“It’s okay. A little tender, but manageable,” I say, trying to show him that I’m up to the task of doing my job. He’s used to firing cooks easily.
“Take it easy for the morning. I should have told you that last night, but I appreciate the coffee.”
“Okay. What would you like for lunch?”
“Just think about dinner. I’m going to eat with the guys in the bunkhouse.”
I twist my lip and question his motives. “All of a sudden you’re not interested in my cooking?”
“Honey, I’m more than interested, but I ate a lot last night, and you’re hurt. I don’t have much in here. I didn’t even know I had that.”
“Louisa and I made a quick run on Christmas Eve before the storm took hold.”
“Oh. We can get the rest tomorrow. So whatever we have, that's simple. I’m serious about that wrist. I’ll be examining it after I get home.” He arches his brow with a look of warning to behave.
“Yes, Doctor.” I salute him and give him a pout while taking the eggs and putting them back in the fridge.
“If you want to play doctor, we can save that for another day.” He winks and reaches behind me to grab a cup. “I’m teasing, Ava. Come out on the porch and have a cup of coffee with me before I go.”
“Okay.” I grab a cup as well and set it on the counter. Once the coffee’s ready, he takes them and waits for me to get a coat and boots on.
“Here, you need this.” He slips a beanie on me. Goodness, I like when he puts his hands on me even if it’s just in passing.
I catch my reflection in the storm door, and it’s a Bears beanie. “I take it you’re a Bears fan.”
“You can say that. Do you watch football?”
I gently shake my head, loving the way the hat looks on me. He doesn’t realize it, but he’s just lost this baby. It looks too good on me, so he’s going to have to fight me for it. “Not really, but coming from Indiana, you are either a Colts fan or a Bears fan.”
“How did you find your way all the way to Snow Ridge?” he asks as we step out on the porch. It’s chilly and still pretty dark. The snow seems to have stopped falling for almost a full day, which is nice. I don’t know how often it snows, but I wasn’t prepared for a blizzard on my first full day at the ranch house.
“Actually, it was Louisa’s sister who gave me her address if I was looking for somewhere to lay low.” I don’t feel like opening up just yet, so I hope he doesn’t ask too many questions.
Instead of the chair, he sits on the swing, patting the spot next to him. “The sun’s about to rise.” As soon as I sit, he passes my cup to me. My heart jumps in my chest when his eyes meet mine. “I love the sunrises more than the sunsets. It’s beautiful.”
“It is. It’s the first thing I noticed when I woke up on Christmas Eve. It’s truly breathtaking.”
“It is.” I turn to look and see that his eyes aren’t on the sky but on me instead. I wet my lips and then take a drink of my coffee. I can’t do this. I can’t fall for my boss. It’s only three months until I leave, and I need this job and security.
I swear I hear him whisper, “Three months.”
I bring the warm cup to my lips again, loving the steam on my face as the morning chill envelops me. I create a little more space between us. “Here it comes.” The sun peeks over the trees, and a gasp escapes my lips. I might never get used to the beauty. We sit there until his phone goes off.
“Excuse me. It seems like my day’s starting.” I stand up and follow him inside. He ends the call after we get in the door. “That’s John, making sure I didn’t scare you away yet.”
“Not yet,” I say, smiling up at him. “Do you want me to take that?” I point to his mug. He finishes it off then hands it to me.
“Thanks, Ava. See ya around six.” His mouth brushes my cheek. He starts and turns as quick as he can and leaves.
“Bye,” I whisper, standing with the two mugs in my hands, completely dumbfounded. It takes me a few seconds to finally get myself out of the trance that Tobias put me in with just a gentle press of his lips on my skin. I’m in a lot more trouble than I ever expected. The curmudgeon has a soft spot and it’s me.
Chapter Five
Tobias
What is wrong with me? She’s got to think I’m some sick pervert. I’m going on a day full of giving this woman the wrong impression. Technically it’s not the wrong one, but more like it’s not the right time to tell her how much I want her in my bed. It’s lust for sure. She’s sexy as fuck, but there’s more than that.