Page 28 of Match My Fall
We’dboth angled our chairs to view out the picture window.Whowouldn’t want to see a spectacular view of the snow-covered mountains?
“Yes,Islept great,”Ireplied and took a bite of the scrambled eggs. “Theseare delicious.”
Hecocked his head. “Notburned to a crisp?”
“No.”Ismiled. “Cookedto perfection.”
“Good.”Henodded.
“Howabout you?”Iasked and then ate some toast.
“Howabout me what?”Hisbrows drew together.
“Howdid you sleep?”Iasked.
“Oh.”Headjusted in his chair.Thenhe ran his hand over his beard and avoided eye contact. “Fine, fine.”
Hedidn’tsoundfine.Hewasn’t acting fine.Infact, he seemed like a different person from the oneI’dspent so much time with this weekend.
Anawkward silence fell between us.Aurora’swords aboutValenand women returned.Wasthis the way he acted?Flirtyand charming until he slept with a woman and then weird?Hemight be trying to be polite by offering me breakfast, but he wanted me out of his space.
Thathad to be it.Whata jerk.
Irushed through my meal, leaving half of it on the plate. “Ineed to get going.”
Valenblinked, appearing surprised. “What?Why?Youdon’t have to leave so soon.”Hestared at my plate. “Itwas the eggs, wasn’t it?Theytaste horrible.”Hesquared his jaw. “IswearI’mnot so awful in the kitchen.Infact,I’vetaught myself to cook pretty well.Ican grill a steak a perfect medium rare and—”
Icut him off by motioning with my hand and saying, “It’sokay,Valen.Youdon’t have to explain.Iget it—we had a great night together, but it’s done.”Witha circular wave,Iadded, “I’llskedaddle on out of here.”
Hetook a long, deep inhale, and the movement lifted his chest. “It’snot like that at all.”
Ididn’t need to hear any excuses. “Youneed to go to work.Ineed to pack.”Istood and carried my plate and mug to the sink. “Thanksfor breakfast.Anddinner last night.”
Hestood. “I’lldrive you back to the hotel.”
Andprolong this discomfort? “No, thanks.I’drather walk.”
“I’llwalk with you.”
Ishook my head. “That’sokay.”
“Look,Cassandra…”Hepaused and rubbed the back of his neck. “IknowI’vebeen acting like a total ass this morning.Letme start over.”Hegave me an imploring look. “Canwe meet up at lunch?I’monly working the morning shift today asI’llbe on patrol tonight.”
Atleast he owned up to his strange behavior.Still, there was likely a reason behind it. “Ishould get going.Ineed to drive to my parents and pick upPaigeand then drive back toSalem.Mightas well get started on the road trip.”
Heappeared hurt, and that didn’t fit the perceptionI’dbeen reshaping of him this morning.Wouldn’the be relieved to get me out of his space?Iwalked over and cupped his cheek. “Thanksfor a great weekend.”Despitethis morning, it had been wonderful—from the shared meals to the skiing and thesex.Nomore dry spell.Mamamost definitely got her groove back.Forthat,Iwas grateful.
Valen’smouth opened as if he was about to say something but then closed it.Whata handsome but peculiar shifter.
“Goodbye,Valen.”
“Goodbye.”Hisvoice was so low, it was barely audible.
AfterIgathered my things and left the cabin, the cool, clean air hit me.AsIdescended the mountain,Ilaughed at myself.Whatwas this—a walk of shame down a mountain?Thatwas new and unexpected.
Scratchthat;Ididn’t feel ashamed.Iwanted to go toValen’scabin last night and had zero regrets.
Anhour later,Ichecked out of the hotel, packed up my car, and drove across the state line intoMaine.
