Cindy sat up a little bit, the movement enough to pull Matt’s attention.
“So nice to see you out of your office, Ms. Kessler,” he said.
“Oh, it’s just Cindy, please. Yes, I’m the family workaholic. Guilty as charged.”
“You have a great lodge,” he said. “And you…” He turned back to MJ as if he simply had looked elsewhere for too long. “Run the best kitchen in these mountains. I might have to walk an extra mile, but those scones were worth it.”
MJ’s cheeks turned even pinker. “I knew you liked them, so there’s a small container of a few extras next to your gloves.”
“Thank you,” he said, eyes twinkling as he turned back to the tree. “You certainly have your work cut out for you. Do you want help with the top?”
“We’ll get help when my grandson shows up after school. With the ladder and a lot of direction, he’ll get the star up there.”
“Ah, Benny,” he said. “The resident smarty-pants.”
MJ laughed, but Cindy was just a little surprised that this guest had been making friends and getting to know the people at the lodge. She’d hardly talked to him. Admittedly, she’d been a little preoccupied with Jack.
“Well, then, I’ll let you get to work,” he said, gesturing toward the tree. “I’ll grab those gloves—and scones—and slip out the back. Have fun, ladies.”
With that, he disappeared toward the kitchen, with MJ smiling even after he was gone.
“My, my, my,” Cindy said, tucking her feet under her on the sofa. “Where have I been this past week?”
MJ reached into a box. “Getting reacquainted with Jack.”
She’d walked right into that. “While you’re flirting with Matt Walker of Cabin Five.”
She shot straight up. “I do notflirt, thank you very much.”
“No, you just make extra scones and…blush.”
“Stop it.”
“No,” Cindy said on a laugh that only a sister would understand. “He likes you, MJ, and I’m going out on a limb to say it just might go both ways.”
MJ shot her a look. “No one likes me, Cin.”
“Everyone likes you,” Cindy corrected. “How much time have you been spending with that guest?”
“A little, here and there. You don’t have to act like I’mfraternizingor something.”
Cindy snorted. “Whatever that is. And I think it’s great.”
“Oh, look.” MJ dangled an ornament. “Mom always liked these miniature ski poles shaped as a Christmas tree.”
“Change the subject much?” Cindy pointed at her, pushing up to rehang a bright red ball because seeing where MJ put it actually hurt. “He’s nice, though. Where is he from? What does he do? Does he have a family?”
“He doesn’t talk much about that,” MJ said. “I think he’s from Florida. Mostly we just chat and…”
“Fraternize.” Cindy gave a playful elbow jab. “Hey, it’s nice to have the heat off Jack and me for a change.”
“It’s not off,” MJ quipped as she reached for her phone and read the screen. “Gracie’s on her way with Benny. They’ll be here in half an hour.” She pressed the small of her back. “Time for a break and some tea.”
“Good. I want to talk to you about something anyway.”
“Please drop the subject of Matt Walker.”
“Maybe,” Cindy joked. “But sadly, what I want to talk about is not your favorite subject.”
