Page 45 of Gin & Sin

SIXTEEN

STEWART

Nervous energy ripplesthrough me as I pull into the driveway at Kit’s house. He wasn’t joking about it being a mansion. I’d heard about the renovation of this old place, the whole town did, but to see it up close is truly a wonder.

Headlights flash across me, and seconds later, Kit hops out of a car parked behind me. His smile could light up the night and warm me at the same time. The snow is falling more steadily now, which makes me think the forecast is accurate this time.

“Hey, gorgeous,” Kit says as I exit my car, looping his arm around my waist and pulling me in for a kiss. His face is still warm from the car, and I want to wrap myself as close as possible.

“Hi.”

“Did you get your things?”

I nod, breaking free long enough to reach into my back seat and grab the bag I packed. All I really need is my laptop, a few comfortable clothing items, and a book or two in case Kit or I need some quiet time. We’re not actually dating to the point where staying together feels natural. Still, I’m so grateful I don’t have to suffer through cold showers for the weekend.

“Come on,” he says, sliding his hand down to wrap it around mine.

We walk up to the front, and I crane my neck to check out the fully restored brick facade. “This old place looks incredible.”

“Yeah, thanks.” He unlocks the front door. “Lowen is a master.”

“Lowen?”

Kit nods, stepping to the side to let me enter. In the grand foyer, we both remove our coats and shoes, but I’m still swiveling my head around to take in all the details, from the original woodwork to the marble floors.

“Stunning.”

Kit grins, folding his arms across his chest. “I admit I never cared that much about furniture styles or lighting or what color to paint the walls, but living here feels like a dream sometimes.”

“I can see why.”

“Lowen is one of my best friends. He’s a designer by trade and was one of the best in Europe for over a decade.”

“And now he lives here? In Willow Bay?”

Kit chuckles. “Long story, but yeah. Ridley, another friend, inherited this house from his great-uncle. Together, we renovated it and made it fit for six modern men. We each have our own private suite.”

“Wow. You weren’t joking when you said you had the room.”

“Not at all. Are you cold? I could make you some tea or hot cocoa.”

I shake my head. “I’m fine. I don’t want you to feel responsible for me all weekend.”

Kit tilts his head. “Why wouldn’t I? You’re my guest.”

“I know, but I don’t want to put you out or interrupt your normal routine.”

Kit nods, searching my face. “Babe, we’re all gonna be stuck together if the forecast is right. There’s no normal to be had.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“Plus…” He wraps his arms around me again, pulling me close. I have to tilt my head back slightly to maintain eye contact. “It gives us a chance to talk and get to know each other better.”

His comment should make me feel good, but alarm bells sound in my head instead. There’s no way I’m delusional enough to think I could keep a guy like Kit for long. He’s not the type of guy you can lock down, and honestly, I shouldn’t even want that. After being with the same person for the majority of my adult lifeandembracing a new sexuality, I should want to be out there dating all kinds of different people. Even if that’s not the type of person I am.

“Did I say something wrong?”

Kit’s question draws me out of my spiraling thoughts. “No. Of course not.” I rub my hands up and down his bare arms.

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