“So why don’t we plan to go after badminton next week? We can invite FP, Knight, and Orlando.”
“There isn’t badminton until the new year.”
I snapped my fingers. “Right. I keep forgetting Christmas is so close. The bonfire shouldn’t have been possible two days ago.”
“Well, we’d had a dry spell. Now Mother Nature’s making up for it.” He gestured out the patio door. “The meteorologist says it’s going to stop just after midnight. I can’t believe how much has come down.”
“Think of the flooding if this had been heavy rain the entire time. We’re lucky it’s just snow.”
“Still might have flooding issues when it melts.”
“Well, that likely won’t be my problem.” I rubbed my belly. “Thanks for this.”
“Least I can do. You’ll be back in the morning?”
“Yeah, but you don’t—”
“Yeah, I do. I’ll have food. Hearty breakfast or can you sleep after eating that much?”
“Something lighter? Then I’ll chow down after my eight.”
“Omelet?”
“Perfect.”
“I’ll bake some sourdough bread.”
My eyes damn nearly goggled out of my head. “You bake?”
“Relaxes me. And I can control the ingredients.”
Which makes total sense. A little control freakish…but understandable.“How are you still single?”
He shrugged. “Because I haven’t met someone who made me want to ‘settle down’.” He used air quotes.
The women in this town must be blind. And the men, apparently.“Are you opening the clinic tomorrow?”
Cameron shook his head. “Kyla called seven people, and six couldn’t commit to getting there. The roads north of Mission City aren’t even plowed, and it’s still snowing.”
“Yeah, driving’s treacherous. I’m glad you’re hunkering down. Maybe another night of movie watching with Rayne and Everett? To keep you company?”
He snickered. “I did all right before you came into my life. Quite enjoyed my own company. Time for family and friends, of course, but also lots of solitary time.”
“Are you an introvert?”
He shrugged. “I’m someone who likes helping people and who is also comfortable with his own company.”
“You should get a dog. Dogs mean you meet lots of people. Or a cat to keep you company. They can be snobby, but they also like to be fed.”
He blinked. “Uh, I get to meet plenty of people, even without having a pet. And I’m not certain what a cat might add to my life. And where would I put the litter box?”
“Spare room? Laundry nook? Plenty of places.”
“I’m good. Truly…I’m good.”
Yet he said the words slowly—almost like he was having to convince himself.
I needed to leave, but I had to try one more time. “Everett says you volunteer with at-risk youth and donate dental services to people on the margin who can’t access care.”
