Page 114 of Thaw My Heart

“I just thought you should know,” he adds before coolly walking away. He barks at the men standing around gawking to get to work. They scatter instantly, boots shuffling in the gravel.

My feet stay frozen, stuck in a daze.

He said those words loud enough for everyone to hear, as if he didn’t mind at all.

As if he did it on purpose.

Soft snow falls from the sky, brushing my nose as I stare after him, watching him approach the trucks. Ryker is there the next second, talking to him about something with a big smile on his face. Kit smiles back at him, and just the sight of his smile makes me lose track of time.

“You ready, Sadie?” Blake calls out to me. “Or do you want to watch him for a little longer?” He teases, pulling his mouth up into a smirk.

With a curt nod and warmth in my cheeks, I follow him.

The hours drag on as I force myself to get through the day. Trying not to let my fears control me. It’s been a long time since I’ve had nightmares, and it slowly feels as if they’re eating me alive.

After a full eight hours of shoveling snow, deicing water tanks, and feeding extra feed to the herd, I find myself alone in Kit’s living room, drinking herbal tea to calm my emotions before he arrives.

As if herbal tea can fix this, but I don’t think that more bourbon is going to help me.

After a few sips, I open a new bag of marshmallows, shoving as many that will fit into my mouth. Feeling relief almost instantly at the sugar rush.

Ryker invited us over to watch football tonight, a distraction I probably needed. However, Kit thought it would be nice to do it here, because his place is bigger. Proceeding to ask me what I thought about it. I don’t know why he felt the need to ask me for permission.

It’s his place.

But it only confirmed that the bubble between us is slowly and surely going to pop.

There’s a knock at the door, and I’m on my feet, but I’m surprised to see Candace holding a bottle of wine and whiskey in each hand. Wearing a Grizzlies jersey that’s two sizes too big. I didn’t know she was coming. Now I’m anxious that all of the cowgirls might show up too.

“Boys are coming, but Kit told me to head over now. I heard that you liked whiskey,” she smiles, showing off soft dimples as she presents me with a bottle of my favorite brand.

“I do, thank you. Come on in.”

She steps inside, eyes darting around the room. “Man, Leah would be so jealous right now to be in this house.”

I set the whiskey down on the kitchen counter, almost shattering the bottle in the process.

“She’s not coming, by the way.” Thank fuck. “Neither are Sierra and Wes. They like to watch the games together like a cute old married couple. And Leah always watches these games with her dad, but she is sorry if she’s offended you. She found out this morning that you guys were dating, and well… she wanted me to tell you that she’s sorry.”

Dating.

Dating is a safe word. I should feel relieved that’s all that was said, but instead, it sets me on edge. “She didn’t offend me,” I smile politely. Candace curves her mouth like she doesn’t believe me. “How’d you find out?”

“Kit told Ryker, who told everyone.”

Sounded about right.

“I knew you were lying at the party,” Candace admits boldly, sitting on the kitchen island stool. “About you and Kit. But I wasn’t sure why, when he clearly only has eyes for you.”

Heat blooms in my chest. “That’s very sweet to say. I’m guessing this wine is yours?” I gesture to the bottle of pink Moscato.

She nods, and I pour her a glass, handing it to her. “I never could stand the taste of whiskey. It’s too bitter.”

I laugh, pouring whiskey over ice. “It’s an acquired taste, and funny enough, wine is too sweet for me.” Candace glances at the open bag of marshmallows on the counter, confused. “Well, as far as alcohol goes, anyway, I prefer the bitter taste,” I correct.

Her eyes brighten with realization. “So that’s why you like Kit,” she curves her pink lips into a smile. “I mean, besides his looks, of course. He’s as bitter as they come.”

“He can be real sweet, too,” I defend, lost for a moment in my thoughts. Sweeter than a marshmallow. “Anyways,” I shake my head, recomposing myself. “What about you? Are you dating anyone?”