Page 27 of Snowed In on Valentine's Day

Turning away, I strode into the room and sank onto the couch. I needed to catch my breath.

Although I didn’t hear any footsteps this time, I could sense his presence beside the couch before I saw him. He sat on the other side of the couch, leaving at least two feet between us, and I was grateful for the distance.

I couldn’t be upset with him. Thinking about his defense, he was right. I’d run straight into him; he’d probably tried to steady me so we didn’t both fall over. Then I took off down the hall like a madwoman. And he’d tried to help me settle down.

Only something was still bothering me.

I was embarrassed.

But something else …

My head swung in his direction. “OK, but where did you come from? I’d been calling your name, hearing nothing in response. Then suddenly you appeared, like a ghost.”

For the briefest of moments, I thought he was going to laugh, as his lips twitched, but he covered his mouth with a hand. “Like a ghost? Really? Please don’t tell me you believe in that nonsense.”

I averted my eyes. “I mean, not really, but … you have to admit, it was kind of creepy.”

“I don’t have to admit any such thing. But I see that you were frightened by my presence, and I apologize for that.”

Wow, he was actually apologizing? Of all the things to apologize for, he picksthis? I’m not even sure he did anything wrong.

Except … where was he?

“But where were you? I was shouting your name.”

“I guess if you were calling my name, I probably still had my headphones on.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Why would you have headphones on?”

A muscle in his jaw tensed. “If you must know, I was working out. There’s a room with fitness equipment in the middle of that hall.”

I looked down at his clothes then, and sure enough, he was wearing a blue T-shirt and workout shorts, along with athletic shoes. I exhaled loudly. “Well, OK. I feel like an idiot then.”

He shook his head. “No need. I should’ve mentioned I’d be—”

“No, no. You don’t owe me any explanation of what you’re doing. We don’t actually live together,” I said with a nervous laugh. “It’s fine … I’ve just been a little jumpy. To be honest, ever since this storm started, I’ve not been myself. I’m not really the type to be easily spooked, but I guess the combination of darkness and dead silence kind of freaks me out. Not to mention being trapped.”

“Trapped?”

“Because of the blizzard.”

He didn’t reply, and we sat awkwardly for a few moments, both looking at the fireplace.

Finally, he cleared his throat. “So, I was thinking of making dinner—”

“Oh, no! Let me cook for us. It’s the least I can do. That’s actually the reason I was trying to find you, because I wanted to ask about making dinner.” I bit my lip, thinking he’d probably never trust me in his kitchen now.

“That’s not necessary. I can make a meal for us both. You should rest.” His eyes swept over my face, probably seeing signs of worry or tiredness.

“I’ve spent all day resting, Peter. I’m good for now,” I said with a small laugh. “Please, let me cook? I promise, I’m a good cook.”

He looked like he was about to object, so I raised my hand between us. “Or maybe we can do it together?” He raised an eyebrow, and I continued, “I know you’re not my biggest fan, especially now, but we should try to make the best of this situation.”

His eyes held mine for a long moment, and I’d swear he wanted to ask something or maybe say something, but he simply nodded.

I smiled. “Thank you!” I realized this might be my first genuine smile around him. When I giggled nervously for some reason, his eyes darted back to mine briefly as he walked alongside me.

But his legs were much longer, and his pace much faster, so I was trailing behind when he reached the kitchen. As I walked in, he already had a cutting board and knives on the counter. “Well, you work fast. What are we making?”

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