Page 23 of War Within
“Sorry it took so long.”
I nodded as I sat at the end of the table, next to her. “No problem. I’ve been working on a few things.”
“I was on a call then couldn’t figure out what to wear.” She took a sip of her red wine. “How was everything already in my size?”
“I’m just thankful she didn’t pick out knitted blankets for you, and I guessed correct, I assume.”
“Not buying that but thank you.” She giggled. “And she did a great job.”
As we dined on steak, roasted red potatoes, and asparagus, we discussed anything other than why we were in Serbia. I did not want to talk about it, I could not. We seemed to have an unspoken understanding. I could not help but stare at her. She was very fidgety, but I understood why, or so I thought.
As we finished, I pushed away from the table, standing. “Would you like to go for a walk?”
“Isn’t it like two degrees outside?”
“Hmm, maybe five.” I winked. “The nights are harsh.” I grabbed a jacket off the coat rack by the back door. “Here, wear this.” I helped her slide the coat on.
We strolled the property perimeter, just before the drop offs, coming to a stop over the village. The lights glittered in the night with the moon, illuminating the snow-capped terrain. She slipped slightly when she got too close to the edge. I caught her, pulling her back just a bit then took a small step away to place a little distance between us.
“It's so beautiful, here.” She admired the scenery around us.
“This is one of my favorite places to come.” I felt myself becoming vulnerable. It was not something I liked to be. I lowered my gaze on the town.
“I can definitely see why you love it here.”
Unsure what came over me, I turned to faced her, sliding my hands in my pockets as we continue to wander the grounds. “I didn't get a chance to tell you at dinner, but you look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.”
I paused, staring at her for a moment.
“What?” She giggled, nervously.
Before I could stop myself, I blurted words that would change me forever. “I was just thinking that you have been working for me for a long time, and I still know nothing about you.” I should not have hinted I wanted to know about her. I should have kept my mouth closed.
“You never really asked.” Without warning, she grew cold.
“I try not to get involved with my employees’ personal lives.” I suddenly remembered she cancelled a date because of the trip. “Tell me more about this guy you like.”
“Well, we've only hung out a few times, but he seems really nice, and I think he likes me.”
A twinge of jealously rose up within me. “And do you like him?”
She averted her gaze, taking a deep breath.
“Sorry, it's not my business.” I opened my mouth to continue but closed it just as fast.
“It's not that. He seems really sweet, but I don't think I'm ready for anything serious yet.” She shifted her weight back and forth. It was evident she was uncomfortable. “He didn't even answer or reply to me, so he probably hates me.” Wrapping her arms around her body, she smiled. “But enough about me. Is your woman still around?”
“Women, and they’re around when I want them to be.”
Before she could respond, the light snow had become denser. The temperature was dropping rapidly, and she was shivering. The chill had crept through my collar and my neck was freezing.
“We should get back indoors and light a fire.”
She nodded, holding her hands in the air, catching snowflakes on her bare palms.
We raced inside to the study. I grabbed newspaper and wood, building a proper fire the old-fashioned way. It was the only traditional fireplace in the entire house, The others were gas. It soon started to roar as the wood crackled. The smell of fireplaces was one of my favorite scents. It reminded me so much of my mother’s wood-burning oven. Jane and I stood facing the hearth in silence for a few moments, concentrating on warming up.
