3
Ethan had spent many sleepless nights with a woman, but never before had it been because they were in such heavy competition over a board game. The tiny, fragile looking woman who sat beside him, turned into a serious competitor, one who only played by the rules.
It had been kind of cute watching her read the rule books before the game started. She somehow believed he was actually listening. He had, but just enough to get the gist of how to play. He hadn’t been out to win, that was until she decided to place a bet. Losing wouldn’t have bothered him, but he was looking forward to claiming his prize. The person who won the most games got to pick what they would do today.
Ethan knew exactly what he wanted, but it wasn’t an appropriate thought since they barely knew each other and they weren’t actually staying at a lodge. He was positive Roy and Mabel wouldn’t have approved either. So he opted to take her out on a trail ride. It hadn’t stopped snowing, but it slowed down enough that they could make it further up the mountain to the smaller, more private cabin that Roy used during hunting season. Now all he had to do was convince Kollette that he could find his way there and back in this weather.
He wasn’t sure he was right, but the expression on her face when she saw the amount of snow they had last night might make her getting out in it a bit more challenging than he’d like. But she had to expect this type of weather in West Virginia. Granted, even for him, the amount of snowfall was greater than he’d encountered in the past.
He didn’t want Roy to worry about hauling more wood inside, so Ethan had shoveled his way again, bright and early, to the wood shed. The cabin was well stocked, and he should be free to enjoy the day with Kollette.
Ethan wasn’t about to wake Kollette just yet. She probably was recovering from last night herself. He was just about to head back to his room and get a few hours of sleep until he heard a crash coming from the kitchen. He rushed inside concerned that Mabel may have fallen, but immediately he knew that wasn’t the case by the view. Kollette was facing the opposite direction, bent over, retrieving something off the floor.
He heard her muttering to herself, “What was I thinking? I don’t belong here.”
Trying not to startle her, Ethan said, “I think Mabel would disagree.”
Apparently, his attempt failed, because whatever she had in her hand, now went flying up in the air and came down all around her like the fallen snow.
She spun around and snapped, “You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that.”
“I was actually trying not to scare you,” he stated.
“Maybe next time try clearing your throat or something. Look at me. I’m covered in flour.”
It wasn’t quite that bad, but she did have some in her hair. He walked over and brushed it out. The flour sprinkled across the front of her shirt; well she’d have to take care of that. Trying to lighten the mood he said, “I think it makes you look more like a cook.”
With her hands on her hips she asked, “Are you trying to make this better? Because I can tell you that you’re not.” Sighing she added, “I feel…ridiculous. I saw you got out early to clear a path again today. I thought it’d be nice if when you came back in to have something hot and ready for you.”
Hot and ready for me. Sounds…Like something he shouldn’t think about, or his body might give away his thoughts. “I thought you would’ve slept in.”
“I couldn’t sleep.”
Ethan said, “How about I get us some coffee and you can tell me why?”
“Why don’t you sit down and let me get you one. You’re the one who has been working. I’ve just been in here making a mess,” she smirked.
He sat down and when she handed him the mug he asked, “So what was on the menu?”
“Stuffed crepes.”
He didn’t eat that fancy stuff, but the fact she was even going to attempt it for him, blew his mind. “Those are”
“I know. Way out of my league. I shouldn’t have wasted my time.”
“I was going to say those aren’t something I eat. I’m a bacon, sausage, steak and egg type of guy.”
“Oh. I’m sorry. I guess I’m overly sensitive about my lack of cooking skills,” she said.
“I can’t cook and it doesn’t bother me,” Ethan said.
“That’s different. You’re a man.”
He chuckled. “Thank you for noticing. But what does my being a man have to do with my lack of skill?”
“Have you heard the saying, the way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach?” she asked. Ethan shook his head. “That’s because no one says it.”
“Ah, I got it. You’re worried about what other people think,” he stated.