Page 53 of Torin

I take another sip, considering it.

“Hannah.”

I keep a straight face for another second. “It’s good.”

He shakes his head, smiling. “You enjoyed that.”

“A little.” I smile into my glass. “Okay, I officially approve.”

“Of the tea?”

“Of all of it.” I gesture around us. “The sofa. The view. Everything.”

When I look back at him, he’s watching me.

Our eyes meet, and suddenly I’m very aware of what I just said.

I take another sip of tea and clear my throat.

“Must be a great spot to bring girls.”

Torin glances out across the mountains.

“Probably.”

“Probably?”

“Never brought one.”

“Oh—”

“Until now.” His eyes lock onto mine.

I blink.

So. I’m the first woman he’s brought here.

I take another sip, mostly to give myself something to do.

Torin’s still watching me.

“Why not?” I ask.

“Never wanted to.”

Oh. That lands somewhere low in my stomach.

I look down at my glass.

We met yesterday. And I’m sitting here in his T-shirt, on a terrace where he’s never brought another woman, trying very hard not to wonder what that means.

“I love it out here in winter, actually. I turn the fire right up. Keeps you warm even when there’s snow.”

“Turn it up?” I echo still stuck on never wanted to.

“It’s gas.” He laughs. “I wanted to be able to adjust the flame. Means I can have it on in summer too.”

“That’s the most un-beary thing you’ve ever said to me.”