Page 30 of Playful Kris

Well, I know what’s wrong with me. I’ve never been able to fight Kris off with my emotions. Even with years between us, the pull the two of us have is as strong as it’s ever been.

But the pain is still there too.

The pain of the future I so desperately wanted and he made it clear he did not.

The pain of that last conversation we had.

All of it is too much, and I’m suddenly regretting this trip even more than the moment I agreed to go on it.

How in the hell am I going to be able to stay in an entire cabin alone with him for four days?

We’ve barely survived the drive up here. One little moment in a damn grocery store parking lot… and look at me.

Putty in his hands.

I’m not sure where the strength to deny him even came from, but thank you to the heavens that I was able to muster it up and put an end to it.

The last thing I need is for this weekend to go horribly wrong, and then I’m suddenly without a stripping Santa for the Bazaar.

Why must my life be this difficult?

“We’re here.” Kris’ deep voice fills the cab of his truck, shifting me back to reality and out of my head.

I look through the windshield at the cabin in front of us. It’s beautiful, with the bright blue sky and white clouds as a backdrop, and all the vibrant colors of the fall trees surrounding it.

“Let’s go,” he says, pushing open his door.

I feel the distance between us, and I know that one tiny moment probably ruined the trip for us.

“Kris,” I say, placing my hand on the console between us.

“Don’t.” He steps out of the truck but pauses before facing me again. “Don’t worry about it. Let’s just survive the weekend.”

The door shuts, and the back door opens as he begins unloading our grocery bags and our luggage.

Grabbing my backpack, I open my door and step out into the fall air. I close my eyes, breathing it all in, feeling the warm sun brush against my cheeks.

Kris has both of our bags and the groceries at the entrance of the cabin already, so I pick up the trash we have in the truck and follow behind.

The walls of the cabin that face the overhang of the mountain are floor to ceiling windows, presenting the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen with a balcony that stretches both sides. The small living room has a gorgeous sectional that looks as fluffy as a cloud, it’s open to the kitchen that’s covered in pine wood with beautiful cabinets and dark granite counters.

It’s then I realize there aren't any other doors, just a small hallway opening.

“It’s a two story, the bathroom, laundry, and bedroom is upstairs.” Kris must have realized I was confused.

I smile at him, walking through the cabin, stopping to drop off the trash I’d just brought in before I explore more. He follows behind me to the hallway that has a small set of stairs.

When I reach the landing, my breath halts in my chest. It’s beautiful, as soon as you come off the steps, you’re in a loft-like area I hadn’t realized opened up to look over the downstairs. The same pine wood covers the walls up here, with two matching doors that I’m assuming is the laundry and the bathroom.

I open the first one to find the bathroom. A sand colored tile covers the floor and most of the walls. The shower has been strategically designed to be open without a need for a shower curtain or door.

“Is that a rainfall shower head?” I ask, I’ve never actually used one but I feel like it would be magical for a hot relaxing shower.

“It is.” Kris chuckles from the bedroom.

I take in the rest of the bathroom, the large soaking tub sits next to a window with a view of the mountain. I’m sure I’ll spend some time in here during our little trip.

Alone.

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