Chapter 14 #2
I notice him casting glances at me from the side and while it doesn’t make me uncomfortable, it does the very opposite and more. “I’m going to step outside for a minute,” I tell him, hoping he’ll follow. And as I saunter past, his large body shadows over mine telling me he’s doing just that.
Outside, the air is frigid, it feels like the inside of a damn iceberg. The snow falls steadily, and I wish I had grabbed a jacket.
To put any warmth back inside, I tightly hug myself, but as the snow lands on me, it makes the bone chilling air worse.
Claustrophobia teased me inside so even with the cold, this is still better.
The openness calms me, and tonight progress was made.
The old me showed herself even if it was only for a brief time.
It was great being in touch with her again, but this, being here with the man who gives me heart flutters, is even better. At least for right now.
Hush wears a leather jacket, his cut over top of it, with his usual black wash jeans with purposely worn sections on the knees. It’s crazy I know what jeans he normally wears. But they look good on him, fit him perfectly. You can tell he works out and keeps in shape, but not overly bulky.
I tear my glance away before he catches me staring. But as the snow falls more heavily, a shiver runs through me.
Hush shrugs off his cut and removes his jacket, handing it to me. The only thing he wears now is a thin grey T-shirt. No way am I going to take his only source of heat.
“I’m okay. I have a sweater. You have nothing.”
It’s quick, but his eyes fall upon my exposed shoulder. “Take it. The cold doesn’t bother me.”
I hesitate a millisecond before snatching it from his tattooed hands and zipping myself into the warmth. His scent lingers on the leather, and I swear it’s an adrenaline rush of endorphins. “Thank you.”
He nods before scanning the empty area around us, tucking his hands inside the pockets of his jeans.
He’s always watching—always looking for the next potential threat. I suppose it makes me feel safe but also, who is he always waiting for? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him relax.
The snow covers Hush’s dark hair like a white blanket, and I almost reach out to brush it off before completely dampening his thick locks, but I refrain.
I should confess about what I saw in his room, but I’m afraid. Afraid of ruining anything we have.
“You didn’t have to come out here with me, you know.”
“I know,” his husky voice skates over my skin.
“I can take care of myself.” I’m always trying to convince myself of that. We had this conversation before, but he doesn’t let on he’s having the same Déjà vu.
“I know.” This time he looks down at me, those harsh eyes soften as they reach mine. The wind picks up, tossing my hair all around, and a few loose short strands dance along his forehead. “Wanna head back inside?”
Honestly, the excitement has worn off and I’m ready to curl up in bed hoping to fall asleep.
“I’m going to tell everyone goodbye then head home. I have an early shift tomorrow anyways.”
He twists until he’s facing me. “I’ll drive you.”
“Uh. No way, I’m not turning into a popsicle on your Harley.”
He almost smirks. “I have Throttle’s truck.”
When I tilt my head back to look at the snow that falls faster, I decide to take him up on his offer. It’s way better than taking an Uber or a bus.
Once goodbyes are said and I hug Jules thanking her for the generous invite, I follow Hush to Throttle’s truck parked in the lot of The Fallen Star.
He agrees to drop me off at my apartment and then bring the truck back to the bar.
I hadn’t missed the curious, yet stealthy glances being shot our way by my new friends and the guys from the club though.
Hush’s knuckles turn white as he grips the steering wheel, the wipers trying their best to keep up with the snow.
“It’s really coming down.” I lean forward, trying to get a better view of the street.
His arm comes crashing against me, pushing me back against my seat. “You need to sit back.” A panicked look arises on him. “And put your seatbelt on.” His face has gone fully pale, a glisten of nervous sweat hitting his brow.
I’m curious what that’s about. But I hurry clicking on my belt. “Sorry.” I look out my window, but it’s completely white.
“We’ll never make it to your apartment. My place is just off this road.” He lets out a stressed breath. “We’ll stay there until it clears.”
“Okay.” My voice is quiet at his suggestion, but I don’t hesitate in answering. I’ll be seeing where he lives. A glimpse of who he is.
When we pull down the long stretch of road and finally to his place, I try to hold my mouth closed.
A beautiful cabin, from what I can see, stands surrounded by trees.
Hush shuts off the truck, but closes his eyes, swallowing back something I swear is fear. I didn’t think this man feared anything. “Come on.”
With the snow and wind swirling around us, he leads me to the front of his two-story log cabin in the woods, and I try taking it all in before we enter.
Because of the total darkness, I seek out the wall for comfort. Once he turns on a couple of lanterns, his solace handsome face becomes visible, and I take a child’s step forward.
He sighs, peering at me. “The storm must have knocked out the power.”
The fact he even gets power out here is crazy.
A cold shiver runs through me as he squats down in front of the fireplace.
I take this opportunity to be nosey. His home is warm and cozy. Everything you’d expect out of a log cabin. From the beautiful dark stain covering the furnishing to the wooden floors. And he has the essentials. A kitchen. Bathroom. Living space and I assume the bedroom is upstairs.
“Fireplace won’t do much without the power.”
My stomach sinks at that sudden news. “No heat then. Got it.” I force a smile, but I know it’s not his fault. Damn winter has been brutal this year.
“No heat.” He slowly stands, nodding to the cabinets behind me. “There should be some candles and matches in there. I’ll go grab some blankets.”
While he vanishes upstairs, I reach for the cabinet door, finding the candles and matches he was referring to.
However, being short has its challenges.
I strain trying my hardest to stretch to my max ability, but it’s no use.
Even with my wedges, I’m still not tall enough.
Speaking of them, I slip each one off, one because they’re wet, and two, I need to stand on the stool without breaking my neck.
With the success of the extra height, I snag the candles, cradling them in my hand against my stomach and then the matches.
Now if I can get down without killing myself.
Heavy footsteps approach, stopping directly beside me and Hush reaches out taking the precious cargo that’s cradled into my body. He places them on the counter. “You don’t need to go hurting yourself.”
“I didn’t. See?” I go to step down but misjudge my footing and nearly topple over face first. “Shit.”
Hush, being ready to steady me but relieved he didn’t have to, raises a brow.
“Well. Almost.”
A possible, barely noticeable grin appears on his face.
With the candles spread out, they add more light in addition to the lanterns.
Hush opens his fridge. “I don’t have much, but do you want something to drink?”
With his broad back still turned my way, I answer, “Beer. If you got it.”
He closes the door, holding up two waters. Guess he didn’t have to worry about anything spoiling, from the looks of it, there isn’t much in his fridge worth saving. A single milk carton and one container potentially holding leftovers.
“Water and orange juice. Sorry I guess I should have specified.”
I take the bottle from him as he rubs the nape of his neck. “This works. Thanks.” I twist open the lid, letting the still icy water graze my throat.
He does the same as he leans rigidly against his kitchen counter, hand in pocket, the other gripping the water bottle like he’s madly uncomfortable. I suppose he is. Here’s a man so closed off and private, I’m sure the last thing he expects nor wants is entertaining a woman inside his home.
I lean into my shoulders, my hands gripping the counter’s edges. He isn’t the only one out of their element. “How long do you think the power will be out?”
He shrugs. “Not sure. Could be hours. Could be days. But once the storm passes, I’ll take you home.”
I nod, looking out at the snow still falling at an alarming rate. Even if we are stuck in Hush’s beautiful home, the snow is ever so peaceful. “I love the snow. It’s calming, you know?”
He doesn’t say a word while he watches me look out the window. With the silence, the only sound is the overpowering wind whistling.
I break my stare from the outside and turn to him.
The candlelight flickers, reflecting off his beautiful face.
And along with the shadows, I can’t help but admire him.
“Tell me about yourself.” That’s one way of me breaking the ice.
No pun intended. I’m using this opportunity to find out something about this man.
A muscle moves in his jaw. “Not much to tell.” He takes another drink, holding eye contact.
“There must be something.” My voice is quiet as if I’m afraid I’ll scare him. “Do you have any family?”
His body immediately stiffens, swallowing away an obvious powerful emotion and I instantly regret the question. “No.”
Without knowing if it’s because of how he answered or the fact there’s no heat, the air grows significantly chillier, and I shiver.
“Come on. I put the blankets over by the sofa.” He turns, abandoning his drink, then heads for the plain, simple couch in front of his television stand. Everything looks to be barren and sparingly placed.
I accept the blanket he holds out for me, but notice it’s the only one worth using, the other so-called blanket resembles more of a sheet.
With one quick move, I have Hush’s sweatshirt over my head, and I hold it out for him.
He pauses with his eyes slit. “What are you doing?”