Page 91 of Mine For The Winter

“You let him watchSlapshot?” Kris asked, his voice low. “Isn’t that kind of adult?”

“It wasn’tSlapshot. It was a movie like it. I’m an idiot but I don’t have a death wish. Kelly would definitely kill me.”

“I’ll tell you what, why don’t we talk about it on Saturday on our way to the game?” Kris suggested. He wanted to get out of there. Call Kelly. Find out where she was.

Paul winked at him. “Want me to tell Kelly you came over?”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll call her.”

Paul looked back at Cole. “Go brush your teeth and I’ll let you stay up an extra five minutes.”

Cole grinned. “Okay. Night, Kris.”

“Night, Cole.”

When he was sure Cole was out of earshot, Paul turned back to Kris. “Go easy on her when you talk to her.”

“Why? Is something wrong?”

“Nah.” Paul wrinkled his nose. “She was just a little sensitive this morning. Said she had a lot to think about.” He ran his finger along his jaw. “She’s a lot more vulnerable than most people think she is.”

“I know.” Kris’ voice was low. Thick.

“Yeah, I know you do. And that’s why I trust you with her.”

Paul caught his eye and Kris felt the older man’s words hit a nerve in his body. “I’ve hurt her before.”

“You have. But you’re grown. I can see it. And I’m not just saying that because you paid for my tavern and you’re gonna pay for my knee.”

Kris nodded, saying nothing.

“She’s the best of all of us. I know you’re going to take care of her.”

“I will.” Kris nodded.

“Good.” Paul shifted his feet, reminding Kris he shouldn’t be standing for this long. But he was too intent on talking to hear any urges to go sit down. “She’s not at the tavern, is she?”

“No, sir. I don’t know where she is.”

“I do.”

Kris blinked. “Where?”

“She’ll be at your place. Waiting for you. She’s had all day to think about things. I’m guessing she’s done thinking.”

“My place?”

Paul nodded. “Go find her. Please.”

“Okay.”

“And Kris?”

“Yes, sir?”

“I’ve got things under control here. Say if Kelly needs to work all night at the tavern or something, I can get Cole ready for school tomorrow.”

Kris would have laughed, but Paul looked deadly serious. And maybe he should, too. It felt like his life was balanced on a fulcrum, teetering only one way.

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