Chapter 40
40
EMBER
“That was colder than I was anticipating,” I mutter, my teeth still chattering from the chill that rakes my bones like something from Antarctica. I feel like I’m in one of those black-and-white photos of the explorers who tried to make it to the South Pole with their bodies huddled over from the cold.
I wrap the towel even tighter around me and shift my deckchair even closer to the outside fire that Connor has prepared to warm me up.
“ You were the one who dived into the river first,” Connor replies to me with a big smirk. “You must’ve known the river isn’t heated like a fancy swimming pool in the city.”
I roll my eyes at his mocking.
Everything hurts from the cold.
“Yeah, I was stupid,” I gabble. “I know. Silly.”
“It was adorable,” Connor replies.
“I’m not adorable.”
“It was bold , then.”
“Okay, I’ll take that over adorable any day.”
Connor disappears into the cabin and reemerges with a bowl of steaming pumpkin soup. He hands it to me.
It’s nice how warm the bowl is. It feels so good in my hands.
I take the spoon and have a mouthful. The warmth enters my body, and the pumpkin tastes so good.
“You should be a chef and not a firefighter,” I say to Connor as he expectantly waits for my response. “It’s very nice.”
“You’re not joking, are you?” he asks.
“Nope. Everything you’ve given me has been delicious.”
“I try my best.”
I put down the bowl and sit forward in the chair, the towel still wrapped around me.
Connor crouches down in front of me and holds my hands tight in his.
“How are you feeling now?” he asks. “Warmed up?”
I like his touch. I like how much he’s caring for me.
It’s very inviting...
A tingle passes through me. This is very much not connected to the cold – it has more to do with the handsome, rugged man in front of me, and the prickling things the sight of him does to me.
“I’m getting there,” I whisper. “I’m getting warmer.”
“Then let me help you feel better,” Connor replies.
And, before I know it, he’s kissing me. And I can’t help but kiss him back...