Page 56 of Omega's Refuge

“You have it.” I smoothed my hands up his broad chest. “My ego has taken a huge hit, but I’m not pining for him or anything like that. He’s hurt me too many times. I feel numb toward him, if I’m honest.”

“Seems reasonable, if he’s hurt you a lot.”

“I just want him out of my life. I can’t take the drama and stress anymore.” I smiled tentatively. “But, I’m… I’m having fun being here with you. I feel better just spending time with you, Rex.”

“I’m glad.” He looked pleased as he let go of me and picked up his knife. “Now, should we finish chopping up the meat?” At my apprehensive expression, he frowned. “You okay?”

“I’m not sure why, but cutting up the steak is making me feel queasy,” I admitted.

“Oh.” He lifted his brows. “I’m sorry. Uh… well, how about I finish cutting up the steak, and you gather more firewood?”

“You sure?” I asked, trying not to look too hopeful. I really worried if I had to cut one more piece of raw meat, I might lose my lunch.“I feel like the only thing I’ve done so far is get wood.”

“I’m sure.” He turned back to the meat. “You can never have too much firewood. We need to keep the fire going, right?”

“I guess.” Relieved I’d been given a reprieve from meat duty, I jumped into action, gathering as much wood as possible. I’d wanted to contribute to the meal, but the raw meat had won out. Wood gathering was much more my style.

Once all the ingredients were cut, Rex straightened. He tugged a little red and white spice tin from his breast pocket, but he kept it hidden in his hand. “How about you rinse off the knives? I set up a washing station over there, so we don’t have to go down to the creek every time we need to rinse something.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You’re trying to get rid of me, aren’t you? You don’t want me to see the secret ingredient.”

He looked like he was trying not to laugh as he tucked the little tin back into his pocket. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Liar. I saw the container.”

“What container?” His expression was innocent as he showed me his empty hands.

I laughed gruffly. “You think you’re so clever, don’t you?”

His lips twitched. “I think the higher altitude has gotten to you, Tanner. You’re imagining things.”

“Oh, brother.” I rolled my eyes and picked up the dirty knives. I headed to the washing station, and rinsed the knives as quickly as possible. Since he had his back to me, he didn’t notice me hurriedly sneaking up behind him to peer over his shoulder.

He generously sprinkled a fine, brown powder over the meat and veggies, stirring it into the mixture.

“What is that, ground coffee?” I asked loudly.

He jumped, almost dropping the little spice tin. Guilt flashed across his face as he turned toward me. “Hey. Go away. You’re not supposed to see this step.” He was laughing as he spoke.

“Too late.” I tried to see the writing on the tin, but it was too small. “Come on, let me see what it is.”

He tried to hide the tin against his chest. “Get lost, city boy. No peeking.”

I sniffed the air. “Wait, that’s not coffee.” I widened my eyes. “Cinnamon! Your secret ingredient iscinnamon.”

He groaned. “Damn it. You’re not supposed to know that.”

I chuckled, giving a smug smile. “Who’d have thought the secret ingredient was something as simple as cinnamon? My, oh, my.”

He tucked the cinnamon away, and gently grabbed hold of the front of my shirt. “You tell one living soul, and you’ll be inbigtrouble.”

I smirked. “Oh, yeah? What are you going to do to me?”

“Unimaginable things.”

“Don’t you threaten me with a good time.” I snorted a laugh.

We grinned at each other, and it hit me just how happy I was. Rex was playful and lighthearted much of the time. It was a refreshing change from Steve’s more cynical nature.

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