“Well, that’sdefinitelya loaded statement.”
“I don’t want to overstep, but it’s about your website.”
I cross my arms with the urge to be defensive and defiant to mask my embarrassment. “It’s not the best thing in the world, but it does the job.”
“See, no one likes IT people. You think I’m already insulting you.”
I draw in a deep breath and exhale it slowly. “What is it?”
“I wondered if you’d trust me to develop a new one and show you where I think I can make some improvements. No pressure to move it over or anything, but your feedback would be helpful to me. You know, if I do go into business for myself, I’d appreciate feedback on what services you might find helpful and how much you would be willing to pay for them.”
The negative part of me says he’s using the excuse of his new venture when in reality, he thinks my system is shit and wants to give me a handout. That he’s couching his offer to help by wrapping it up as me helping him, when really the opposite is true. But the truth is, I would love to update my website, and if I can help him out at the same time, it’s a win-win. I’d be stupid and bullheaded if I don’t take him up on the offer.
“All right, you have yourself a deal.”
He nods. “Cool.” Then he turns his head toward the TV. “This is one of my favorite Christmas movies.”
I can’t fight the grin that spreads across my face. “Me too!”
“It kind of reminds me of when my whole family gets together during the holidays now—pure chaos.”
I smile, picturing Carter in the middle of all the chaos. “Wish I could watch it all, but I have to turn over the rooms and get the bedding into the wash.”
Carter glances back at the screen. “But the best part is coming up. Chevy Chase is going to go for a toboggan ride.” He chuckles. When I don’t say anything for a beat, he does. “What if we both watch the rest of the movie, then I’ll help you do whatever needs to be done in the rooms?”
His offer surprises me, but maybe it shouldn’t. Carter’s been offering a helping hand since he arrived—with the fridge, with the wedding, with Nick, and now me. Maybe he isn’t who I thought he was.
“Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“’Course not. Watching a holiday movie is always more enjoyable when you do it with someone else.” There’s a glimmer of something in his eye, and if I didn’t know better, I might mistake it for interest.
I shake off the thought. We’re keeping things platonic. “That’s true. Do you want me to make some hot apple cider or hot chocolate?”
“Oh… hot chocolate, please. Any chance you have marshmallows?” He bites the corner of his lip, and oh god, he looks sexy.
No. No, Ashley. Not sexy. Not at all sexy.
I playfully scoff. “Any good B&B owner has marshmallows on hand for hot chocolate. Especially in Mistletoe Falls.”
He laughs and stands from the couch. “C’mon, I’ll help you get it ready, then we can relax for a bit before we work.”
While we prepare the hot chocolate, we chat easily about Santa Fest and how empty the house feels. Ten minutes later, we’re back in the great room with blankets over our laps and our hands wrapped around warm mugs filled with hot chocolate and marshmallows, watching the movie.
Carter laughs especially hard during the tobogganing scene, and I can’t help but look over and take him in. His head rocked back, his smile so big. A foreign feeling presses against my sternum as I admire him.
I could stay all night and play movie after movie, watching his reaction. Then I remember my plans for tonight, and guilt washes over me. I hadn’t intended to tell Carter about them, letalone invite him along. But I might enjoy myself more if he came along.
Before I talk myself out of it, I blurt, “I’m going to a holiday dance at the community center tonight. Would you want to go?”
He faces me and blinks a few times, clearly surprised by my invitation.
Oh God, why did you ask him, Ashley? He doesn’t want to go.
“Not, like, with me,” I rush out.
“No?” he asks, and there’s a pique in his tone that suggests he might not have said no if I were asking him on a date.
“No, just because I feel like I can’t let you just stay here and miss all the fun.” I shrug as if my invitation isn’t for any reason other than being polite.
