Page 13 of The Christmas Tree Farm

‘You need a new boiler.’

Kira raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow. ‘No kidding.’

Bennett sighed and ran a hand down his face in frustration. Why was she making this so difficult?

‘Nothing is leaking at the moment, so I think the only real danger is if the pipes freeze. You’re getting a little heat coming through, but I don’t know if it’s enough to keep water flowing.’

Kira’s brow furrowed. ‘Okay, thank you.’

No snarky comment.

‘Okay, so you’ll get a new boiler?’

‘As soon as I have money for a new boiler, I will get one.’

He swallowed the urge to offer to pay for a new boiler. That would be too much even for him. But still he hated the idea of Kira cold and alone in this house.

‘Maybe in the meantime you could have someone come out and get the fireplace operational. You could heat at least some of the house with that until you get the boiler.’

‘Why do you care?’ She placed her mug down on the table and leaned back in her chair to study him. She was wearing at least two bulky sweaters and fingerless gloves. Inside. She was cold and hehatedit.

He shifted on his feet. ‘You said it, I’m a fixer.’

‘Hmm. Well, I’m not a damsel in distress.’

‘I never said you were.’

She quirked an eyebrow. ‘So, you do this with everyone? This helpful boy-scout thing?’

‘I was never a Boy Scout.’

Her lips pulled up in the corner, an almost smile.

‘Well, thank you. Thank you for checking the boiler. And for the suggestion about the fireplace.’

‘Of course.’

‘There’s fresh coffee, if you want some.’

He should get back to work, but he’d already missed the whole morning. Passing on coffee at this point seemed silly. Especially if Kira was actually offering it to him instead of biting his head off.

‘Sure, thanks.’’

Kira gestured to the coffee maker. ‘Help yourself. The mugs are in that cabinet.’

The house might be old, but Kira’s small appliances were top of the line, and her mugs were all matching earthy tones lined up with their handles pointed in the same direction. He had to admit it was all very visually appealing. And it made him wonder about her even more.

‘How did you end up here?’ he asked, bringing his mug over to the table.

She shifted in her seat, a small frown crossing her face.

‘Sorry. We don’t have to talk about it.’

‘No, it’s fine. Just not a terribly flattering story.’

‘Oh?’ he said, not able to help his teasing smile. ‘Now I really want to hear it.’

Kira rolled her eyes, but Bennett had a feeling it was more at herself than at him. ‘I was over-influenced by influencers.’