.
I know, it’s generally out of character for me to wait on anyone.
But she’s different.
There’s something driving me to want to dote on her.
“You’re a sweetheart.” Her brilliant smile sends rays of heat through me. “I could totally stay and talk until you’re bored with me.” A pink flush works up her neck.
“That’d never happen,” Reece pipes in.
I agree.
Yet when I turn from the sink and see her embracing him, it sends a stabbing pain into my gut.
“I’m sorry,” she says breathlessly. “I’m a hugger, I hope that’s okay.”
When she rushes to me and wraps her arms around my ribs to press her cheek against my chest, all of the momentary jealousy melts away.
I can’t stop my palms from smoothing over her back to pull her tighter. “They’re always welcome.”
Reece meets my eyes over her head, his jaw clenching as I’m sure he works through the same stab of pain that I felt just a second ago.
“Do you want me to walk you back to your cabin?” he asks from behind.
I scowl at him, knowing he’s hurrying her out of my reach.
The heat in my body leaves with her when she does.
“I think I’ll be okay.” She glances out of the window. “I need to just pull up my big girl panties and do this.” Her heels thump against the floor with each boot as she steps into them. “Hopefully the water pipes have thawed by now.”
“If they haven’t, be sure to come back.” I set my hip against the counter, attempting a nonchalant lean, when all I want to do is pull her against me.
“Yes, sir.” Firelight dances in her blue irises, giving them a mischievous, golden glint.
Fuck, does she know what she’s doing to me?
Her coat whirls around her with a wave of vanilla and lavender, then the icy air rushes in past her as Reece opens the door.
“Have a great night,” he calls as she steps off the porch.
Like two old women, he and I gather to watch that she makes it into her cabin safely.
“I think I like her, Dean,” Reece mutters once she disappears.
“Me, too,” I admit.
She’s almost the perfect fit for each of us.
“What are we going to do about that?” He pulls the heavy pot of water from the fireplace and sets it on the counter.
“I don’t know,” I say quietly. “I guess she’ll choose if she’s interested.”
I fucking hate that idea.
Reece has the looks, the muscles, and the charm.
