I didn’t even need my inhaler at the pub last night, which makes me happy.
Finally, Kane puts the glass in what looks like an oven, turns off the furnace, which immediately extinguishes the flames inside, and spins to look at me.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“I told you to come out,” he says simply and walks to me. “You look better in my clothes than I do, and that’s the truth.”
I feel the blush creep up my cheeks. “I needed something clean.”
“If you think I won’t collect them from you later, you’re dead wrong.” He nods down at the plate in my hands. “What’s that you have there?”
“Strawberry muffins.”
“I didn’t have any strawberry muffins.”
“You had all of the ingredients for them, so I baked.”
His green eyes shoot to mine. “You made us muffins? Out of basically nothing?”
“You make it sound way cooler than it is.” I smile when he bites into one, chews, and then moans in happiness.
Murphy whines, so Kane tosses him a small bite.
“These are amazing.”
“Thanks.” I eat a muffin and nod in satisfaction. “Not bad. Could’ve used vanilla, but you didn’t have any.”
“I’ll put it on the grocery list then,” he says with a smile. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. This is impressive. I’ve never watched anyone blow glass before.”
“No? Well, if you’re good, I’ll show you later. For now, I need a shower, and we have somewhere to be.”
“I can’t go anywhere.” I laugh as I follow Kane out of the barn. “I don’t have any clothes.”
“No problem.”Chapter Five~Kane~“Kane, I don’t have clothes. I guess I can wear the clothes from last night, though, if I have to.”
I open the back door for her and lead her to Maggie’s room with Murphy happily following us.
“My sister keeps some things here.” I open a drawer and gesture to it. “You’re welcome to wear whatever you like. Maggie won’t care.”
“I won’t fit into your sister’s clothes,” she murmurs but leans over to take a peek. “These yoga pants might work.”
“You can keep the T-shirt you found in my closet.” I kiss her shoulder and then back towards the doorway. “For now.” I wink and then point at her feet. “Those shoes are hers, too. She won’t mind if you borrow them for the day.”
Before Anastasia can reply, I motion for Murphy to follow me out of the room so she can change her clothes. I eat another delicious muffin and pour myself a cup of coffee. I should take a shower. I’m always a sweaty mess after a session in the barn, but I’d like to get going before it’s too late.
I’ll shower when we return.
Anastasia walks out of the bedroom wearing Maggie’s pants and shoes, and my T-shirt.
“It works,” she says with a smile. “As long as we’re not going anywhere fancy.”
“You look fantastic in anything. Or out of it, for that matter.” I brush my lips over hers. “But no one will see you but Murphy and me for what I have planned.”
“Do I need my purse?”
“We’re just taking a walk.”
She opens her purse and takes out her inhaler, then realizes she has no pockets, so I take it from her and tuck it into mine. I have questions about this, but they’ll save for later.
“You’ll need a jumper.” I pass her one of my sweaters, and then we’re off, headed out the door toward the sea. “It seems summer is finally finished.”
“Yeah, and my schedule would agree,” Anastasia says as I take her hand in mine and link our fingers.
“What do you mean?”
“The heart of summer wedding season is finished, so I can take a bit of a breath.” She shrugs a shoulder. “I’ll still have weddings through the rest of the year, but not typically up to six a week, which is a lot for a small shop like mine.” She points to a flock of seagulls off in the distance before continuing. “I’ll be busy with holiday cakes, though, and I give myself an extra day off each week as well. I’m excited for that.”
I lead her to the edge of the cliffs, a straight shot from the house, and watch her face as she takes in my view.
“Oh, Kane.” She takes a deep breath. “This view is incredible.”
“This is just the beginning.” I kiss her cheek and point to the lane that veers to the right. “We’ll take that path down to the beach. The landscape changes drastically about a hundred yards that way.”
“I’m game,” she says immediately. We turn, and Murphy runs ahead, already anticipating where we’re headed.
It’s usually just Murphy and I that take this walk each day. I listen to the wind through the trees and let my mind wander while the dog sniffs and plays.
“The trees are so pretty on the coast,” Anastasia says, watching as we catch glimpses of the water through the limbs. “So green.”