Confusion is clouding his face at my words, probably used to every woman forgiving him after a simple apology. Taking advantage, I move out of his grasp and walk toward the fridge to grab a drink.
“What just happened?”
I turn to look at him, he’s leaning against the countertop with the coffee mug in his hand. “You apologized, and I accepted.” I shrug my shoulders, enjoying that for once he’s the one left reeling.
“That’s it?”
“Yep,” I say, making sure to exaggerate the pronunciation of the ‘p.’
He continues to stare at me for what feels like a full minute. “I see.” His head tilts to the left, an action I’ve come to recognize as him contemplating something. Something that usually doesn’t end well for me if the past is any indication. “You’re nothing like I thought you were, are you?”
“No, I’m not. Though, seven years ago you wouldn’t have been too far off in your assessment,” I concede. I’m tired of holding a grudge over something he’s apologized for. That’s not the type of person I want to be. This doesn’t mean I trust him, but maybe we can be in the same room without ripping each other apart, figuratively speaking. “A lot has changed since then.”
“I bet. Maybe one day you’ll tell me what happened to you after you left.”
His genuine curiosity to know what happened to me throws me for a loop. I didn’t expect him to care about what I’ve been through. I’m not sure what to say, inexperienced with this kind of candor. “Maybe.”
Pushing away from the counter, he slowly walks toward me, reminding me of a predator hunting its prey. “We still have to talk about that kiss—”
Just when I’m about to interrupt, the power goes out and the house is engulfed in darkness. “What the hell?”
I hear rustling sounds and suddenly a work-roughed hand grabs my own. Kade’s presence next to me is reassuring and calming; I hate storms on a good day. This one makes me feel like the apocalypse is about to start. Unconsciously I move closer to the warm body next to mine.
“The storm must have knocked a power pole over somewhere in the vicinity. No need to worry, this happens once or twice a year.”
“That’s reassuring.” I didn’t even realize the snowstorm turned into a blizzard while I was arguing with Kade.
“It’s fine, Princess. Wayne’s generator should kick in any minute,” he says distractedly.
“Princess?” I don’t manage to keep the disdain out of my voice.
“If the shoe fits.” Suddenly his arm is around my shoulders, and he pulls me into the heat of his body. “Don’t read too much into it. I don’t mean it the way you’re thinking. Compared to anyone here you are akin to a princess. Plus, you’re kind, brave, passionate, and confident. Attributes Lauren once told me every princess possesses. I wasn’t a big fan of her royalty obsession a few years ago.”
I melt at his words. No one’s ever thought of me as anything but spoiled and selfish. “Okay.” I didn’t realize until now that hearing him say the opposite heals some of the wounds he left behind that first day. “Speaking of Lauren—”
I don’t finish my sentence before he lets me go and moves toward the front door. “The generator should have kicked in by now. Something’s wrong.”
I follow him to the door, unsure of what to do. I’ve never had to deal with a power outage or a storm like the one raging outside. When I go to put on my coat and shoes, Kade turns and stops me with a hand on my arm.
“Stay inside. I’ll see what’s wrong and if I can fix it. Why don’t you start a fire in the fireplace and grab some blankets, just in case?” He’s right, I have no idea how to fix a generator. I would most likely be in the way more than I’d be helpful.
“Okay,” I say while hanging up my coat.
Zipping up his coat and grabbing his gloves, he moves to open the door. Just as he’s about to close the door, I whisper, “Be careful out there,” and he looks at me and winks, a mischievous smile on his face.
My eyes widen in shock when I realize he heard me. Shit, there I go, giving away my real feelings for him without permission. Most of me hates how he makes me lose my rigorous hold on control, while a small part, the one that’s tired of always being in charge, revels in the knowledge he can take it away while still making me feel safe.
I shake my head at my own silly thoughts. He’s with Lauren, I remind myself. We might have come to a truce, but that doesn’t mean anything. He still regrets what happened in the barn while I wish nothing more than to repeat it—over and over.
I sigh at the fact that I seem to always choose men who are emotionally unavailable. Something I don’t need my shrink to analyze to know why I do it. Deciding not to worry about any of this tonight, I decide to follow Kade’s orders. I walk into the living room to build a fire. I also light the candles Lizzie has placed around the room, giving it an unintentionally romantic vibe.
I look around the room, aware this resembles one of those romantic movies Dakota forces me watch whenever it’s her turn to choose during movie nights. Without another
