Page 9 of Thirsting for the Lumbersnack
The next day, we spent in between the sheets, worshipping each other’s bodies. By mid-afternoon, I reluctantly let her go, as she needed to check in at the brewery and my boss needed me on a job with the lumberjack crew.
I was expecting to hear some shit from Kel, maybe for moving too fast, but instead, Kel couldn’t thank me enough.
“My man, Rune! What did you do to my sister? She hasn’t stopped smiling since she arrived this afternoon.”
I cracked a smile, but inside I was jumping for joy. “Are you sure you want to know?”
“Actually, on second thought, no, but whatever it is, keep on doing it.”
I laughed. “Glad to have helped. Now, where is my girl?”
“Your girl, huh? Already?”
“Yep. I’m going to marry that woman one day. Mark my words.”
“Hello, her brother is standing right here,” Kel teased before clapping me on the back. “But please, take her, marry her, do whatever you need to.”
Kaia burst through the back door, a wide smile on her face, and as soon as she saw me, her entire face lit up. “Rune! Finally! I missed you!” She ran over to me and jumped into my arms. “Come, I want to show you something.”
Kel stood there shaking his head as Kaia took my hand and lead me out back. She grabbed a flyer off the table and handed it to me. “What do you think? It’s our new fall menu.”
I scanned the ales, noting each one with its ties to the season, my mouth watering at the thought of tasting some. “Wow. They all sound amazing, Kaia.”
She beamed with happiness. “Don’t they? Do you want to try them? I can give you a sneak peek taste test.”
“Yes, please.” I rubbed my hands together.
“Okay, which one do you want first?”
“Surprise me.”
I started with Kel’s new harvest blend, which Rune loved. As he sampled beers, we talked about our families. Rune had been on his own for as long as he could remember. After meeting Kel in college, they remained close and when the new crew of lumberjacks opened, he suggests Rune apply for a job. I told him about my parents, who I remained close with.
“I remember in college, even then, Kel was obsessed with craft beers. He used to drag us to different bars to try the beers they had on tap. I don’t think I’d ever drank so much ale at once.”
“My father loved it when we were growing up. Brewed some of his own in our basement. That’s what sparked our idea to open our own.”
“That’s amazing, Kaia. Your dad must be so proud of his children.”
“He is. He’s one of our best customers.”
“Now he’s got some competition. I’m about to be one of your best customers.” Rune said with a grin before wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me in for a kiss. “I had a feeling Kel’s litter sister would be something special. I just hadn’t realized how special until I saw you. I’m sure it helped considering how handsome I am.”
“Oh, that definitely helped.” I playfully tapped his arm. “It’s crazy how fast things move when it’s right.”
“I know. Which is why what I’m about to ask you is crazy.”
I took a deep breath. “Hit me with it.”
“Move in with me, Kaia. I never want to be apart from you again. I want to wake up every morning to you by my side and go to sleep with you every night. I want to spend a life with you. I’m not getting any younger and if I’m being honest, sometimes I wonder if my time is running out or I’m just not meant to be a husband and father. But at least I can say I tried. With you. I don’t want to try with anyone else but you.”
I swallowed hard as I searched his eyes. “Rune, I don’t know…what’s so bad about dating each other first?”
“Nothing. Nothing at all. I’m sorry. I get a little carried away sometimes.” Rune sighed softly, just barely audible, before plastering on a happy smile.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. How about a little compromise? If things are going well in a month, I’ll move in.”
“Okay, you’ve got a deal,” Rune responded.