“You sure?” He cocks one eyebrow. “You’re not saying that because you have pity on him?”
“It’s over. Definitely. I’ve moved past him. To be honest, I’m not even sure what I saw in that guy. It’s definitely a good thing we’re over.”
Kellan’s hand moves up to my face and I hold my breath, excited at the prospect that he’ll kiss me again. But he doesn’t. “I don’t know who he is, but he’s damn stupid for letting a beautiful woman like you go. It’s his loss.”
And then he withdraws his hand and gets up, his focus turning to the window. “It’s about to start raining again. I have to get the horses in.”
“I’m sorry I can’t help you with the farm work. Is there something else I can help you with?” I ask.
He runs his fingers through his hair and then shakes his head. His expression is casual, his eyes two dark pools of emotions I cannot read.
He’s unperturbed.
Whatever our kiss did to me, I’m not sure it had the same effect on him. Or maybe he’s so good at hiding it because he does it so often.
The thought stings, but I didn’t expect anything else from him. He’s made it pretty clear that he doesn’t date. He only ever fucks.
At least he’s honest—unlike my ex.
“You need to rest now. You’ll be okay to walk in a few hours,” Kellan remarks. “I’ll be back this evening.”
He glances at me one more time before heading out. For a moment, I stare at the empty space he just occupied, wondering how I could possibly learn to read a guy who’s a closed book.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Kellan’s right. The pain in my ankle lessens over the course of a few hours.
After our kiss, it seems that he can’t get away from me fast enough. Or maybe he really is busy.
From the open window in the kitchen, I watch him take Brenna, saddle and mount her, then kick her into a trot. His eyes meet mine. I give him a short wave before he disappears with Sniper by his side. I stare into the open space for a long time, alone with my thoughts, confused.
One moment, he tells me he doesn’t like me, the next he’s expressing his readiness to beat up my ex.
He’s a man shrouded in mystery and contradiction.
Eventually, I sigh and hobble to my feet, giving up trying to make sense of him.
I’ve no idea what to do with myself in this strange house as I head through the hall to familiarize myself with all the rooms.
The space is huge. All the rooms are tastefully furnished in a rustic style, but carry a male touch. The ensuite bathrooms are clean but empty. Devoid of life. Like Kellan hasn’t had any visitors in a long time.
I inspect the contents of the fridge and decide to make us ham sandwiches and salad for dinner, then head to my room to take a short nap.
It’s early afternoon when the sound of chopping wood and hammering carries over through the open window. The dog barks a few times, and Kellan laughs—the sound causing a strange jolt in my chest.
Even though I shouldn’t even be thinking about making an effort, I apply a bit of lipstick and straighten my clothes before I head back into the kitchen.
Kellan seems surprised when he sees me standing in the doorway, juggling two plates and two glasses of lemonade.
“You didn’t have to.”
I shrug. “I wanted to. You’re kind enough for letting us stay.”
He mumbles a “thanks” and we eat on the front porch in silence.
“The mechanic is going to pick up your car later today,” he says.
I swallow the last bite of my sandwich before I reply. “I thought the landline wasn’t working.”
“It isn’t.” He gives me an amused glance. “But the one in the barn is.”
“You have a working phone in the barn and didn’t tell me?”
“I never got the chance because you just took off.”
“You were rude.”
“I was.” He turns his head to me and playfully bumps his shoulder against mine. “I need to apologize.”
“I wasn’t nice either, so don’t.”
“I knew the hill was slippery. It’s my fault you fell. How about I make it up to you?” He takes another sandwich, bites into it, and chews slowly.
“How?”
“I want you to stay for a few more days,” Kellan says.
“I’m not sure I can.”
“Because you know I’ll keep making passes at you?”
I shake my head. “No, that’s not it. I know you will. Strange as it may sound, I think I’ve gotten used to you being annoying.”
A smile lights up his face. “Then stay. I want to see how far I can go with you.”
“You don’t give up, do you?” I roll my eyes in mock exasperation.
“Never.” He grins. “Wait here.” He gets up and rounds the house, then returns with a pair of brown hiking boots. “These are for you.”
I take them out of his hands and turn them around to inspect them. “How did you know my size?”
“I removed your shoes from you, remember?”
The sound of tires hitting gravel carries over, followed by Sniper barking.
“Here, boy.” Kellan grabs his collar and guides him to the garage, locking him inside.