Page 14 of The Darkest Knight

“Either you’re getting out a lot of frustration on that poor beef or you know exactly what you’re doing,” Reese said standing next to him.

He brought his chin up, settling his gaze on her. His kitchen was too small for two people…especially with one of those people smelling like a dream and looking like a fantasy. Sweat beaded on his forehead. “I’ve lived alone long enough I can prepare a meal out of scraps to survive.” He dropped the tenderizer into the sink.

“You know your way around the kitchen. Excellent. No one would have modern appliances, some I don’t even know what they’re for,” she picked up a garlic press from the counter and looked at it in curiosity, “unless they know the difference between a roast and a fry.”

“I can’t take credit for any of this, the decorations and appliances. Angelina did all this herself while I was huddled in some dessert. She thought if I was going to be out here in the middle of nowhere, I should at least have a small taste of civilization. I’m surprised she didn’t take the liberty of building me a new house closer to the pond so all I’d have to do is step out the front door and straight into fishing. I guess that’s another project on my list of wishes.”

“You want to build a house?” She rolled her finger around the rim of the glass and he noticed how short and tidy her nails were.

“When we first bought the property, we planned to remodel the existing cabins, build a dozen or so more and use the untouched side of the property to build cabins for the family. A resort for both guests and family.”

“This property is so big you could have your privacy, still have a resort for guests, and a place for helping veterans.” She smiled and her eyes twinkled.

Yeah, he’d figure she’d be working an angle, and he didn’t quite mind.

“It’s an option, but I sort of like this cabin. It’s home.” He seasoned the steaks and placed them in a bowl.

“That was considerate of Angelina. Looking out for her brother. She did a great job.” She looked around.

He followed her gaze, attempting to see what she was seeing. When he’d first seen the leather couches he’d thought “stiff and formal”, but once he sat down on the cushions his mind had quickly changed. The sofa was so comfortable he slept there at least three nights out of seven. The coffee table was rustic and fit his taste because he’d built it himself. He’d sanded a thick slab of wood and polished it, then put on two larger logs that seconded as legs.

Angelina definitely had his likes in mind when she brought in the large flat screen TV. It sat upon a normal looking entertainment center, but no one knew that it hid his handguns and rifle. He had a variety of weapons ranging from knives to nunchucks hidden throughout the house. That was something he didn’t tell anyone, and didn’t plan to tell Reese either, except a woman of her caliber who’d served in the military probably had her own weapons. A man, or woman, could never be safe enough, not when they’d been trained to know all the dangers.

Angelina had once said to him, “Fine. You can keep your toys scattered all over the house, but the second you have a child, you will find another way to keep them hidden.” Yeah, he got that, but he wasn’t planning on having kids. He’d have to first find a woman who could tolerate him.

He spotted his old pair of dirty boots sitting next to the table. He’d come in yesterday and left them there.

“You must miss your sister a lot.”

He nodded, a pang spreading through his chest as he thought of her. He was still grieving, but had managed to wear his grief like a champ. However, talking about her weakened his wall. “Can you grab a head of garlic and the butter from the fridge.”

“Okay.”

He watched her open the refrigerator door and bend over to grab the requested items. The shorts slipped up higher on her thighs, showing off lean, toned skin. By the time she straightened, he had his eyes back on the meat and was pouring marinade into the bowl. She placed the items on the counter and leaned a hip against the edge of the granite, watching him. He struck the garlic head firmly with the heel of his hand and she jumped. “Sorry.”

She chuckled and pulled a tendril of hair behind her ear. “I guess I’m a little jumpy. It seems it never goes away.”

He understood exactly what she meant. He removed the peel of the garlic and pulled off several pieces, placing it into the press and squeezing the handle. The rich aroma filled the air.

“Wow That little thing does that to garlic?” She seemed honestly interested.

“You don’t cook?” He lifted a brow. He rubbed garlic and butter on the steaks. The smell made him hungrier.

“Well…no, not really, unless you consider using the microwave as cooking.”

“You can nuke a helluva lot.” Once he was finished with the meat, he washed his hands. “I’m heading outside to the grill. Want to come along?”

“I’d like that. I’ll pour more tea and meet you outside.”

The grill had been preheating for a while and when he placed the steaks on the wire rack, the juices sizzled.

“My stomach is growling. Smells delicious already,” she said as she stepped out onto the patio. “And wow! It’s nice out here. Do you have a green thumb?” She looked over the neat landscaping and flowers.

“Afraid not. My neighbor, Isla, does and she volunteers to keep my lawn groomed.” When one brow popped over Reese’s curious eyes, he smiled. “Isla is married to my buddy, Ledge.”

“Oh, okay.”

Did he see relief in her?

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