Page 54 of Torin

“I know. Orson was disgusted. Told me I needed protecting from myself. Said he’d be happy to take over that responsibility.”

I laugh, and some of the tension eases.

“I take it he doesn’t join you out here.”

“Oh, he does.” Torin raises his eyebrows. “Makes a point of taking his time about it. Then eventually shows up and complains about how pathetic the flame is.”

“He sounds like fun.”

Torin sighs. “That’s one way of putting it.”

For a while, we sit, sipping iced tea as the day begins to soften around us.

The valley slips into shadow, and a breeze stirs through the trees, taking some of the heat out of the air.

Torin sets down his glass. “Ready to see the fire?”

“Thought you’d never ask.”

He flashes a grin and my heart gives a big thump again.

“Watch this.”

He reaches beneath the table and turns a small metal dial.

A ring of blue flames bursts to life inside the fire pit.

The flames grow stronger, dancing over a bed of black glass stones.

“Okay,” I admit. “This is nice.”

His gaze slides to mine.

“Told you.”

I settle back on the super comfy cushions and watch the flames flickering in the growing dark. A sigh spills out of me. I feel good. Not a feeling I ever thought I would ever have again.

“You like s’mores?” he says suddenly.

“Sure. But—” I look at the gas flame dubiously.

“Got a solution. Be right back.” He springs up and disappears inside.

A few minutes later, he returns carrying a wooden board.

My eyebrows rise.

On it are Graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows. And beside them, a small metal implement.

“A blowtorch?”

He sets the board on the table between us.

“I bought it for crème brûlée.”

I burst out laughing.

Torin raises an eyebrow. “What’s funny?”