Page 25 of Mine to Worship

“How long did I sleep?”

He glances at his watch. “An hour.”

My stomach growls, and he gets up and returns with a tray with crackers, orange juice, oatmeal, and fruit on the bed. He sets it on the bed; I finish half of it and stretch.

“I want to take a walk,” I say.

We change into jeans and shirts, and he smiles when I put a bandana on my head.

His hand brushes mine as we stride down a stone path that leads to the forest. We stop when we find a bench overlooking a small lake. Birds chirp, the sun reflects on the surface, a few fish pop bubbles in the water. The serenity of nature envelops me fully in a veil of comfort.

Kian takes a pebble in his hand and throws it in the water. His body flexes with every movement. I can’t keep my eyes off him. He’s sexy, his body rippling with strength. He’s mouthwatering, even wearing a plain shirt and jeans.

He is my husband, on paper only. Remembering he said that to me, anger shoves the peacefulness away. I jump to my feet, and he snaps his head to me.

As if he knows I’m upset, he approaches me, his eyes searching for any trace of discomfort.

“What is it?” he asks.

I put my hands on my hips, jerk my chin up and confront him.

“I remembered how you called me your wife, but only on paper.”

He flinches and retaliates. “I remember how I found you in bed with my brother, how you looked me in the eyes and told me he was better.”

“Don’t you see?” I plead with him. “We are no good for each other.”

His hand curls around my waist and he pulls me to his chest. “Don’t you see how much we still love each other?”

I open then shut my mouth, and stomp away with him on my heels.

When we reach the lodge, Aunt Esther and Jake are waiting for us on the porch. After I hug them and Kian greets them, I show them around the house.

Kian apologizes about having some work to do and he goes inside the home office, laptop tucked under his arm.

After we make tea, my aunt scoots next to me on the couch.

“How are you?”

I shrug. “It’s a constant up and down.”

“It’s going to be all right, Ellie. You’re strong,” Jake says. “So tomorrow night, are you up for a game of cards?”

I lean over the table and flatten my palm against the smooth surface. “I’ll beat you this time,” I say.

“Dream on, kiddo. Your only winning chance would be if you had me on your team.”

“Please, Austin is more of a team player,” I say and Kian comes downstairs at that exact moment. His jaw ticks and he shoves his hands in his pockets.

My aunt sends me a secretive smile and she mouths, Smitten, and jealous.

“Do you play cards, too?” Jake asks, assessing Kian for potential competition.

“Yes, I play a game or two.” He cocks his head, his expression changing into a smug one.

“There are five of us. There is no way to play in teams. I’ll think of something,” Jake says in deep thought.

They leave after we drink our tea.

---