I raise an eyebrow, not entirely convinced, but I don’t question it.The cabin is secluded, but there’s something else in his voice, something that says he’d make sure nothing happened to me while I’m here.
The inside of his place looks almost the same as the first time I came, but there’s a slight change—a white tablecloth is spread across his dining table, and it’s set for two, complete with a real flower in a vase.I stare at the delicate petals, the soft, vibrant red of the flower catching my attention.
“What sort of flower is that?”
“It’s a hibiscus,” Blade replies, his gaze following mine.“They grow wild out back.”
I can see why he picked it.The flower is stunning with its red petals and darker red center.
“Can I take your coat?”Blade asks, his voice steady.
Nodding, I turn around and undo the belt, then the buttons of my coat.His hands land gently on my shoulders as I shrug out of it, the soft warmth of his touch sending a little shiver down my spine.I pause for a moment, caught off-guard by the simple, caring gesture.He doesn’t say anything, takes the coat from me, and hangs it on a hook near the front door as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
Blade walks back to me, his hand reaching for mine.He takes it with a calm ease, leading me toward his refrigerator.
“I have Pepsi Max,” he says casually, a grin tugging at his lips.“I noticed you had this wine in your fridge and...”he points to his kitchen counter, “...I got some tea for you.”
My eyes follow his gesture, landing on the coffee canister first.But just beside it, there are no less than six different types of teas, all from the same brand I drink at home.
“You got all these for me?”I ask, my voice soft.
The simple gesture of it, him remembering something small and thoughtful, hits me harder than I expected.
“Well, I saw you like them,” Blade says, his voice steady and sincere.
I stand there for a moment, unable to hide my surprise.No man has ever gone to this much trouble for me before.It’s never been the grand gestures or the flashy things that get me, but this, the thoughtfulness, the care.
This man is different.
Blade is paying attention, and that makes me feel seen.He’s noticed me, my habits, even the smallest things, and I can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed by it all.
I swallow hard, finding it difficult to put the words together.“That’s...really sweet of you.”My smile is genuine, and I can feel a warmth in my chest that has nothing to do with the heat in the room.
Blade’s eyes soften slightly, but his grin remains.“It’s nothing,” he says with a shrug, though I can tell he’s pleased.“Now, what’ll it be?Pepsi Max, wine, or tea?”
I hesitate, taking in the options.“I think...tea sounds perfect.”
“Tea it is.”Blade pulls out a mug from the cupboard.
“What’s for dinner?”
Blade stops what he’s doing and looks at me.“I’m not really a white tablecloth kind of guy.”
“I can see that, but you have one on your table,” I tease.
The simplicity of him, the way he doesn’t care for pretenses, is comforting.
He looks thoughtful for a moment before asking, “Are burgers okay?”
I raise an eyebrow.“Depends.Are they any good?”
Blade grins, his confidence slipping into his voice.“Best burgers in town.”
“I thought that was at the bar in town.”
He smirks, leaning back a little.“Mine are better, and they come with loaded fries.”
“One problem.”
